Press Release
Driving Dynamics
When launched in 1998, Focus raised the bar for driving quality in the C segment. Its advanced and friction-optimised components, the newly developed 'Control Blade' multilink rear suspension, the front MacPherson spring struts and the semi-isolated front subframe combined to give the Focus the optimum balance of ride, handling, steering precision and comfort.
While the first Focus set the standard, the all-new 2004 model - in which the wheelbase was increased by 25 mm, the track by 40 mm, and numerous improved details to axle and spring elements, bearings and anti-roll bars were introduced – moved the Focus story on even further. Notably, the introduction of the electro-hydraulic EHPAS steering gave the car new levels of refinement and ensured its continued position as segment leader for driving dynamics, a key Ford brand characteristic that remains a true passion for the engineering team.
"Naturally we tested the Focus repeatedly, continually comparing it with any new competitor, and this reinforced our decision not to make any major changes to the Focus chassis and its alignment," said Norbert Kessing, Vehicle Dynamics manager.
Detail changes have been made to make the Focus quieter in terms of NVH. This is particularly the case for the popular Focus diesel models, while manual transmissions benefit from reduced friction by using a new low viscosity transmission oil which does not only contribute to a better fuel economy, but also helps to reduce the forces required for a gear change by up to 14 per cent.
Driving the Focus 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi model is now even more refined and comfortable as specific improvements have been made to its NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) behaviour.
This engine – along with all other Ford Focus petrol and diesel engines – benefits from a new insulated, weight reduced cowl panel, for optimum acoustics and a new carpet with a modified heavy duty coating for further sound deadening.
In addition, the inlet tract and the coupling to the exhaust system were optimised along with the connection hose, which now has a new acoustically effective filter element. The NVH improvement package is rounded off with a calibration modification to the engine to further reduce the combustion noise when starting from cold as well as during transient driving manoeuvres, and also a newly adapted engine cover. The outcome of these measures is a smoother ride that gives just as much punch.
This engine comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. In early 2008 it will be the first Ford car to be available with a new six-speed double-clutch Ford PowerShift transmission especially developed to provide low fuel consumption and fully automatic comfort with no loss of driving dynamics. To partner with this new transmission technology, a second version of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine will also be available, delivering 110 PS (81 kW).
Focus Dynamics – A Driver's Car
Ford’s relentless development and industry-leading technical expertise ensures that Focus is a genuine driver’s car. It gives the impression of being connected to the road, reacting intuitively between the road and the driver, with smooth and linear feedback and enhanced predictability under all driving conditions. Excellent road feedback and precise steering control are enhanced by a high degree of torsional stiffness within the body structure, providing a fluid ride quality.
A stiff front subframe is complemented by the rear Control Blade suspension with its hydrobush design featuring a system of water filled pockets connected to an oil reservoir to deliver carefully tuned damping force. In order to ensure that initial roll movements of the vehicle are better controlled, the engineers implemented an improved rear anti-roll bar drop link with special low friction double ball joints.
The chassis includes MacPherson struts, large front dampers, gas-filled twin tube struts and rebound springs. The front lower control arms are mounted to the subframe by two horizontal bushes that have been carefully tuned to provide increased vehicle stability under braking, support the overall approach of low lateral compliance (important for high levels of steering precision) and allow for good impact absorption.
The Focus front subframe provides a significant amount of stiffness at the attachment points which, together with wide support base and stiff Anti-Roll Bar attachments, results in maximum cornering efficiency and roll control for comfort and real handling confidence. Road holding is impressive: Focus continues to display agility with class-leading ride quality to prove that ideal body control and cornering prowess do not demand harsh suspension settings.
The Focus Electric-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) system makes low speed manoeuvres easy while preserving precision on the open road. Large diameter brakes also provide excellent ‘feel’, optimum emergency stopping power and long brake pad life.
The Focus body structure also plays a major role in the car’s driving quality. New Focus has been engineered to the same high torsional stiffness levels as its predecessor.
Drivers will appreciate in the well balanced performance comfort and signature agility, stability and precise reaction to steering inputs. The new chassis has been engineered to provide vibration isolation and stable, confidence-enhancing body control, making it reassuringly comfortable even on coarse roads.
Focus Brakes – Assured performance
The Focus braking system is summed up in three words: confident, intuitive and comfortable. Designed and built without compromise to deliver assured performance and to reduce braking distances to a minimum, the braking system delivers a very smooth and defined initial bite at low speeds to optimise urban performance. The relationship between pedal travel and braking force is perfectly balanced, bringing a great feeling of confidence at all speeds. In addition, the n ew Focus now comes with standard Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control in most European markets.
Focus Steering – Precise at all speeds
For ideally weighted, precise steering at all speeds, the Ford Focus is equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering (EHPAS).
An electro-motor driven pump uses vehicle speed and steering wheel speed as input to calculate the optimum PAS support. It provides class-leading low efforts at the wheel at low speed – ideal when parking – and still provides smooth and progressive feedback when cornering at speed.
The Focus EHPAS system is not dependent on engine speed, making it exceptionally energy efficient. This results in a fuel saving of up to one-fifth of a litre per 100 kilometres, or roughly 3 per cent versus traditional hydraulic PAS systems, as EHPAS effectively ‘reads’ the driving environment and responds accordingly. A stiff steering column plus stiff suspension and steering gear bushes, plus the geometric precision of the Focus steering and suspension systems also contribute to more responsive control.
"While the major changes to the new Focus are most visible in its new exterior and interior design elements, I cannot understate the amount of detailed work that has been put into making the new model more comfortable to drive and to ride in," said Gunnar Herrmann. "I am confident that the new model will delight our existing customers with its new levels of style and substance, and that it will attract even more new customers to the Ford brand with its 'kinetic design' individuality."
