ONE OF THE STARS in Ford’s current line-up is about to be replaced with an all-new model in November.
The new Ford Focus range has been designed from a clean sheet of paper and according to Ford will deliver higher levels of technology, comfort, space and driving experience.
“The all-new Focus is a clean sheet design, offering customers the latest EcoBoost technology and adds a significant amount of new convenience and driver assistance features to the range,” said Ford Australia President and CEO, Kay Hart. “From Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian detection across the range to the new B&O Play audio system on Titanium, we are confident the expanded Focus line-up will have broad customer appeal.”
The all-new Focus is built on the new C2 platform, delivering a 20 per cent increase in torsional rigidity for improved driving dynamics and passenger comfort. In addition, Focus will offer selectable drive modes across the series line-up for the first time.
Driver Assistance Technology includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Night-time Pedestrian Detection and Cyclist Detection, as well as Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid as standard across the range. Focus’ extensive DAT suite also features Post-Impact Braking (PIB), which is designed to automatically apply the brakes after a collision to reduce the risk of rolling onto another vehicle, preventing a second collision.
Focus’s standard safety equipment includes driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags as well as curtain airbags on all Australian models. A segment-first wide-view rear camera, offers a near-180 degree view to the rear of the vehicle for improved visibility when reversing from parking spaces or driveways.
The all-new Focus will be on sale in November 2018 with a choice of three model grades at launch, sourced exclusively from Germany. The range starts with the Trend, and tops out with the Titanium. For the first time, an ST-Line Focus has been added to the line-up in both five-door hatch and wagon variants.
At launch, the all-new Focus will be powered exclusively by a new 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine producing 134kW/240Nm and matched to an all-new eight-speed automatic. With aluminium alloy construction for light weight efficiency and an advanced low-inertia turbocharger, it uses twin-fuel injection system – Port Fuel Injection and Direct Injection – to maximise power delivery, drivability and fuel efficiency.
Every all-new Ford Focus comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. In addition, eligible customers can also benefit from Ford’s Service Price Promise and Auto Club Membership, Loan Car Program as well as Ford’s Low Price Tyre Guarantee (LPTG) which are available at participating dealers. The LPTG is a price match guarantee for customers who purchase select tyres from a participating Ford dealer.
Focus Trend hatch
Standard equipment on Focus Trend includes 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps, eight-speed torque-converter automatic with paddle shifters and a new electronic park brake for a less cluttered centre console design.
SYNC 3 is standard on Focus on all three trim levels, with a full-colour 8.0-inch touchscreen, in-built voice-activated sat-nav with Traffic Message Channel, MapCare updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. SYNC 3 also brings voice-activation to features including the standard climate control, for easier access and convenience.
Additional convenience features include automatic headlights, Follow Me Home Lighting, an electrochromatic rear-vision mirror and automatic windscreen wipers.
Focus ST-Line hatch and wagon
The Focus ST-Line replaces the existing Focus Sport model and is distinguished by its unique honeycomb grille, side skirts and rear bumper capped with a chrome finished twin tail-pipe. The hatch includes an integrated boot-lid spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Focus ST-Line also comes standard with its own sports suspension tune.
Inside, a unique ST-Line flat-bottom sports steering wheel features red-stitching, which also appears on the gear-lever boot, metallic foot pedals and ST-Line cloth trim.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility plus smartphone charging are standard on all models, as is dual-zone climate control that can be operated via voice activation.
Focus ST-Line will be offered in five-door hatch and wagon body styles, with the ST-Line wagon adding a cargo blind and roof rails in addition to the hatch’s standard equipment.
Ford Focus Titanium
The Titanium gets a unique front grille and body styling with 18-inch alloy wheels. The new LED Lighting Package enhances driver vision with a broader beam for more light on the road ahead. Features include Daytime Running Lights automatic daytime levelling and automatic high-beam control. Segment firsts include a sequential turn-signal progression for the LED indicators, as well as Static Bending Light from the multifunctional projector headlights.
The LED lights are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, so goodbye bulb replacement.
Titanium also delivers a higher level of Driver Assist Technology ; in addition to the standard Autonomous Emergency Braking, with Cyclist Detection as well as Night-time Pedestrian Detection, Focus Titanium also brings BLIS with Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard.
A further step up, Focus Titanium features Stop&Go Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Evasive Steer Assist and Lane-Centering as standard. The ACC system helps the Focus maintain a comfortable driving distance from vehicles ahead, and with the addition of Stop&Go, has the ability to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Focus Titanium also gets leather upholstery and a 675-watt 10-speaker B&O Play Premium Audio System including sub-woofer.
Full pricing and further specifications for the all-new Ford Focus will be announced ahead of its 2018 Australian launch.
Glad to see they got rid of that DSG transmission!!!