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Ford's new Focus family

Ford aims to take its next top-seller to a whole new level – and we have all the amazing details.

ford focus

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Miroslav

01st December 2009

Check out the most Focused family in motoring! In a world exclusive, Auto Express has brought together every variant of Ford’s all-new Focus line-up – giving you a sneak peek at what’s set to become the UK’s best compact family car range.

When it makes its debut next year, the MkIII Focus family will offer something for everyone – from a stylish five-door hatchback to a head-turning SUV, as well as a stunning RS super-hatch.

And it’s no surprise that Ford is pulling out all the stops. Not only has the new Focus got to take on VW’s Golf and the Vauxhall Astra, it also has to attract a worldwide audience. As with the Fiesta supermini, the car is a true global product.

Taking its inspiration from the Iosis Max concept seen at March’s Geneva Motor Show, the styling of the new Focus will be more edgy than rivals, but retains its mass-market appeal. Under the skin is Ford’s latest C-segment platform. This is essentially a reworked version of the current model’s underpinnings, but should ensure the Focus stays at the top of the class for handling.

A new range of EcoBoost turbo petrol engines will be available, as will updated TDCi diesels. The former includes 89bhp or 108bhp 1.0-litre units and a 170bhp 1.6. Diesel fans can choose from a 128bhp 1.6 or a 2.0-litre with 168bhp or 197bhp.

Taking its position at the head of the pack will be an all-new Focus RS. To keep weight and costs down without affecting performance, Ford engineers will carry over the existing model’s front-wheel-drive layout.

However, the thirsty 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo unit is to be dropped in favour of a more efficient 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo. This should deliver more than the current 301bhp.

If style is a greater priority than speed, there’s also a pair of trendy Focus-based models. Using the three-door, due early in 2011, as a starting point, the new four-seat Focus CC will stick with a folding hard-top and take the fight to established rivals such as the Peugeot 308 CC and VW Eos when it arrives late that year.

Ford is even cranking up the style on the Kuga. A five-door successor to the current compact SUV arrives in 2011, but it will be joined by a more elegant three-door variant.

This gets muscular proportions reminiscent of the Iosis X concept displayed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and will be offered with a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The same line-up of EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel units will be available in both versions of the Kuga, but in a first for the SUV range they will be hooked up to Ford’s Powershift twin-clutch transmission.

Completing the new Focus line-up will be a cavernous estate, a stylish saloon and the C-MAX compact MPV. The latter will be the first model in the range to arrive, and is one of the most eagerly awaited new car launches of 2010. It promises a versatile interior, with a premium-quality feel, a raft of hi-tech kit and a wraparound layout.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Focus visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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7 Comments

Why does Europe get the "cool" Focus?

It seems that every few years Ford redesigns the European spec Focus and every time they do so, it looks amazing. I'd buy the entire lineup I see in this article. I swear these would sell really well in the US. The version we have now is pretty boring and pedestrian.

By setharp4 on 3 December, 2009, 3:45pm

CABUSA

Thanks, but no thanks - Ford seem to have gone even further down the Tonka Toy route. I don`t like cars with a rising waistline, because you can`t see behind, and I do not wish to run over my children, let alone bang into the car behind when parking.

I don`t like the Corsa because of the massive blind spot caused by the "split" A Post - and Ford has now copied exactly the same with the new Focus; plus even worse, a "B" Post which looks about 25 to 30 cm wide - thats about 10 inches to us, but either way, visibility looks appalling, and a serious safety issue.

And what about excessive weight? My current Focus Estate weighs in at 1400 kilos - nearly 1.5 tonnes - for a small family car? It`s absurd!

And what about noise? OK, the Focus is a nippy car, but the road noise and reverberations echoing round the shell make it like rolling down a gravel beach in a 40 gallon oil drum - seriously! I had a Maestro Diesel van in the late `80`s which was more refined (and, a good more economical) than my 1.6 TDCI 110 Estate!

Fords used to make cars which were practical, good value, and easy to live with. If their new way is Tonka Toys designed by ex Video Machine stylists, count me out - I`ll head for the Kias or the Hyundais!

It`s not a surprise Ford made good profits in the `80`s and `90`s with their Escorts and Sierras - these were simple tough, and fast. Now Ford are losing bundles of money while VW are profitable, perhaps they should ask themselves why?

AS



By CABUSA on 3 December, 2009, 8:05pm

Natural progression from the current model - but will Ford fit proper reversing lights? To date, all focuses have had only reversing light, and one fog light. Surely this is cost cutting gone too far? It might have been chic on a 1982 Fiat Panda - but on a modern ÂŁ20,000 car this is totally in appropriate - and a pain if you live in a rural area. Surely Ford ought to be able to get this right? Not rocket science. Having a fog light on the wrong side when you are driving abroad must surely compromise safety.

By JStride on 3 December, 2009, 9:56pm

Setharp4
Ford has already told the American public the MK3 American Focus will be the same as the European Focus. Keep in mind in the states small cars are viewed as econoboxes/entry-level cars. With the rise in gas (petrol) prices, Americans are warming up to small cars that are not econoboxes. Just look at the American Fiesta as a sign of things to come.

By M0L0TOV on 4 December, 2009, 3:22am

New Focus Family

Getting uglier with each version! I agree with a previous correspondant - hate rising waistlines, hate the ugly nose treatment. I yearn for the days of aerodynamic smooth design. We had banished yawning great grilles and rads to the past. Now they are back, despite their contribution to drag that goes against the green agenda - and the fact that they are so pig-ugly!

By pajbse on 4 December, 2009, 2:56pm

Ford engineers will carry over the existing model’s front-wheel-drive layout.

"Taking its position at the head of the pack will be an all-new Focus RS. To keep weight and costs down without affecting performance, Ford engineers will carry over the existing model’s front-wheel-drive layout."

I really hope not. Many people want the new Ford Focus RS 4WD/AWD (four-wheel drive), the factory should sell this if they are willing to listen to what people want.

By Thomars on 8 December, 2009, 6:50pm

No real photos

What is it with ford and all the computer generated cars? Then again, all you have to do is look at the brutally bland focus in the real world to see why they wouldn't use real photos! I just don't get ford design. High waist lines, pointless lines and creases everywhere. Like somebody else wrote earlier, ford are starting to look more like toy cars.

By macsuibhne on 11 January, 2010, 7:58pm

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Ford future production timeline

ON SALE 2010
Focus Hatch
Ford’s bread and butter, the five-door Focus will be the most desirable hatch in its sector. A sleek coupé-like three-door is to follow.

C-MAX
The five-seat C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX will introduce real desirability to the compact MPV class with a winning combination of practicality and driver appeal.

ON SALE 2011
Focus CC
Gorgeus coupé-cabrio aims to succeed where current CC failed. The head-turning four-seater retains a compact folding metal hood for ultimate refinement and style.

Focus saloon
Sticking the boot into the Focus family is the smart saloon. While sales in the US, Far East and Europe will be stronger than in the UK, traditional sedan will still have a strong following here.

Focus estate
Meet the new king of the compact estates. A sliding rear bench and split-fold seats enhance the huge luggage area, while a rakish shape ensures practicality and style can go hand in hand.

ON SALE 2012
Kuga Coupe
Taking inspiration from the BMW X6, the three-door Kuga coupé will go on sale alongside a five-door. With a sporty driving experience, it will be in a class of its own.

Focus RS
Flagship super-hatch will top new range with a sensational 2.0-litre turbo. Dramatic bodykit, swollen wheelarches, a wild rear spoiler and figure-hugging bucket seats will ensure it’s one of the most aggressively styled cars on the road.

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