Sunday, March 22, 2009

Ford Focus

The new Ford Focus Sedan retains the strengths of its predecessor but gains the new Focus 'kinetic design' exterior and high quality interior with a profusion of exciting driver assistance features and technology usually only seen in the larger car segment.

Customers can choose from four distinct series: the well equipped Ambiente entry model with an impressive number of standard safety and driver assistance features, followed by the Trend with higher specification, ascending to the classic luxury of the Ghia and modern 'techno' feel of the Titanium series.

Customers can further enhance and personalise their vehicles with optional 'X' packs for the Ghia and Titanium models, and a variety of themed option packs targeted to specific customer needs - Sport, Comfort, Style and Business (availability depends on market) all of which are applicable to all four series options.

'Kinetic Design' Styling

"The new Ford Focus provides the ideal template for applying Ford of Europe's 'kinetic design' styling," said Stefan Lamm, Ford of Europe's head of exterior design. "For the first time in Ford's C class segment, using the Ford Focus, we have incorporated full and muscular surfaces, bespoke styling and our trapezoidal signature features. Full wheelarches draw the eye to the wheels and underline Ford's status as a leader in driving dynamics."

The interior styling of the new Focus also received a fresh approach with bold design statements, high quality finishes and hard-wearing materials all completed with a high level of craftsmanship. Most prominent for the driver is a new instrument cluster of a 'binocular' style with instruments illuminated in red.

New Technology

A number of new standard driver assistance features have been introduced on all new Ford Focus models with further technology options.

These features include:

* Standard Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling system with misfuel inhibitor
* Standard emergency hazard warning light activation system
* Available 'Ford Power' button for keyless start, plus keyless entry system
* New optional Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
* Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner on Sony radio system
* New audio connectivity module for external devices and new levels of Bluetooth® connectivity, voice control and navigation systems
* New infotainment options include an affordable navigation system with 'SD' card slot
* 230 volt socket for direct power to appliances

The entry level Ambiente is well equipped, with standard equipment and features including six airbags, a heater with pollen filter, electric front window controls and electronically adjustable door mirrors. The Trend series has an additional power point in the load compartment and a standard trip computer. The classic luxury Ghia and cool 'techno' Titanium models both have a cooled glove box and red interior ambient lighting. These are just two highlights to demonstrate how the high equipment levels on the lead-in Ambiente model are built upon to offer additional comfort and driver assistance features as the series ascend.

High Safety Standards

Like all bodystyles in the Focus range the Ford Focus Sedan has a number of active and passive safety features as standard. A rigid reinforced passenger safety cell is the starting point. All new Ford Focus Sedan models have four standard airbags and active systems include ESP - in the majority of European markets - EBA and ABS. Passive systems also include a stroking steering column, neck injury protection, pedals that decouple from the footwell area and anti-submarining seats to prevent the driver and passengers from slipping beneath their safety belts.

All safety belts have three-way fitment with the front seats also benefiting from pre-tensioners and beltminder alert. The outboard seats on the rear bench are pre-equipped for ISOFIX. The facility for front airbag deactivation enables a child seat to be carried on the front passenger seat.

"The safety of the previous Focus was recognised in both Europe and China when it achieved a highly coveted five star EuroNCAP occupant safety rating," said Herrmann. "Despite this achievement we have added more new systems to the new model - ESP is now offered as standard in the majority of EU markets and our emergency hazard warning light activation system is also standard in all markets. This latter feature has already been used on our large and luxury cars, and has proved its effectiveness in helping to prevent rear end collisions."

Wide Powertrain Choice

A full range of Duratec petrol and Duratorq diesel engines are available for the new Ford Focus Sedan. In response to local market forces and preferences, some of these are available within limited territories:

* Duratec petrol
o 1.6-litre 100 PS/74 kW
o 1.6-litre 115 PS/85 kW
o 1.8-litre 125 PS/92 kW
o 2.0-litre 145 PS/107 kW
* Duratorq diesel
o 1.6-litre 90 PS/66 kW
o 1.6-litre 109 PS/80 kW
o 1.8-litre 115 PS/85 kW
o 2.0-litre 110 PS/81 kW
o 2.0-litre 136 PS/100 kW

The engine options are perfectly mated to the transmissions available. Depending on engine capacity and fuel type the transmissions available include 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions and the new Ford PowerShift automatic which is standard on the 110 PS and optional on the136 PS power outputs of the 2.0-litre Duratorq engine. The Ford PowerShift has been calibrated and designed to offer the driver a comfortable yet dynamic driving experience.

All engines have European Stage IV emissions levels and all, with the exception of the 90 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq and 1.8-litre Duratorq, are fitted with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which reduces particulate deposits by up to 98 per cent.

Acclaimed Driving Dynamics as Standard

The new Ford Focus Sedan gives the driver and passengers the acclaimed driving dynamics experience that is one of the distinguishing highlights of the entire Focus range. The first generation Ford Focus quickly gained recognition for its road handling, on-road characteristics and driving quality; attributes that have been retained through the years and naturally applied to and enhanced in the new generation.

"We started with a very strong basis in the original Focus, so for the new generation we already had high standards to meet in terms of chassis, steering and suspension," said Herrmann. "The team applied all of its learnings and experience to the new Focus, and since its launch we have been improving the car consistently.

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