New Focus Ready For Showroom
it's the car that aims to keep Ford at the very top of the sales charts and lead the troubled manufacturer back to profitability. Arguably the most important new vehicle in the UK, the next Focus isn't due on sale until 2004... But that hasn't stopped Auto Express magazine getting its hands on the world's first pictures showing the car as it will appear in the showrooms.
The Focus clearly has it all to do and, taking styling cues from the C-MAX mini-MPV, which we drove in June, we reckon the Ford is off to a promising start. The mature look of the family favourite also has the feel of the recently facelifted Mondeo.
It's less daring than the new edge-inspired model it replaces, and Ford has said in the past that it's certain the conservative makeover will improve the car's standing among more affluent buyers.
The firm also points out there will be many more Focus variants to choose from than before. As well as the C-MAX, the range will include a sporty coupé inspired by the forthcoming Visos concept we revealed in last week's issue.
Ford insiders are promising the car will also set new standards of performance, space and refinement in a class it already dominates. But that might not be enough. From what we have seen, the car will have a far bigger fight on its hands from rivals than ever before.
Crucially, the Focus is going to have to play catch up with these challengers. The new Golf, Astra and Mazda 3 will all be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks' time. Yet the Ford isn't due to make its debut for another year. So how does the blue oval intend to keep its hatch ahead of the pack?
Company sources claim a mix of internal design, engineering and driveability will hold the key. Based on the all-new C1 platform, the new model will be longer and wider than before to give class-leading levels of interior space.
On the basis of the C-MAX's crash protection, safety standards are tipped to be first-rate. The Focus is equipped with Ford's Intelligent Protection System, and will be aiming for a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Using many of the ideas developed for the Mondeo, it should also be easy to service and repair, keeping running costs low. Services such as sat-nav and live traffic information will also be offered for the first time, in response to the hi-tech kit fitted to the new Golf.
The engine range will also add a wide appeal. Entry-level models will be powered by an updated 1.6-litre Duratec, which has a proven history in the current car. However, the newcomer will debut 1.6 and 1.8-litre direct-injection petrol units offering variable valve timing, as well as fresh 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDCi oil-burners.
At launch, the larger capacity diesel will be the most powerful engine available, with an impressive 135bhp and 300Nm of torque. This unit is likely to use clever electronics to reduce turbo lag. And with such a high output available, Ford is expected to supplement an uprated ESP system with four-wheel drive. Aimed at quality rivals such as the 4Motion Golf, this model is being secretly developed with the help of Bosch.
Three gearboxes will also be offered. The first is a conventional manual with six speeds. A new automatic is also expected, but most exciting of all is a fresh semi-automatic transmission similar to Audi's excellent new Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). Capable of changing ratios in the blink of an eye using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, the system is expected to help maintain the Focus's reputation as the best driver's car in its class. Dan Strong
it's the car that aims to keep Ford at the very top of the sales charts and lead the troubled manufacturer back to profitability. Arguably the most important new vehicle in the UK, the next Focus isn't due on sale until 2004... But that hasn't stopped Auto Express magazine getting its hands on the world's first pictures showing the car as it will appear in the showrooms.
The Focus clearly has it all to do and, taking styling cues from the C-MAX mini-MPV, which we drove in June, we reckon the Ford is off to a promising start. The mature look of the family favourite also has the feel of the recently facelifted Mondeo.
It's less daring than the new edge-inspired model it replaces, and Ford has said in the past that it's certain the conservative makeover will improve the car's standing among more affluent buyers.
The firm also points out there will be many more Focus variants to choose from than before. As well as the C-MAX, the range will include a sporty coupé inspired by the forthcoming Visos concept we revealed in last week's issue.
Ford insiders are promising the car will also set new standards of performance, space and refinement in a class it already dominates. But that might not be enough. From what we have seen, the car will have a far bigger fight on its hands from rivals than ever before.
Crucially, the Focus is going to have to play catch up with these challengers. The new Golf, Astra and Mazda 3 will all be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks' time. Yet the Ford isn't due to make its debut for another year. So how does the blue oval intend to keep its hatch ahead of the pack?
Company sources claim a mix of internal design, engineering and driveability will hold the key. Based on the all-new C1 platform, the new model will be longer and wider than before to give class-leading levels of interior space.
On the basis of the C-MAX's crash protection, safety standards are tipped to be first-rate. The Focus is equipped with Ford's Intelligent Protection System, and will be aiming for a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Using many of the ideas developed for the Mondeo, it should also be easy to service and repair, keeping running costs low. Services such as sat-nav and live traffic information will also be offered for the first time, in response to the hi-tech kit fitted to the new Golf.
The engine range will also add a wide appeal. Entry-level models will be powered by an updated 1.6-litre Duratec, which has a proven history in the current car. However, the newcomer will debut 1.6 and 1.8-litre direct-injection petrol units offering variable valve timing, as well as fresh 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDCi oil-burners.
At launch, the larger capacity diesel will be the most powerful engine available, with an impressive 135bhp and 300Nm of torque. This unit is likely to use clever electronics to reduce turbo lag. And with such a high output available, Ford is expected to supplement an uprated ESP system with four-wheel drive. Aimed at quality rivals such as the 4Motion Golf, this model is being secretly developed with the help of Bosch.
Three gearboxes will also be offered. The first is a conventional manual with six speeds. A new automatic is also expected, but most exciting of all is a fresh semi-automatic transmission similar to Audi's excellent new Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). Capable of changing ratios in the blink of an eye using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, the system is expected to help maintain the Focus's reputation as the best driver's car in its class. Dan Strong
