New Ford Focus family
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Ford Europe has issued the following press release:
THE NEW FORD FOCUS FAMILY
The Ford Focus is ready to debut in a dynamic and refined new shape as Ford introduces the next generation of its popular C-segment family car range.
After six years and 4 million sales worldwide, the current Focus bows out, still popular as one of Europe’s top-selling cars, and still a benchmark for quality of driving and ownership experience in its segment.
From the launch, the new Focus family includes 3-door, 5-door and wagon models and embraces the Focus C-MAX multi-activity vehicle introduced in 2003. Built in Saarlouis, Germany and Valencia, Spain, the new Focus models share tangible advancements in quality and refinement inside and out, offer customers a broad powertrain choice and introduce relevant, affordable technologies, including Blue Tooth™ capability. An elegant 4-door model will be launched in 2005.
The new Ford Focus is the product of Ford Motor Company’s Global Shared Technologies initiative. Sharing elements of its underlying architecture with the Focus C-MAX, the Volvo S40/V50 and the Mazda3, the Focus range benefits from shared engineering efficiencies while retaining its unique character and driving quality.
FRESH, MODERN, MATURE STYLE
The new Focus features a distinctive silhouette emphasised by the angle of the windscreen, and by the fast, sporty rear end design that differentiates it from its primary competitors in the segment. Its lower stance adds to its sporting poise and dynamic attitude, which are not purely visual – an increase in Focus’s class-leading structural stiffness combines with wider track and a longer wheelbase to ensure that in cornering grip and predictable, rewarding handling this car is, genetically, a true Ford Focus.
The shape is new, but it clearly is a Ford Focus, with its Focus trademark high rear lamps and a distinctive side window graphic. It communicates robustness and manufacturing quality, attributes for which the Focus C-MAX has already been recognised.
At the rear, the aggressively sloping roofline is a signature of the Focus 3-door and 5-door bodystyles.
THE NEW FOCUS DRIVING ENVIRONMENT
The solid and reassuring nature of its driving environment clearly signals the driving quality of the new Focus. It invites drivers to make themselves at home, from the high quality instrument panel to the centre console, which is very much the hub of the interior design. The interior creates a ‘cockpit feel’, the sense that the car is wrapped around its occupants and that everything they want is where they would want to find it.
Rich, bright blue is a new interior environment feature on Sport and Titanium models. Combined with medium light colour in the lower half of the interior, the blue tone gives the Focus interior a warm and airy feel.
POISED FOR PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING QUALITY
Driving quality has been a Focus trademark from the beginning. The new Focus extends that strength to encompass the entire driving experience.
A longer wheelbase (by 25mm) and wider track (by 40mm) than its predecessor give the new Focus a sure-footed stance and an improved interior package. Enhancements under the skin build on seven years of experience with the Control Blade rear suspension, and a stiff, new front subframe is the foundation for chassis elements.
Drivers will appreciate enhancements in comfort that have been achieved in the new Focus without sacrificing its signature agility, stability and precise reaction to steering inputs. The new chassis has been engineered to provide high levels of vibration isolation and stable, confidence-enhancing body control, making it reassuringly comfortable even on coarse roads.
The Focus body structure also plays a major role in the car’s driving quality. It has been engineered with a 10 per cent increase in torsional stiffness over its class-leading predecessor. Electric-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) on all but 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engines makes low speed manoeuvres easier while preserving precision on the open road. And, larger diameter brakes also provide more ‘feel’, enhanced emergency stopping power and longer brake pad life.
POWER AND INTELLIGENCE
The new Focus pioneers Ford’s new 115 PS, 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT engine – with twin independent variable camshaft technology – as part of a comprehensive powertrain line-up.
Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) improves airflow through the engine and delivers more torque while reducing average fuel consumption by up to 5 per cent. The new Duratec Ti-VCT augments the Focus family’s broad petrol engine range that also includes 16-valve engines in displacements of 1.4 litres (80 PS), 1.6 litres (100 PS) and 2.0 litres (145 PS).
Focus also offers advanced, Duratorq TDCi high-pressure common-rail diesel engines. The range features 1.6-litre (109 PS) and 2.0-litre (136 PS) Duratorq TDCi choices, which made their debut in the Focus C-MAX. These lightweight, low-friction engines offer an optimal balance between strong torque at low engine speeds for smooth responsive driving fun and low fuel consumption – the 2.0-litre unit benefiting from Ford’s six-speed manual transmission. To meet and surpass emissions requirements both diesel engines will be available with a Diesel Particulate Filter.
Ford’s new Durashift CVT Continuously Variable Transmission is available on models powered by the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. Developed by Ford with ZF Transmissions, the Durashift CVT can switch between fully automatic and seven-speed manual selection. It cuts fuel consumption by up to 8 per cent over traditional four- or five-speed automatics. Focus also offers Durashift 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions and the Durashift 4-speed automatic.
Depending on specific market requirements, the new Focus Duratorq TDCi will be launched to the Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 4 + Diesel Particulate Filter standard.
RAISING EXPECTATIONS – RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY
Highlights among the new technologies are:
- KeyFree System – interacting directly with the car to unlock it without fumbling.
- Solar Reflect Windshield – blocking nearly five times the level of solar radiation as standard tinted glass, significantly improving the efficiency of air conditioning.
- Adaptive Front Lighting System – technology that guides headlight beams in line with the front wheels. Ford’s approach to - Adaptive Front Lighting – using halogen rather than xenon lamps – makes the option less expensive and thereby affordable for a broader range of customers.
- Blue Tooth™ Hands Free Phones – wireless technology, allowing the connection of mobile telephones, personal digital assistants and laptops.
- Voice Control – hands-free command of audio, telephone, climate control, in-car entertainment and navigation systems.
- Rear Seat Entertainment – MP3-enabled independent audio system available, with high-mounted screen for DVD or games consoles provided in the wagon.
SAFETY IN FOCUS
The new model continues the Focus commitment to safety by offering a comprehensive passive safety system within the strength of a robust, protective body structure.
Focus is constructed from variable-gauge laser-welded panels of dual plasma and high strength steel. Both the occupant cell and surrounding envelope of energy absorbing crush zones have been rigorously tested in virtual and physical form, verified by the most powerful computers in the industry and tested in the state-of-the-art Volvo Safety Centre in Sweden.
The new Focus also offers optional side thorax airbags and inflatable side curtains (from A-pillar to C-pillar) in many EU markets, seatbelt pretensioners with load-limiting retractors and ISOFIX child seat fittings.
Optional adjustable pedals give a made-to-measure fit for drivers of any stature, enhancing comfort and safety.
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