The eagerly awaited all new Ford Focus has just gone on sale, boasting more style, space and advanced driving technologies for midsize family car customers than ever before.
Ford tells us that engineers collaborated closely with car buyers to develop the all new Focus five door hatchback and even more practical Focus wagon models in distinctive versions, each with their own personality, including the stylish Focus Titanium, sporty Focus ST-Line and upscale Focus Vignale.
The new Focus will initially be available here in four spec. levels: Zetec, ST-Line, Titanium and Vignale, with the Active Series arriving in Ireland next year.
The entry-level Zetec, five door, 1.0T EcoBoost 125PS with a manual 6 speed transmission has a starting price of €24,900.
Powertrains will include the well proven and award winning one litre EcoBoost petrol (125ps ) and 1.5 litre diesel (120ps ).
Range specification information
The Focus Zetec features 16” alloys, LED DTRLs, 6.5” SYNC 3 with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, selectable drive modes, cruise control with lanekeeping aid, pre-collision assist including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Focus ST-Line adds, in addition to Zetec, 17” sport alloys, ST-Line body kit, twin polished tail pipes, large rear spoiler, keyless start, interior sports trim, sports suspension, ST-Line scuff plates.
There are two further higher spec. trim levels, the Focus ‘Titanium’ and range-topping ’Vignale’.
Then there’s the all new Focus Active crossover model, arriving in Ireland early 2019, featuring rugged sports utility vehicle-inspired styling that includes raised ride height, roof bars and additional cladding.
The all new Focus also introduces a comprehensive range of advanced driving technologies that can help drivers make light work of stop start traffic, see more clearly when driving in the dark, park simply by holding down a button and avoid accidents.
Launched originally in 1998, the Focus nameplate is celebrating 20 years this year. Very soon after its launch, the car established a reputation as the C-segment leader in terms of both technological excellence and great driving dynamics. More than 129,000 Focus models have been sold in Ireland since its original launch, making it one of the most popular cars in Ireland.
The sporty all new Focus silhouette is the most aerodynamic in its class. Athletic and dynamic with a long bonnet and muscular rear haunches, each model is differentiated with unique elements including satin aluminium details for the Vignale exterior, large spoiler and open front apertures for the ST-Line and contrast silver front and rear skid plates for the Active.
Inside, simple, clean lines, expressive materials and seamlessly integrated surfaces make travelling in the Focus a more calming experience. The front doors now flow fluidly behind the instrument panel for a wrap-around effect, and soft touch materials deliver a more premium feel.
The new Focus also provides more space inside for passengers and luggage. More than five centimetres additional length between the front and rear wheels allows class leading knee clearance for rear seat passengers and all occupants benefit from the wider interior with six centimetres more shoulder room in the rear. The impression of spaciousness is enhanced with a rear door design featuring windows that stretch further back for a more open sensation, and an openable panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior.
Able to accommodate a large dog crate without needing to fold the rear seats, the all new Focus wagon boot space is easy to access, using a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper to open the hands free tailgate. Folding the rear seats is also simplified. They now drop simply by pulling a switch in the boot space.
Ford claims that advanced driver assistance technologies make driving a Ford Focus on motorways, in stop start traffic and in town easier than ever before and they are designed to make the driving experience more comfortable, less demanding and safer. It says that the new Focus delivers the most fun-to-drive experience of any midsize family car. All Focus models now feature drive modes that adjust the car’s characteristics to match the driving situation.
Ford’s multi-award-winning one litre EcoBoost petrol engine 125 PS is further enhanced to deliver from a claimed 4.8 l/100 km fuel efficiency and 108 g/km CO2.
Ford’s new 1.5 litre EcoBlue diesel engine 120 PS, again delivering from a claimed 3.6 l/100 km fuel efficiency and 94 g/km CO2.
Customers can also choose from manual six-speed transmissions that are smooth and refined to operate, and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox that adapts to different driving styles to offer the smoothest gear changes at the best possible time.
The all-new Focus introduces ‘FordPass Connect’ onboard modem technology for customers in Europe, turning the vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to ten devices.
FordPass Connect also enables live traffic updates for the navigation system, and using the FordPass mobile app drivers can easily locate their car in sprawling shopping mall car parks, check fuel levels, remotely lock and unlock their car, and even start it remotely.
A new Wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones means drivers can wave goodbye to storing a tangle of charging cables in the centre console, and devices can remain connected via Bluetooth to Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system while charging.
For more information contact Fred Kilmartin Ltd., Ballinasloe, on (090 ) 9630800 or at www.fredkilmartinltd.ie
