If you’re reliant on a compact hatchback for taking your kids to school, the fact that they can grow considerably in just one year could make you think twice about committing to your current vehicle long term.

A study from last year reveals that kids can grow by as much as 16 cm (6.3 in) in just one year, with growth spurts of up to half a centimeter in a single night. Is this something most car owners worry about? Certainly not. But Ford may have just found a new way to attract parents to their all-new Focus.

Rest assured that Ford didn’t build the all-new Focus with kids growth spurts in mind. Yet, their latest marketing tactic is to point out that the car offers more room then ever for your children – specifically 5 cm (1.9 in) more compared to the outgoing model. Not only that, but rear seat passengers also get an additional 6 cm (2.3 in) of shoulder room, while a flatter floor under the middle seat makes it more comfortable for your legs.

“We didn’t settle for just making the rear of our all-new Focus more spacious – we also wanted it to feel more open and roomy for passengers big and small,” stated Focus chief program engineer, Glen Goold. “The side windows now stretch further rearwards so that passengers have an unrestricted view out, and the available panorama roof floods the interior with light for an airy feel.”

European customers can already order Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale five-door and wagon models from the new Focus range, with the all-new Focus Active crossover set to arrive later this year.