2011 Focus out in August.

[vztrt]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/117135/2...lia-in-august/

2011 Ford Focus on sale in Australia in August
By Tim Beissmann | May 2nd, 2011

The all-new 2011 Ford Focus will go on sale in Australia in August in sedan and hatch form with three different powertrains and four specification levels.

The four-door sedan and five-door hatch body styles will carry over, while the wagon body shape sold overseas will not make it to Australia.

Following Ford Australia’s current naming convention, the luxury model in the new Focus range will wear ‘Titanium’ badging, with three other models – potentially to remain CL, LX and Zetec – will slot in below.

The three engines will include two petrol units and one diesel.

Ford says the most frugal engine in the new Focus range will be the smaller 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol. Ford says customers can expect fuel consumption improvements of more than 15 percent compared with the outgoing model, which means it will use between 6.0 and 6.8 litres/100km on the combined cycle.

Overseas, the 1.6-litre engine is offered in two tunes – the first with 77kW of power and 150Nm of torque, and the second with 92kW and 159Nm (Ford Australia is yet to confirm specific performance data). Combined cycle fuel consumption is 6.0 litres/100km according to overseas standards, with emissions averaging 139g/km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes around 11 seconds.

The larger 2.0-litre GDi petrol engine will produce 118kW of power and 198Nm of torque, and utilises high-pressure direct injection for enhanced performance and efficiency.

The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel is available overseas in three different tunes: 85kW/300Nm, 103kW/320Nm and 120kW/340Nm. Ford Australia says the engine will offer a significant increase in power and torque, suggesting the 120kW/340Nm unit will be the one sold Down Under.

Despite Ford Australia’s claim that the 1.6-litre petrol will be the most efficient, overseas tests rate the 2.0-litre diesel at 5.3 litres/100km combined.

The Focus is available overseas with a 110kW/270Nm 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, but this variant will not be offered in Australia.

Both the 2.0-litre engines will be available with either a manual (five-speed GDI, six-speed TDCi) or six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

A reduced drag coefficient (0.295) also contributes to the enhanced efficiency of the new Focus.

Increased body stiffness (30 percent greater rigidity than the previous model) has led to improvements in noise, vibration and harshness.

Ford Australia has confirmed Active Park Assist, cruise control with Adjustable Speed Limiting Device, Adaptive Cruise Control and push button start will all be available in the new Focus, depending on the specification level.

Mid- and high-spec Focus models will also incorporate an Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system similar to that used in the new Territory.

Inside, the Focus features the latest generation of Ford’s Human Machine Interface system, and includes twin five-way steering wheel-mounted toggle switches and soft touch interior surfaces.

Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano, said the launch of the new ‘One Ford’ global Focus represented an “exciting new chapter” for Focus in Australia.

“In every world market where Focus competes, customers are looking for expressive design, affordable innovation, superior quality, responsive performance and exceptional fuel economy,” Mr Graziano said.

“In Australia, the all-new Focus presents all these elements in an outstanding package. It will raise the bar in these areas and deliver a new level of standard and available content, enabled by its global scale.”

Australian Focus models will be sourced from the Saarlouis plant in Germany. Specification and pricing details will be revealed closer to the launch of the 2011 Ford Focus in August.

[Riksta]

So Titanium is coming to Australia. Awesome

If only I could afford to buy one brand new. Might start really saving pennies and getting more paid off of the Zetec and see what I can do!

[chrisfpv]

Not a fan of the front end at all.

[Kryton]

I guess you have to get used to the appearance.
Interior looks good though.

[In Focus]

What Ford should do is match the Cruze model for model in price. Base model petrol manual exactly the same as the Cruze, and so on up the line. Then wheel out the old "Compare" line of advertising.

But, really, there is no comparison.

[DeKa]

I am disappointed there is no EcoBoost engine. I won't buy one until there is.

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...503-1e5pk.html

New Focus misses out on turbo tech
Matt Campbell
May 3, 2011 - 10:11AM

Ford reveals Focus engine line-up for Australia - but clever new EcoBoost engine is absent.

Ford's next-generation Focus small car will go on sale in Australia next August without the new model's most advanced engine.

The high-tech 'EcoBoost' 1.6-litre turbocharged engine - which produces 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque yet while sipping only 5.0L/100km - has been left off the list for Australia, along with the attractive station wagon variant.

It means the new Focus will go up against rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Holden Cruze that offer effective small-capacity turbo petrol engines.
Advertisement: Story continues below

Instead, Ford Australia this week confirmed the new Focus will be offered locally with a choice of four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body styles, and three engines, including a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol unit producing an estimated 120kW of power and 200Nm of torque, with consumption estimated to be less than 8.0L/100km (based on the US model's figures). Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or six-speed 'Powershift' dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Other engines include an updated version of the existing 2.0-litre turbo diesel which is expected to produce 120kW/350Nm (up from the current diesel's 100kW/320Nm output), with consumption to dip even lower than the current oil-burner's 5.9L/100km. Gearboxes include a six-speed manual and optional Powershift transmission. The third choice is an efficiency-focused 1.6-litre petrol engine - similar to the one used in the smaller Fiesta city car - which is expected to return a consumption figure of less than 7.0L/100km.

