| The New Ford Focus | ||
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(Mon 11 Jan 10) The third-generation Ford Focus is making its world debut today at the Detroit Show, and is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2011.
It's based on a platform which is not currently found in any other Ford model, but which will underpin the new C-MAX when it goes on sale later this year. Up to ten distinct models will eventually be created on the same platform. In the case of the Focus, Ford is promising all the usual things, including better fuel economy and CO2 emissions, improved handling, greater crash safety and lower noise levels. The "blade" rear suspension system is in concept similar to that introduced on the original Focus back in 1998, though it has been developed, and there's a completely new power steering system intended "to deliver pure and precise responses at high speed while remaining light and manoeuvrable for parking".
The engine line-up will include the new EcoBoost 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol turbo (which aims to provide the performance of a larger engine without affecting official fuel economy figures) and a range of turbo diesels with at least 10% better fuel economy than the current ones. Details of UK specifications and pricing are unlikely to be confirmed for several months yet. |
