Next Ford Focus caught undisguised

Ford has been caught filming promotional material for its next-generation Focus hatch at a photoshoot in Cascais, Portugal.

The new image, caught by Hungarian newswire Vezess.hu, is thought to be of the near range-topping Focus ST-Line that gets a sporty front and rear spoiler, bumper and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.

Set to be properly unveiled at a VIP event in April following the Geneva motor show, the new pic is the first time we have seen the replacement for the best-selling small hatch.

Sporting an evolutionary update of the current car's design, as well as the body kit, you might also spot the fourth-generation Ford hatch will come with a full panoramic glass sunroof.

The other car caught under wraps, meanwhile, looks like it might be the most expensive Vignale version.

Already spotted frequently testing ahead of its launch late in 2018 it's already rumoured that under the bonnet the engine line-up will be carried over from today's Focus. That means the hatchback's engine range will be with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and stretch to a powerful 2.0-litre turbo for the fast ST versions.

Later on, the car maker is expected to reintroduce an RS version that could also keep its mighty 257kW 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.

As far as transmissions, a six-speed manual and conventional automatic will be offered.

Later on, plug-in hybrid versions will also join the range but it's not clear if Ford will replace its slow-selling pure-electric version.

As motoring.com.au has already revealed, the Australian Ford Focus has already been delayed, compared to European markets as the Thai plant where it's made requires a longer lead-time to gear up for production.

This could push delivery dates for our cars into early 2019.

Stay tuned, because all will be revealed when the fourth-gen Focus is revealed in April.