Following on from the success of the current Ford Focus, the updated model looks to maintain a winning formula by improving on fuel economy, styling and driving quality. The current Focus was extremely well received world-wide, so the new Ford Focus model has something to live up to.
Among the list of changes to the new Ford Focus is an improved streamlined shape and steeply raked windscreen. This has reduced drag and optimized the aerodynamics of the car as well as reduced wind noise and improved fuel efficiency. The stiffness of the body structure has also been improved which has lead to less noise and vibration when driving at high speeds as well as increased the body rigidity by 30%.
Inside the new Ford Focus, the driver is greeted by a cockpit style interior, with centre console allowing easy access to the cars major controls. There is a big emphasis on safety inside the new Focus, with airbags available for the driver and front passenger as well as side front airbags and side curtain airbags (only available in the Trend and Sport models) for the front and rear seat passengers.
The overall driving experience has also been improved through a number of advancements. The Focus cornering stability has been improved through the Torque Vectoring Control system, which constantly balances the torque distribution between the front wheels to reduce understeer. The suspension has been retuned and improved, with new designs being implemented for the Control Blade Independent rear suspension. Lastly there is a new Electric Power Assisted Steering system which has also been improved to increase steering response and precision at high speeds.
Improved performance
The fuel economy has also been improved along with an improvement in performance for the engine options available. There is a new 2.0 litre GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) petrol engine as well as a 2.0 litre Duratorq TDCi common rail turbo diesel engine, both engines are mated to the latest 6-speed PowerShift automated transmission. However the most impressive engine choice available with regards to fuel economy will be the 1.6 litre Duratec Ti-VCT engine, which has seen an impressive fuel reduction compared to the outgoing Focus 1.8 litre engine.
There will be 8 different models to choose from at launch, with 4 hatches and 4 sedans. Look for the new Ford Focus in dealerships soon.