You may think that everyone in 2018 just wants to drive SUVs these days but there’s a new C-segment hatchback on the way and it’s a biggie.

The Ford Focus was the fourth biggest-selling car in the UK last year, and only just missed out on ranking inside the European top ten, while globally, it’s Ford’s second-most popular model behind the F-150 pick-up. 2018 marks 20 years since the Focus first went on sale so it’s the perfect time to introduce a brand new version.

When’s it coming?

This September. Orders are open now so if you’re swift enough, you could have a shiny new Focus on your driveway before the autumn properly kicks in.

What does it look like?

Err, a Focus. As you can see, there’s no mistaking the fourth-generation Focus for anything else.

Ford’s designers haven’t done much and to be fair, they didn’t need to – the Focus has always been an amiable and smart-looking hatchback.

One notable stylish tweak though is on the bonnet where a pinched centre creates creases to the sides above the new LED headlights. There’s a new front grille too.

Around the back, Ford has gone all Range Rover with bold ‘FOCUS’ lettering below the rear windscreen, while the boot lid itself has been remoulded.

How about inside?

Ford says the interior of the new Focus is ‘spacious, practical and well connected’ with ‘advanced comfort and convenience technologies that help the vehicle seamlessly integrate into customers’ lives’.

Much of the cabin will be familiar to anyone who’s been inside the third-gen model with many of the same buttons and controls. But you may have spotted that infotainment screen protruding from the dashboard; that’s new.

How does the engine range line up?

Petrol options will consist of Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit with varying power outputs (85 PS, 100 PS and 125 PS), as well as the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine with 150 PS or 182 PS.

Diesel drivers can choose from the 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre EcoBlue units. Ford hasn’t confirmed fuel economy or performance figures yet though.

Soooo, where’s the ST and RS?

Oh, you noticed. Don’t worry, they’re coming. Both the ST and RS variants were hugely popular so it’s highly likely that they’ll re-emerge in this latest Focus.

Performance variants typically don’t appear until at least two years into a hatchback’s lifecycle so sit tight for details on those.

How much will it cost?

Just under £18k at its most affordable, and over £25k at the other end.

The Focus starts from £17,930 for the Style model, rising to £19,300 for the Zetec, while the ST-Line rings in at £21,570, followed by the £24,050 ST-Line X, £21,550 Titanium, £22,820 Titanium X and the range-topping Vignale at £25,450.

What does my money get me?

Anything else?

Yes, there will be a special Focus Active model that includes an SUV-esque flavour.

It comes with an elevated ground clearance and protective black wheel arch and rocker claddings, front and rear skid plates and rocker inserts painted in contrast silver, and bespoke front-end design.

You wouldn’t call it a straightforward hatchback but it’s not quite an SUV either; it’s sort of something in between.

Will you be one of the thousands of people to get the new Focus? Let us know down there in the comments?

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