Ford engineers have been able to reduce weight by up to 88 kg (194 pounds) with the all-new platform.
Crossovers are weighing down car sales, but this doesn’t mean that automakers have given up. Ford’s new compact offering, the Focus is loaded with technology. New interior materials and a new exterior design will bring new buyers to the segment. Ford has unveiled the new Focus in Germany to the European market. The U.S. is expected to import the model from China by the second half 2019.
Ford’s C2 platform will be used to transport the Focus. This improves interior space and crash performance as well as aerodynamics, for greater fuel economy. The wheelbase is two inches longer (53 millimeters), which increases cabin space and reduces rear and front overhangs. The previous-gen Focus’s torsional rigidity has been improved by 20%. The new Focus takes cues even from the RS by using the same extruded foam inside the rear underbody cavity.
The Focus’s sleeker body is more than just pretty. Ford managed to reduce drag coefficient from 0.250 for sedan to 0.27 for hatchback. These figures are the best in class and have been backed up by a weight loss of as much as 194 pounds (88 kg) which has helped to reduce fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions by 10%.
Ford adds technology to its adaptive cruise control system with stop and go, speed signal recognition and lane centering. This helps vehicles maintain a safe distance from other vehicles ahead. Ford’s adaptive front lighting system, which includes a predictive curve light and sigh based lighting, gives the Focus better lighting. This system allows the lights to adjust before they reach a bend, junction, or aroundabout. The system does not rely on the driver’s inputs to adjust the lights, but instead uses a forward-facing camera that monitors lane markings for up to 214 feet (65 metres) ahead of the car.
Other tech goodies include a head up display, an improved active park assistant that allows the driver push a button to complete a parallel park move before engaging park, park out assist, and precollision pedestrian or cyclist detection. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are all available. There is also a rearview camera, rearview camera post-crash assit, wrong direction alert, and an evasive steering aid that provides steering support to assist drivers in maneuvering around vehicles in the event of a crash.
FordPass Connect allows vehicle owners to access a range of functions from their smartphones, including locating the vehicle and checking its status, including fuel level, oil life and other details. They can also lock and unlock doors and start automatic Focus vehicles remotely.
There’s wireless charging and an 8-inch color touchscreen for infotainment. Ford’s Sync 3 system is compatible with both Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay) and the Focus. Voice commands can be used to control audio, climate, and navigation functions. A B&O Play sound system is available with a 6-75-watt sound system that includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer.
The Focus will be available in Europe with two different gasoline engines. A 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine producing 84 horsepower, 99 HP and 123HP, as well as a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 148 hp or 180 hp. There are only two transmission options available: a six-speed manual and an eight-speed auto. The larger unit features cylinder deactivation technology and will turn off one cylinder in just 14 milliseconds, or 20 times faster than the blinking of an eye.
There are two new EcoBlue units for diesel, with 1.5- and 2.25-liter displacements. The first will be available in two power levels: 94 horsepower and 118 horsepower, both with 221 lbft (300 Nm of torque). Ford will give you 148 horsepower and 273 lbft (370Nm) if you choose the larger diesel. The 2.0-liter mill, powered by diesel from the Blue Oval, uses steel pistons for the first time.
Europe will get the Focus sedan, wagon and hatch. The Focus Active crossover will be available in Europe. However, the Focus Vignale will be available in the U.S.