Press Release
Powertrain
The new Ford Focus is built with precision and an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. This is evident both inside the car, and in the engineering and technology enhancements introduced across the new range.
In addition to its dynamic new styling and established on-road agility, the new Focus range now includes a wide variety of available new technologies and innovative features that are designed to make the car even more attractive and enjoyable to own.
These features include:
- Standard Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling system with misfill inhibitor
- Standard emergency hazard warning light activation system
- Available 'Ford Power' button for keyless start, plus keyless entry system
- New Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
- LED tail lamps in combination with advanced AFS and HID Xenon headlamps
- Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner on Sony radio system
- New audio connectivity module for external devices and new levels of Bluetooth ® connectivity, voice control and navigation systems
- New infotainment options include an affordable navigation system with 'SD' card slot
- 230 volt socket for direct power to appliances (optional)
Powertrain Choice
In addition, the new Focus range offers an improved and comprehensive choice of petrol and diesel powertrains all designed to achieve lower CO 2 emissions and fuel economy.
The new Focus is also the first of the company's model ranges to receive a dedicated Ford ECOnetic ultra-low CO 2 model, while the Focus Flexifuel and (in selected markets) Focus CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) models continue to be available.
A major new option is the new Ford PowerShift six-speed double clutch automatic transmission system, while Ford's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system with Traction Control is also standard equipment for all European major markets.
New equipment and option highlights in detail
Ford Easyfuel Capless Refuelling System
Over 200,000 people misfuel their car each year in the UK and Germany alone. This error can lead to major engine damage and an expensive repair bill. Like the new Ford Mondeo, the new Focus benefits from the acclaimed Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling system. Simple and easy to use, this system is designed to prevent mis-fuelling and the associated damage, inconvenience and expense.
Benefits to the system are twofold; first, the lack of a conventional cap that needs to be removed prior to fuelling the car means that drivers have fewer things to touch, reducing the likelihood of fingers becoming tainted with fuel.
Secondly, the system features a special fuel inhibitor which provides major protection against misfuelling at the fuel pump. The fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzle, and Ford has engineered the system to allow only a nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to open and enter the filler neck. This protects against both petrol and diesel misfuelling.
The use of mechanical devices around the nozzle opening and a special flap at the top of the fuel filler neck operate together to seal the opening and provide the same assurance that the system is as secure as when a properly fitted separate cap is used on conventional filling systems.
Ford Power Button (from early 2008)
The Ford Power keyless start button, first seen on the new Mondeo, will be available as an option on all new Focus models, except for the ST where it will be standard equipment. This stylish button can be specified with the Premium centre console, and is positioned close to the gearshift bezel.
Once inside the car, and provided the key fob is on the driver's person, the car can quickly be activated. To start the engine, the driver depresses the clutch pedal on cars with manual transmission, or the brake pedal on cars fitted with automatic transmission (and the gear selector in 'P' or 'N'), and then pushes the button to fire the engine in less than 500 milliseconds. The Focus communicates wirelessly with a micro-chip in the key fob to activate the ignition system. A further push of the button switches the engine and ignition off, with a safeguard to prevent it being operated while the car is in motion. The entertainment systems can be activated without starting the engine by pushing the button alone.
The new Focus can also be specified with a keyless entry system which can combine with keyless start to remove the necessity of using a conventional key for quick and easy cabin entry, luggage area access and vehicle starting. The keyless entry system uses a radio signal that the vehicle recognises to communicate with the key when the driver approaches the car with the key about their person. When the driver is within a set distance of the driver’s door and pulls the door handle, the car automatically unlocks. If the door is not opened and driver moves away from the vehicle, the car will secure itself. When leaving the vehicle after use, the vehicle can be locked securely by pressing one of the sensors on the external door handles or the boot lid handle.
Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
The new Focus can be specified with a tyre pressure Deflation Detection System (DDS). A single warning light in the instrument cluster warns of changes to tyre diameters and possible tyre pressure loss while driving. Simple, effective and secure – it is optional for every new Ford Focus with ESP.
