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Details: All-new Ford Focus makes world debut

Stratford, London – Ford has delivered the global public debut of the all-new Ford Focus. The fourth-generation model arrives in South Africa in early 2019. 

Following closer collaboration with customers than ever before, the all-new Focus has been developed from the ground. 

Lots of tech

The most sophisticated range of Ford driver assistance technologies ever offered to Ford customers is seamlessly integrated to enable an intuitive, stress-reducing and refined driving experience says the automaker.

Advanced technologies include:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic
  • Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camera-based Predictive curve light and Sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends in the road and – for the first time in the industry – road signs
  • Active Park Assist 2 that now also operates gear selection, acceleration and braking to enable fully-automated manoeuvres at the push of a button
  • Ford’s first Head-up display (HUD) to be offered in Europe, helping drivers focus their attention on the road ahead
  • Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions

                                                                Image: Newspress

The new Focus remains true to the nameplate’s 20-year legacy of class-leading driving dynamics, further enhanced with the first Focus-application of Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) technology for the independent front and rear suspension systems; new Drive Modes; an isolated rear subframe for greater refinement; and Ford-patented spring technology.

The occupant experience is enhanced with comfort and convenience features including FordPass Connect embedded modem for connectivity on the move and a new Wireless charging pad for compatible smartphone devices.

Engines

Powertrain options include a further optimised version of Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost and new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, both enhanced with Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation application for three-cylinder engines. New 1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines deliver ultimate fuel-efficiency, and a new intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission adapts shift patterns to driving style, and is controlled using a rotary gear shift dial.

Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe said: "Our all-new Ford Focus is the pinnacle of technology and driving appeal in its segment. The chance to build a completely new car from a fresh piece of paper does not come around often. We grabbed it with both hands, to develop the best mid-size family car that money can buy.”

Unveiled in five-door hatchback, wagon and in selected markets four-door body styles, Fors says the line-up ever is offered with exclusive personalities to complement the broadest spectrum of mid-sized car customer aspirations, including the stylish Focus Trend and Titanium, sporty Focus ST-Line, upscale Focus Vignale and the first Focus Active crossover.

                                                                       Image: Newspress

The all-new Focus is the first vehicle globally to be based on the firm's new C2 platform designed to enhance crash performance; deliver more interior space for the company's mid-size models without negatively impacting exterior dimensions; and support improved aerodynamics for better fuel-efficiency. The firm says best-ever craftsmanship and quality is delivered following a €600-million investment at Ford’s Saarlouis assembly facility, Germany.

Ford has sold almost seven million Focus cars in Europe* and more than 16-million around the world since the game-changing first generation Focus was introduced in 1998.

Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa said: "Focus has been our heartland in Europe for two decades. Leading the pack for design, technology and driving fun, it encapsulates everything our customers love about Ford.

With mid-size family cars accounting for almost one-in-five sales across Europe last year, Focus remains as important as ever to our company and our customers, which is why we've put so much energy into developing an all-new model that is among the very best cars we've ever produced.”

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