Ford Focus Redesigned from the Wheels Up

Ford has introduced the fully redesigned Focus for world markets-hinting at what’s to come for U.S. customers.

The car has been remade “from the wheels up after hundreds of hours studying and speaking with Focus customers around the world,” according to Ford.

Design

The -new Focus will have a longer hood with cab-rearward interior that provides a strong, reassuring on-road presence. While it looks bigger than the previous Focus, its overall dimensions are unchanged so it’s still easy to move about urban environments. The car also will feature more interior space for all passengers.

Driving Experience

The new Focus features an all-new chassis and suspension with a 20-percent improvement in torsional rigidity for better body control, according to Ford. An all-new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system provides more responsive, intuitive and engaging steering feel.

All-new Focus offers standard Drive Mode Technology-including Normal, Sport and Eco modes-enabling drivers to adjust engine and transmission response, steering feel and Adaptive Cruise Control to match the driving situation from sporty to efficiency-minded.

Ford’s new optional quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission is engineered to further optimize fuel-efficiency and deliver responsive performance, according to the company. Features include:

• Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which assesses individual driving styles to optimize gearshift timings for a more stable, engaging and refined driving experience
• Adaptive Shift Quality Control, which assesses vehicle and environmental information to help adjust clutch pressures for consistently smooth gearshifts

More Space

Focus’ interior comfort is more refined and upscale, according to Ford. Even the instrument panel positioning is optimized for getting in and out of the car. An electric parking brake and rotary gear shift dial frees up space and provide easier access to bins and cup holders for the driver and front passenger. A narrower center console-enabled by relocating switches and controls to the touchscreen-features soft knee pads for more comfort.

Additional space is delivered for backseat passengers by extending the wheelbase and flat floor. Shoulder-room increases by nearly 2.4 inches and knee clearance and legroom grows by nearly 2 inches 2.8 inches, respectively.

The heating and air-conditioning system heats and cools the cabin faster and more quietly, according to Ford. Special attention was paid even to the shape of the sideview door mirrors, which were designed to help reduce that air throbbing effect that can occur when one window is lowered at speed.

The Focus team also thought about pet friendliness. For wagon customers, rear cargo space is designed to comfortably accommodate large pet carriers, with up to 58 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the front seats when the rear seats are folded. There’s even an available Easy Fold Seat feature to quickly lower the seats with the pull of a lever.

Ford’s Hands-free lift gate technology allows access to the wagon cargo space with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper. Also, the cargo cover now fits neatly beneath the new flexible load floor when not needed, according to Ford.

Technologies

The new Focus debuts Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver assist technologies to help drivers move more safely, confidently and freely, according to Ford.

Available technologies, which will vary by region, include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centering for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic
• Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camera-based predictive curve light and Sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends in the road and road signs
• A new version of Active Park Assist that now also operates gear selection, acceleration and braking to enable fully automated maneuvers at the push of a button
• Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions

As part of Ford’s vision to deliver smart vehicles for a smart world, 90 percent of its new global vehicles will be equipped with internet connectivity by 2020, according to the company. This includes the new Focus, which will come with FordPass Connect embedded modem technology. This allows Ford customers to turn the vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices.

In addition to helping drivers plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system and enabling occupants to stream entertainment on the move, FordPass Connect allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, according to Ford, including:

• Vehicle Locator, helping owners find their car in sprawling shopping mall car parks
• Vehicle Status, for checking fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more
• Door Lock Unlock, to remotely allow access to your Focus
• Remote Start

A new available wireless charging pad beneath the instrument panel enables passengers to easily charge compatible smartphones and mobile devices. Devices can remain connected via Bluetooth to Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system while using wireless charging.

SYNC 3 also is available with a 8-inch color touchscreen that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SYNC 3 also allows drivers to control audio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands.

The all-new Focus goes on sale in Europe and China this year and North America in the second half of 2019.