Ford’s latest Focus to take on nuisance of potholes

FOR motorists fed up with potholes, help could soon be at hand. Not from anyone fixing the roads, of course – but a bump-proof Ford Focus.

The carmaker claims its latest model has the technology to detect the edge of a pothole, and warn the wheels before drivers plough on ahead.

Special features include a new chassis, independent rear suspension and a ‘continuously controlled damping’ (CCD).

This shock absorption system sees sensors in the car constantly monitor and adjust suspension, steering and braking to ensure a smoother ride.

As an added bonus, Ford has cut the price by up to £2,300. The fourth generation, to cost between £19,930 and £27,910, goes on sale later this year.

Potholes cost drivers £1.7billion a year in repairs, with councils warning of a £9.3billion backlog to fix them.

Ford said its technology reduces their impact by ‘detecting the edge and adjusting ... so that the wheel doesn’t fall as far into it’. The suspension responds with ‘a signal from the front wheel’ that warns the rear before it hits the hole.