Emergency Hazard Warning Light Activation
All new Focus models benefit from this system as standard. It aids the driver in certain hazardous driving situations, by automatically switching on the hazard warning lights whenever the brake performance is more than 6-7m/s ², which is about 60-70 per cent of possible brake performance (10m/s ²). Once switched on the hazard warning lights can be switched off automatically by the system, or at any time by pressing the hazard warning light switch.
LED rear lights
When the AFS or HID Xenon headlamp options are specified for three- and five-door hatchback and wagon models, distinctive new LED rear lights will be fitted.
These use advanced LED technology and feature twelve Light Emitting Diodes per side. Instead of showing each LED individually as often is the case with this technology, the new Focus system applies a new method of distributing the light.
In the new Focus lights, the LEDs themselves are covered and the emitted light is reflected on horizontal ribs on whose 45 degree edges the light energy is broken up and radiated to the outside.
Advanced front lighting systems
New Focus comes with bright and efficient halogen headlamps, but the car can be specified with one of two optional, advanced front lighting systems.
Ford's Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) uses halogen lights which swivel – with up to fifteen degrees of movement – depending on the steering input by the driver. This system automatically adjusts the headlights to aim where the car is driving, and is proven to provide better visibility when negotiating bends, particularly at night on roads where the only light source is the car's headlamps.
Alternatively, HID (H igh Intensity Discharge) xenon headlamps are available as an option, and produce around twice the intensity of conventional bulbs for a much brighter light output. They consume one-third of the energy input of conventional lights and enjoy a longer service life.
Digital Audio Broadcast tuner (from early 2008)
From the beginning of 2008, the new Ford Focus will be available with an innovative new audio system.
Sony audio systems will be available with a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) tuner as an option. The DAB system terrestrially transmits digital radio programmes and thereby enables radio reception in CD quality. The system has already been successfully launched in many European markets – for example in Great Britain and Scandinavia – and even at this early stage enjoys a high market penetration.
Connectivity Module and New Infotainment Systems
Thanks to the new Connectivity Module it is now easier than ever to connect new audio media in the Ford Focus. By means of a USB port and an auxiliary socket, any mobile audio formats currently on the market can be directly connected to the audio systems. The Connectivity Module also provides a special solution for Apple iPod owners – if linked with a special connector, all replay functions of the latest iPod models can be operated by using the car's audio system controls.
The Connectivity Module provides functions beyond music entertainment. The system also provides customers with voice control functionality for audio systems and climate control, as well as the possibility to connect a mobile telephone via Bluetooth ® technology to the audio system, resulting in a hands-free telephone kit with comprehensive voice control functionality.
The Connectivity Module can be ordered for all new Focus bodystyles and series with the Premium centre console, and is available in conjunction with all Sony audio and any optional navigation systems.
Optional new navigation systems for the new Focus ensure that the destination is reached easily and safely and by avoiding traffic hold-ups.
The new Ford DVD navigation system is a state-of-the-art navigation system which features a full colour, 7-inch display screen and includes touch-screen controls. The climate, audio and navigation systems can be controlled using the touch-screen and a repeater screen is included in the centre of the main instrument cluster.
If combined with Bluetooth ®, another significant feature of this navigation system is 'Natural Speech Destination Entry' – with this new functionality, typing in destination details is no longer required.
The new Focus also offers a favourably priced CD-SD navigation system which will be an attractive alternative to portable aftermarket systems. This model is fitted with a 5-inch TFT colour display and the system is also very flexible in the way it is operated. A key feature is an industry-first additional slot for SD storage cards, enabling the driver to plug map material or MP3 music data into the system.
230 Volt power socket
All vehicles fitted with the Premium centre console can be ordered with a 230 Volt power socket as an option; the console accommodates the inverter and the socket is conveniently positioned on the back of the centre console. With this facility, conventional electrical appliances of up to a capacity of 150 Watts can be powered without the need for a specific inverter for each individual appliance.
