New Ford Focus Active Estate caught on camera

Ford will bolster the new Focus Estate range with a rugged Active variant - and these spy shots show the car undergoing testing before its official debut in January 2019.

The Active Estate will go on sale at the same time as the Focus Active hatchback, joining Active variants of the Ka+ and Fiesta. Each, according to Ford, is aimed at buyers who want SUV style the weighty AWD mechanicals of a full-blown SUV.

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Though the test mule is wearing a disguise around its lower extremities, it’s safe to say that the Ford Focus Active Estate will bear similar styling and mechanical tweaks that have been applied to the hatch. Expect a ride height raised by 30mm paired with unique wheels - changes intended to give a more pronounced 4x4 stance without compromising the standard car’s sharp chassis.

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From a styling point of view, the Focus Active Estate will feature a chunky body kit which includes a unique grille insert, wheel arch extensions, and extra black plastic trim on the front and rear bumpers broken up by silver pieces designed to mimic underbody protection.

In the interior, the Active Estate will share its trim inserts and upholstery with the Focus Active hatch. It also shares the same overall dimensions (bar the increase in ride height) and so, should maintain the regular Estate’s roomy 608-litre boot.

The Active is unlikely to make use of every engine in the Focus lineup, but will still be offered with a wide choice of power units. Expect the petrol range to include the 1.0-litre EcoBoost with 123bhp and a 1.5-litre with 148bhp, and the diesel options to be a 118bhp 1.5 and a punchier 2.0-litre with 148bhp. Prices have yet to be announced but expect to pay a small premium over the equivelant Focus Estate. 

We'll have to wait a while for the Focus Active Estate but here's our in-depth review of the standard model...