Model Update

The old Focus has gone and the new Focus has come. There is a lot to like about the way the new Ford Focus gets down the road but the best part, in my book, is how easily the agile Focus can be hammered through the corners one minute to entertain, while the next minute the car will become practical, comfortable, modern transport that is one of the most up-to-date drives on the road.

A Ford Focus is one of the world’s best small-to-medium cars. Accurate steering, premium safety and good levels of cabin space make the latest Ford focus a very competitive buy and very easy to love with. Now with Active Park Assist, and an updated version of Voice Control which allows you to dial phone numbers on your mobile, play your favourite music tracks, change radio stations or adjust the air conditioning with a voice command. It’s pretty cool, really!

Also new, are the Ford Focus’s new body shapes. Yes, we still have the fabulous hatchback design, however Ford have designed a new Focus Sedan, too.

A new crop of engines have come unveiled and, though the new Ford Focus TDCi is my pick, there are a number of excellent powerful options.

After setting eyes on the new Ford Focus shape and body, I liked it from the word go. The main feature that sets off the Focus is the newly designed, narrower LED headlights which have more curves, look slimmer and therefore give the car a more athletic appearance at the front. Side mirror indicators look great and add to the cars visual impact at intersections, boosting safety. Smooth curves fall dramatically over the bonnet into the large trapezoid grille and air dam. At the rear of the car the same flowing lines are reminiscent of the outgoing model, however what is strikingly beautiful is the new shape of the tail lights. Shark-fin in their outline, they are racy looking and distinctive. A spoiler finishes the car off nicely at the rear, and though the outgoing design was eye-catching, I think this new design is even better.

Equipped with all the latest technology, you are going to love the treats onboard the new Ford Focus. Many models make the choice easier, while all the models boast a high degree of entertaining power. Beautifully gaited, six-speed manual gearboxes or six-speed Power-Shift automatics take the power to the wheels instantly and in a refined manner. Side curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, cruise control, remote audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, front fog lamps, sixteen or seventeen-inch alloy wheels and Voice Control create a package that is at the top of its game.

If you are lucky enough to see a Ford Focus fly by in the WRC rally championship, then you will quickly realise the pedigree that flows on from these lightning quick cars into the road-going production cars that are produced by Ford for the public. Let’s take a closer look under the bonnet of the all new Ford Focus.

For the Ford Focus Ambiente Hatch and Sedan, you are equipped with 92 kW of power from a leading 1.6-litre petrol engine. These models run with a nice five-speed manual or six-speed Powershift Transmission. Driving one of these willing models is thrifty and satisfying.

Under the crescent bonnet lines of the Ford Focus Trend and Titanium Hatch and Sedan is a brand new 2.0-litre GDI engine. Mid range performance provides lusty acceleration and refined power. 125 kW is available to play with. You could opt for the exceptional TDCi, 2.0-litre motor which puts out 320 Nm from as low as 2000 rpm. This plus 120 kW and turbo-diesel efficiency makes for a great drive.

Ford Focus Sport models are equipped with the TDCi engine, and this is the perfect match for swift, sporty, performance motoring.

The outgoing Ford Focus XR5 battled for hot hatch, first-class honours in a segment that was fiercely contested by other car makers. The engine came from the Volvo 2.5 litre turbocharged car that was normally found in the Volvo T5 models. Packing a mean 166 kW at 6000 rpm and a very burly 320 Nm at a very low 1600 rpm this will be a hard act to follow. The XR5 model replacement is due in the near future, so it is going to be worth the wait. You can still buy this model in the meantime.

Looking over the some of the features on the Ford Focus Sport models, and you’ll note the alloys are sexier and bigger, the standard seats are replaced with V-shaped sports seats and such things like automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, dual-zone climate control and a nine speaker Sony audio system are part of the deal.

Ride in a Ford Focus Titanium model and you’ve got all the top equipment laid on. Yes, the reactive 2.0-litre GDI petrol with the specially designed six-speed Powershift automatic is a standard feature. Pleasant 18-inch alloys demand attention, while their paw print of rubber is nice and grippy. Things like Active Park Assist, a Ford power start button, and nice tactile partial leather interior seat and interior trim provide the new Ford Focus Titanium models a Smart and tasteful finish. You’ll love the heated front seats which are very welcoming on a cold winter’s day.

All models boast an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Driver, front passenger and side front airbags are all standard. So too is the remote central locking system, Electro hydraulic power steering and CD audio systems.

The Ford Focus range has been, for a long time, a benchmark car. Performance, comfort and handling are rolled into one very stylish and tempting package produced by Ford. The quicker the car, the stiffer the suspension needs to be. This is the sensible rule of thumb that Ford has stuck with for the Focus range. All Ford Focus models are well mannered to drive and have wonderfully accurate steering action. Each suspension set up works with the road surface, absorbing rather than skidding over bumps – which would otherwise pull away from the correct driving line.

Inside each Ford Focus variant, passengers and driver can enjoy a roomy comfortable cabin that has pleasant trim levels ranging from cloth to full leather. Driver instruments are clear, simple and ergonomically brilliant. Even the base models are well equipped cars that give occupants a sense of luxury in travel. Safety items are superb. There is plenty of dynamic safety available. ESP, ABS and TCS as well as the necessary airbags are built into Ford Focus’ safety packaging. And a five-star Euro NCAP safety test rating sums it up well.

Whichever the Ford Focus model you prefer, you can be sure that you will not be disappointed. And whatever model tickles your fancy, you can rest assured that it will be a class leader.

The current model series includes the:

• Focus Ambiente Hatch
• Focus Ambiente Sedan
• Focus Trend Hatch
• Focus Trend Sedan
• Focus Sport Hatch
• Focus Sport Sedan
• Focus Titanium Hatch
• Focus Titanium Sedan

For any more information on the Ford Focus, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Ford dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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