Ford has introduce a new third-generation edition of its iconic Focus for the new '11 registration plates this month, and there’s certainly no mistaking the new Ford Focus for the old one.
The exterior has a complete ‘body lift’, the interior has been luxuriously revamped and it has been pumped full with new technologically advanced goodies.
Several engine choices will be on offer in the new range. The company will supply a collection of 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines with either five and six-speed manual gearboxes, plus the option of a paddle-operated semi-automatic transmission.
A new engine range will provide both ‘spirited performance’ and ‘outstanding’ levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions, according to Ford bosses. A further selection of all-new Ford 'EcoBoost’ units featuring Turbocharging and Direct Fuel Injection will be available for petrol fans.
Five-door hatchbacks and four-door saloons versions will also be available, but most interestingly, Ford has also confirmed a battery electric version will appear in 2012, and is also hinting at the possibility of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version in 2013-14.
The car features an enhanced version of the ‘control blade’ multi-link rear suspension - as introduced on the very first Ford Focus back in 1998. This combined with the new Torque Vectoring Control Electric Power Steering System makes the Focus easier to manoeuvre, even at parking speeds.
On the inside we can also expect masses of high-tech equipment and an emphasis on quality, which is intended to close the gap between the Focus and its premium rivals the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.
Equipment highlights include Ford’s latest ‘SYNC’ system - already available on Fords in the United States. SYNC is a voice control system combined with Bluetooth, satellite navigation and media player integration. It can control features on the car with voice demand, making it easy to control the many new gadgets onboard.
Also available will be Ford’s Low Speed Safety System, which uses a laser mounted in the windscreen to monitor the area in front of the car and will automatically brake if an imminent collision is detected.
Driver Alert will also monitor the car’s position for tell-tale signs of a driver who is drowsy or asleep at the wheel and will then trigger an alarm to wake the driver.
The new Fiesta even features a Lane Keeping Aid which monitors the car’s position between lanes, and can actively steer the car back into a lane, rather than only alerting the driver of wandering.
Traffic Sign Recognition uses a camera to ‘read’ speed signs and flash up speed warnings on the dashboard, while Auto High Beam switches the headlights between main and dipped beam automatically.
Efficiency has been further enhanced by making the Focus 70% more aerodynamic, aided by an Active Grille Shutter, which closes when the engine is cool to improve aerodynamics.
With cabin refinement now a major priority, materials, panel gaps, colour matching and general quality of finish will also come under much tighter scrutiny. Even the noise the door makes when it shuts and the thickness of padding round the steering wheel have been analysed.
All in all, the new Focus is a very exciting prospect. Whether it will re-invent the hatchback as it did when it first appeared back in 1998 remains to be seen, but here's hoping.
Personally I like the new look and all the gadgetry, but all it seems to be missing is that it can't drive itself...
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