Ford turns all-new Focus into SUV
The high-riding Active SUV version could be the Kiwi star of all-new Ford Focus range. By David Linklater.
Ford says its all-new Focus, due in New Zealand at the end of this year, has been developed through greater consultation with car-buying customers.
Unveiled in five-door hatchback, wagon and (for selected global markets) four-door body styles, Focus continues with familiar Trend and Titanium specifications, ST-Line, upscale Vignale and the first Focus Active crossover/SUV-style model, with ride height raised by 30mm.
The German-built Focus is the first vehicle globally to be based on Ford’s new C2 platform.
Technologies new-to-Focus available for the model include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with full stop-and-go functionality, Speed Sign Recognition, LaneCentring, Adaptive Front Lighting System with camera-based Predictive Curve Light and Signbased light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns, and – in what Ford claims is an industry first – Active Park Assist 2 that now also operates gear selection, acceleration and braking to enable fully-automated manoeuvres at the push of a button.
Focus is also available with Head-Up Display (HUD) and Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions.
The chassis has been enhanced with the first Focus-application of Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) technology for the independent front and rear suspension systems.
Ford says the ‘‘occupant experience’’ is enhanced with comfort and convenience features including FordPass Connect embedded modem for connectivity on the move and a new wireless charging pad for compatible devices.
Powertrain options include a further developed version of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost and new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, both now with a cylinder deactivation application for threecylinder engines – another industry first, says Ford.
A new intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission adapts shift patterns to driving style, and is controlled using a more ergonomic Rotary Gear Shift Dial.
The new silhouette is achieved principally through positioning the A-pillars further rearward. Extending the wheelbase by 53mm enables a larger tyre diameter, allowing the wheels to be positioned higher into the sheet metal.
The Ford grille has been enlarged and the tail lamps are now two-piece. The ‘‘Focus’’ script is positioned in individual satinfinished letters between the taillamps.
Ford has upscaled the Level 2 automated-driving features available for Focus.
The new stop-go feature enables the ACC system to bring the vehicle to a complete halt in stop-start traffic using up to 50 per cent of total braking force, and automatically pull away if the stopping duration is less than three seconds. For durations greater than three seconds, the driver can push a steering wheel button or gently apply the accelerator.
Lane Centring technology monitors road markings and can apply gentle but discernible torque to the steering system to help drivers stay centred in their lane whenever the ACC system is activated. Designed to support drivers at speeds up to 200kmh, the technology will deliver visual and audible warnings if it detects a lack of steering wheel input from the driver.
Adaptive Front Lighting System with Predictive curve light and Sign-based light preadjusts headlamp patterns for maximum visibility before reaching a curve, intersection or roundabout.
The system uses the forwardfacing camera to monitor lane markings up to 65 metres ahead, enabling light from the headlamps to be angled into the corner preemptively for improved visibility on approach, rather than relying solely on the driver’s steering wheel inputs.
Ford says its new HUD system has one of the largest fields of view of any such system available, measuring 6 degrees by 2.5 degrees. The system is also amongst the brightest available, adjustable in 16 increments up to 10,000 candela per metre-squared.
Special filters for the retractable polycarbonate screen make it the first of its type that can be read by users wearing polarised lenses. Depending on vehicle specification, the configurable selection of projected information includes speed (the only content that is always present), Traffic Sign Recognition, ACC, navigation, Shift Indicator, entertainment system and emergency notifications.
Enabled by the shift-by-wire capability of Ford’s new eightspeed automatic gearbox, the Active Park Assist 2 system identifies suitable parking spaces and the driver can control vehicle motion by simply selecting neutral and holding down a single centre console-mounted button.
The vehicle then fully controls forward and reverse gear selection, throttle and braking, as well as steering – manoeuvring into spaces 1100mm longer than the car and on gradients up to 12 per cent, at speeds of up to 4kmh, before engaging park. The technology can also help driver exit parallel parking spaces using fully automated Park-out Assist.
Also further enhanced, Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology can detect people in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path. The system automatically applies the brakes if it detects a potential collision and the driver does not respond to warnings. It can now also detect cyclists and functions in the dark using light from the headlamps.
Evasive Steering Assist, designed to operate at city and
Extending the wheelbase by 53mm enables a larger tyre diameter, allowing the wheels to be positioned higher into the sheet metal.
motorway speeds, uses radar and a camera to detect slower-moving and stationary vehicles ahead and provides steering support to enable drivers to manoeuvre around a vehicle if a collision is imminent.
Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them and can for the first time now apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions if drivers do not respond to warnings.
Rear wide-view camera, offers a near-180 degree view to the rear of the vehicle for improved visibility when reversing from parking spaces or driveways.
Focus has a new isolated subframe for the short long arm (SLA) independent rear suspension configuration. A unique SLA geometry for Focus wagon models repositions the dampers helping the vehicle remain agile and responsive even with a fully loaded boot, and helps maximise boot space with a wider load-floor area.
A less sophisticated twist-beam rear suspension configuration is fitted to the 1.0-litre EcoBoost model.
Five-door models equipped with SLA suspension can be optioned CCD technology, which every two milliseconds monitors suspension, body, steering and braking inputs, and adjusts damping responses.
The technology also helps reduce the impact of driving through potholes, by detecting the edge of a pothole and adjusting the damper so that the wheel doesn’t fall as far into it.
The CCD system also supports Drive Mode technology. Normal, Sport and Eco modes are offered for the first time on a Focus. When equipped with CCD, Focus also offers Comfort and Eco-Comfort Drive Modes.