|
By EWAN
KENNEDY
27 April 2009
Ford Australia is about to introduce a heavily reworked version of
its mid-sized Focus series. Officially it's not on display at
dealers until May 1, but a little bird tells us you may be able to
see one, perhaps even test drive it, before then.
Styling changes are relatively small, but under that steeply
sloping bonnet there are some serious mechanical changes.
The latter are led by a new PowerShift six-speed double-clutch,
sequential manual gearbox. This is only available as an option on
the TDCi model with the 2.0-litre Duratorq turbo diesel engine at
this stage, but is likely to be offered on other models later.
Buyers have the choice of Ford's 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine,
which is E10 ethanol-petrol capable, or a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi
common-rail turbo-diesel.
Ford claims the Duratorq turbo-diesel engine is now more refined
and comfortable, due to improvements been made to its NVH (noise,
vibration, harshness) behaviour. These include a new insulated
cowl panel for optimum acoustics, as well as a new carpet type
with a modified heavy duty coating for further sound deadening.
These latter items are also used in the petrol engine Focus
models, thus promising a particularly quiet car as that engine is
already a good one on the NVH front.
At this time we haven’t had a chance to test drive the vehicle,
but will do so soon and bring a full report to you shortly
afterwards.
From an appearance point of view the latest focus on Focus looks
has seen the front end getting a new bonnet, a larger more
aggressive shape to the grille and an even more interesting
shaping to the headlights than on the just-superseded Focus. In
particular, the grille area below the front bumper is now a major
feature of Focus’ face. New-look
foglamps with silver bezels are used on the mid- and high-level
variants.
The new lights aren’t just there for effect, they offer better
side lighting than previously and are designed to reduce glare and
scattering of the light.
Enlarged exterior door mirrors not only add to the visual effect,
but also provide improved visibility. In common with a lot of
other new cars, the door mirrors now feature integrated side
indicators.
At the rear, a new upper rear spoiler is used on all Focus hatch
variants as are clear tail lamp lenses. Additionally, there's a
horizontal contour line where the larger rear windscreen meets the
body.
Even the entry level Focus CL is well-equipped, with air
conditioning, a four-speaker CD audio system with MP3 and iPod
capability, remote keyless entry, power front windows, power
mirrors, trip computer and variable intermittent windscreen
wipers.
Safety equipment includes driver, front passenger and front side
airbags, as well as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
with traction control, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and side
curtain airbags are available as part of the optional Safety Pack.
Focus LX and TDCi come with all the CL equipment, plus 16-inch
alloy wheels, front fog lamps, cruise control, leather-wrapped
steering wheel with integrated audio controls, full power windows
with global open/close functionality, driver's seat map pocket, a
large centre console with sliding armrest and a rear seat centre
armrest. DSC with Traction Control, EBA and side curtain airbags
are all fitted as standard.
The sports Zetec model includes the following features in addition
to the LX/TDCi-specification: 17-inch alloy wheels, sport
suspension, a body kit, six-disc in-dash CD audio system, and a
leather-wrapped gear knob (manual gearbox only).
The complete Ford Focus range, with prices (excluding on-road
costs) is:
CL 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $21,990 (manual), $23,990
(automatic)
CL 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $21,990 (manual), $23,990
(automatic)
LX 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $24,290 (manual), $26,290
(automatic)
LX 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $24,290 (manual), $26,290
(automatic)
Zetec 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $27,290 (manual), $29,290
(automatic)
TDCi 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door hatch: $28,290 (manual),
$30,290 (automatic)
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
|
|
