WORLD OF WHEELS SUV allrounder revs up the market
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FORD has finally released full details of one of its best-selling nameplates, the Focus, which has over the years provided good value for money, technology, efficiency and, more importantly, driver enjoyment.
With the new model, Ford says it is aiming to make the car even better than its predecessor by adopting something called a “human-centric” approach that will see the expansion of the model range.
This will include the first Focus Active crossover variant, while the upmarket Vignale will also be offered although, like the Focus station wagon, the Vignale might not make it to South Africa.
The Focus features a Eurocentric inspired design with Volvo-esque headlights, hints of the Hyundai i30 side view and a BMW style C-pillar.
According to the company, the design represents a new direction for the model and the team was given free rein.
“Our all-new Ford Focus is the pinnacle of technology and driving appeal in its segment,” Ford of Europe product development vice-president Joe Bakaj said.
“The chance to build a new car from a fresh piece of paper does not come around often. We grabbed it with both hands, to develop the best mid-size family car money can buy.”
Built at the company’s Saarlouis plant in Germany, the all-new Focus is the first vehicle globally to be based on Ford’s new C2 platform designed to improve crash performance, deliver more interior space for Ford’s mid-size models without negatively impacting exterior dimensions and support improved aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency.
The model will be offered with a variety of both petrol and diesel engines, although SA is more likely to only get the former and these will, for the first time in a Focus, be paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Trim levels will include the base Trend, comprehensive Titanium and sporty ST Line.
Dimensionally, the new model is said to have improved over its forbear in key areas such as knee clearance and shoulder room.
Boot load height has swelled by 43mm, the length to the rear seat increased by 25mm and with the rear seats folded via the pull of a switch using the new Easy Fold Seats feature, the length to the front seats increased by 175mm for 1 650l capacity.
There are more advanced features than any Ford vehicle before. Sophisticated Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies enhance protection, driving and parking, and are designed to make driving more comfortable, less demanding and safer.
Items such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go, speed sign recognition and lane-centring helps the car maintain a comfortable driving distance from vehicles ahead.
The new platform has allowed engineers to make the body more rigid than the outgoing model. This is said to make the model not only safer, but also one of the most engaging vehicles to drive in the segment.
“Focus and a class-leading fun-to-drive experience go hand in hand and we have no intention of letting any competitor steal that crown,” Ford of Europe C-car global vehicle line director Helmut Reder said.
“Our all-new chassis combined with sophisticated technologies deliver the agility and responsiveness of a hot hatchback, with the refined ride of a large executive car.”
According to Ford SA, the model will arrive in the country in the fourth quarter of this year, when specific models, trim lines and pricing will confirmed.
The vehicle’s global launch is in France in July.