The long-awaited new Ford Focus will arrive here in April. And it is a real beauty.
The range comprises four specification levels, ranging from the entry-level Focus, Focus Style, Zetec, and top-of-the-range Titanium. The range includes a three-model line-up of a sporty five-door hatchback, sleek four-door saloon and stylish five-door wagon. A three-door hatchback will not be part of the new Focus range.
Specification details for the range is as follows: The entry-level Focus features ESP with traction assist; Ford intelligent protection system, body colour bumpers, mirrors and spoiler (five-door ), electric front windows, power door mirrors, remote central locking with flip key, stereo radio/CD with USB connectivity, and cap-less refuelling.
When it was introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the C segment. The new Focus again raises the bar. Greater dynamics yields class-leading driving quality that blend outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control and indeed comfort.
Behind these fine results are new features such as an advanced ‘torque vectoring control' system fitted as standard. It helps give the new Focus enhanced cornering stability and agility. This technology has, up to now, typically only been available on premium sports vehicles.
In addition, the new Focus uses a new electric power-assisted steering system, which plays a key role in delivering a more dynamic driving experience.
Ford is introducing a range of new technologies in the new Focus, most of which are being made available for the first time to motorists who drive C segment cars.
These technologies, available as optional extras on the Focus range, include: a lane departure warning; a low speed safety system that will brake and bring the car to a halt in the event of a low speed collision; traffic sign recognition system; driver alert system that monitors the driver’s level of alertness to guard against tiredness at the wheel; active park assist; automatic high beam control; adaptive cruise control; and emergency brake light that automatically warns other motorists of an emergency braking occurrence.
While the new Focus is big on delivering new technology at reasonable cost, there is also great styling to equal the substance. The five-door and the saloon in particular certainly have the X-factor.
Expressive exterior and interior design lies at the heart of the appeal of the new Focus, taking Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design language to the next level, and providing customers with a rewarding ownership experience.
With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly conveys the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.
The sporty five-door hatchback, stylish saloon, and sleek wagon models have been carefully developed to have their own distinctive appeal. Each bodystyle has its own clear identity and unique rear-end treatment, while sharing the same sporting front-end appearance with its dynamic new interpretation of Ford’s signature lower trapezoidal grille.
While drivers will appreciate the cockpit-style driving environment and superior craftsmanship, the cabin has lost none of the comfort and practicality which is a key characteristic of the Focus brand and driver appeal.
The dynamic quality of the exterior is reinforced by the distinctive design of the cabin. The new Focus has an extremely modern interior, with a stylish instrument panel and centre console that wrap around the driver providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.
A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are travelling in a high quality car. Inside the new Focus, Ford has succeeded in combining the cockpit-style driving environment with comfort and practicality.
The range of engines for the new Focus includes 1.6 TDCi 95bhp and 115bhp (both Band A ) diesel. These come with fuel efficient auto-start-stop technology. And a top-end 2.0 TDCi 115 bhp diesel with a six-speed powershift automatic transmission (Band B ). Then the petrol 1.6 VCT 105bhp and 125bhp (both Band B ).
"The first reports on the quality of the new Focus were very exciting and, having driven the car this week, I am glad to say it lives up to expectations," comments Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. "It has been Ireland’s favourite car since its launch in 1998 and I am sure that this new model with its up-to-the-minute technology and highly efficient engines will again find favour with Ireland’s value-conscious motorists.”
Currently a whopping 98,800 Ford Focus cars have been sold in Ireland and Ford Ireland believes that by the April arrival of the new model, that will have passed the amazing 100,000 Irish sales mark.
Full price details for the new Focus have not been announced. However, expect the entry level price to be about €22,000 for the 1.6 TDCI (95bhp ) Style.
