Ford: Focus clearly rolling in the fast lane
FOURTH GENERATION The current Ford Focus takes a big step forward in terms of design, interior space and equipment. This also explains the Cologne-based company's goal of building the best car in the compact class. Where the Cologne-based company left off with the successful Fiesta (AutoSprintCH reported), the new Focus continues seamlessly: a smooth front end in which the [...]
Where the Cologne team left off with the successful Fiesta (AutoSprintCH reported), the new Focus continues seamlessly: a smooth front end in which the headlights are flush and without many edges, a larger grille with the typical Ford shape and a hood with four striking folds in the sheet metal. You really can be seen everywhere with this car.
Improved suspension and acoustics
According to Ford, the new body structure should be stiffer than before. The advantages: Improved crash structure and more space in the interior. With the new, insulated chassis frame, Ford promises an improvement in suspension and acoustic comfort and a particularly direct response from the steering. No empty promises, as ACS Auto was able to ascertain during initial test drives. The Cologne sticks to the road like hard glue and in tight bends the steering technology shows what it's made of when pushed hard. In combination with the torquey three-cylinder engine and the sound of the B&O Play system, this is a special driving experience.
If required, only two of the three cylinders work
A real innovation is cylinder deactivation, which Ford is now the first manufacturer to establish in three-cylinder engines. When gliding along at a constant speed, the electronics simply paralyze a combustion chamber. This saves fuel and protects the environment. You don't notice a thing on the steering wheel. Nor when the third pot resumes work within 14 milliseconds of pressing the pedal.
The basic model is available from 18,900 francs
The engine range includes three-cylinder petrol engines (from 85 to 182 hp) and diesel engines (from 95 to 150 hp). The base price for the manual Ford Focus Trend with a one-liter three-cylinder engine and 85 hp is 18,900 Swiss francs. Other variants: Business from 23 200 francs, ST-Line from 26 200 francs, Titanum from 26 200 francs and Vignale from 20 300 francs.
A new feature in this class is the evasion assistant
The Focus is now also at the top of the segment in terms of comfort and safety options. No other European Ford model series currently offers more assistance systems. A novelty in this class is the evasion assistant, which supports the avoidance of obstacles through active steering intervention. There is also a head-up display, albeit only as a retractable plastic screen, but it is brighter and larger than anywhere else.
Many details that contribute to bringing the Cologne-based company closer to its goal of being able to offer the best car in the compact class.
