Ford today delivered the global public debut of the all-new Ford Focus, the most accomplished and technically-competent Focus ever.
Following closer collaboration with customers than ever before, the all-new Focus has been developed from the ground up to provide the most confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding driving and occupant experience of any mid-size family car in Europe.
Focus introduces a new human-centric design philosophy that fuses emotional exterior styling with class-leading aerodynamics; and delivers an interior offering more space combined with high quality materials and craftsmanship.
The all-new Focus remains true to the nameplate’s 20-year legacy of class-leading driving dynamics, further enhanced with the first Focus-application of Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) technology for the independent front and rear suspension systems; new Drive Modes; an isolated rear subframe for greater refinement; and Ford-patented spring technology.
The occupant experience is enhanced with comfort and convenience features including FordPass Connect embedded modem for connectivity on the move and a new Wireless charging pad for compatible smartphone devices.
Powertrain options include a further optimised version of Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost and new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, both enhanced with Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation application for three-cylinder engines. New 1.5-litre EcoBlue and 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines deliver ultimate fuel-efficiency, and a new intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission adapts shift patterns to driving style, and is controlled using a stylish and ergonomic Rotary Gear Shift Dial.
Unveiled in five-door hatchback, wagon and in selected markets four-door body styles, the most comprehensive Focus line-up ever is offered with exclusive personalities to complement the broadest spectrum of mid-sized car customer aspirations, including the stylish Focus Trend and Titanium, sporty Focus ST-Line, upscale Focus Vignale and the first Focus Active crossover.
The all-new Focus is the first vehicle globally to be based on Ford’s new C2 platform designed to enhance crash performance; deliver more interior space for Ford’s mid-size models without negatively impacting exterior dimensions; and support improved aerodynamics for better fuel-efficiency. Best-ever craftsmanship and quality is delivered following a €600 million investment at Ford’s Saarlouis assembly facility, Germany.
Focus has matured proportionally, to reflect a more premium, sporting silhouette while offering increased comfort and roominess. The distinctive new silhouette is achieved principally through positioning the A-pillars further rearward; a balanced proportion that allows them to aim towards the centre of the front wheel while the muscular sheet metal of the C-pillars sits squarely over the rear wheels. The resulting longer hood and flowing front fender, coupled to a marked reduction in the wedge of the beltline, is both powerful and elegant, enhancing the car’s premium and sporting character.
Extending the wheelbase by 53 millimetres enables a larger tyre diameter, allowing the wheels to be positioned higher into the sheet metal and reducing the perception of length and visual mass. The shorter overhangs and rearward cabin position gives a strong, dynamic stance with a compact impression.
Managing air flow around the vehicle played a pivotal role in the design development of the all-new Focus. A highly sculptural, athletic exterior delivers class-leading aerodynamic efficiency through the sleek, lower profile; the short rear overhangs; truncated corners; and harmoniously integrated aerodynamic features.
Generous in movement, the sheet metal is formed through highly tensioned, athletic sculpturing. Wide surfaces catch the light to visually entertain from front to rear. The long front fenders project with conviction towards the squat rear haunches, creating a dynamic visual agility.
The face of the all-new Focus is simple and harmonious, exuding a clear and assertive presence. A discernibly larger, yet recognisably proud Ford grille sits confidently between the horizontally-biased headlamps, which, like the taillamps, are placed as far outboard as possible to enhance width and stance.
The taillamps are now two-piece, allowing for a more versatile deck-lid opening, while LED lighting technologies provide distinctly recognisable signatures in daylight and darkness. The Focus script is positioned proudly in individual satin-finished letters between the taillamps, reaffirming the premium execution at the rear.
The human-centric design philosophy extends to the interior, which delivers a more inviting and accommodating environment with greater perceived quality – achieved using simple, clean lines, expressive and confidence-inspiring materials, and seamlessly integrated surfaces.
Simplified, less cluttered design supports a more calming atmosphere. Front doors now flow fluidly behind the instrument panel for a visually spacious, upmarket, wrap-around effect. The upper instrument panel and door interiors are constructed from soft touch materials for a more premium feel. Sophisticated jewellery elements reflect contemporary high-end consumer product design, with polished glass and brushed finishes among those offered for the passenger-side instrument panel deco-spear, door trims and air-vent registers.
As with the exterior, the interiors of the all-new Focus derivatives feature unique design elements and materials for a distinctive character, including fine-grain wood-effect finishes and premium leather for Vignale, sporty carbon fibre-effect finishes and red stitching for the ST-Line, and more rugged, textured materials and surfaces for the Active.
