Enlarge imageThis is the next-generation Ford Focus, which promises reductions in emissions of between 10 and 20 per cent compared to the outgoing models.
The car is making its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, however it won't be on sale until early in 2011.
The new Focus will be one of up to 10 models to be built from Ford's new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of two million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX - unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.
The Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 per cent parts commonality around the world.
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The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engines - including the 1.6-litre unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 per cent compared to the outgoing models.The new car aims to improve further on the critically-acclaimed driving qualities of the current model, and take both the exterior and interior design to new levels.
Engineers have updated the suspension from prior models, developing optimised new designs for the “control blade” multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front and rear subframes. The chassis design is complemented by a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system, which Ford says has been tuned to deliver precise responses at high speed while remaining light and manoeuvrable for parking.
Identical chassis and suspension architecture is being used for all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences, such as local tyre specifications.