Ford Australia spokesman Justin Lacy says the EcoBoost engine - which has received rave reviews in Europe - may come at a later date, and says the wagon version could be considered if there is demand.

Ford says there will be a number of trim levels available, including the range-topping Titanium badge for the first time on a Focus. According to the company, the top-end offering will "offer luxury levels of convenience and comfort that will please buyers shifting from larger and luxury-class vehicles".

The front-wheel-drive Focus will feature a clever new torque vectoring system that is designed to aid front-end traction and is said to give the car a sportier feel.

Details of what technologies will be available inside the new Focus haven't yet been made public, though clever touches such as a WiFi hotspot and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are expected.

Pricing for the next-gen Focus is likely to be revealed around June, with Ford Australia saying the new model isn't likely to see significant change in either direction.

Australia's Focus supply will initially come from Europe but is expected to switch to the cheaper manufacturing source of Thailand.

[vztrt]

Official: Ford's next Focus here in August

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257884001E6221

New MkIII Focus to arrive in just three months with downsized 1.6-litre engine

2 May 2011

By MARTON PETTENDY

FORD has announced its third-generation Focus will go on sale in Australia in just three months, headlined by a frugal new 1.6-litre petrol engine to open the all-new small-car range.

Now officially confirmed for release here in August, the redesigned Focus will be available from launch in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with the choice of four specification levels.

In addition to a new 2.0-litre GDi direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine and upgraded 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel, the 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol four will bring the initial number of new Focus engines to three.

Full details of the local launch range will be announced next month, but GoAuto expects Ford Australia to expand the number of sedan variants it offers in order to capitalise on the more stylish new three-box Focus design.

Sales of the current LVII-series Focus are heavily skewed to the hatch, while the top-selling Mazda3’s hatch/sedan split is closer to 50:50. That is why the MkII Focus sedan range includes just two entry-level petrol versions, while the hatch is available in four model grades (CL, LX, Zetec and TDCi diesel).

However, the addition of a range-topping Titanium variant, which borrows its name from the flagship Mondeo and now Territory, and the availability of diesel power in both hatch and sedan configuration, should result in the widest Focus range for some time.

Ford says the new 1.6-litre engine reduces fuel consumption by more than 15 per cent over the most fuel-efficient 2.0-litre petrol Focus currently offered (7.1L/100km), which equates to about 6.0L/100km.

However, it is not clear which transmission the smaller engine will be matched with, nor which body style it will be available in.

Although the Focus 1.6 is not expected to significantly reduce the current model’s entry-level price of $21,990 – at least not until MkIII Focus production for Australia switches from Saarlouis in Germany to Rayong in Thailand late next year – it will join a growing number of smaller-displacement models in what was once exclusively a 2.0-litre class.

While the 1.6-litre Focus will be Ford’s answer to Hyundai’s 1.6-litre petrol i30 hatch range-opener ($19,590) and Volkswagen’s 1.2-litre Golf 77TSI ($22,990), the new Focus itself will be joined in Australia’s fastest-growing sales segment by facelifted Mazda3, all-new Holden Cruze hatch, new Subaru Impreza and new Citroen C4 models by year’s end, plus new Honda Civic and Opel Astra models next year.

Ford’s 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engine produces 88kW/152Nm in the Thai-sourced Fiesta – just short of the i30 1.6 SX hatch’s 89kW/153Nm, while Toyota’s long-dominant Corolla 1.8 offers 100kW/175Nm and the base Cruze 1.8 makes 104kW/176Nm.

There is no sign of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol four or 1.6-litre TDCi turbo-diesel models now being rolled out across Europe, which also receives a wagon derivative of the gen-three Focus – although Ford has apparently ruled out a three-door Focus this time.

However, as we’ve reported, the new Focus Econetic, which sips a Prius-beating 3.5L/100km and hits Europe early next year, is under consideration for release in Australia, where the fresh Focus range will be topped by the new XR/ST next year, powered by a version of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-four from the Mondeo and, from early next year, Falcon.

Unlike Australia’s current manual-only XR5 turbo-five, which already hails from Saarlouis, the remainder of the current Focus range is built in South Africa. Russia will join Germany and the US in building the new Focus in mid-2011, before China and Thailand come on stream in 2012.

Ford had originally planned to build the MkIII Focus in Australia instead of South Africa, which will now produce the Australian-designed Ranger ute that is due on sale here within months of the 2012 Focus.

Like the 2.0 GDi petrol-powered Focus, the Focus 1.6 Duratec will come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.0 TDCi diesel will come with a six-speed manual and both direct-injection 2.0-litre engines will be available with Ford’s latest six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission.

The latter is already found in the current Focus TDCi hatch, but will replace the conventional four-speed auto in other models.

As we reported from the global launch in Los Angeles in January, despite increasing in weight at base level by up to 50kg to 1310kg, Ford says the 2.0-litre Focus is the only petrol-powered automatic small car to deliver highway fuel economy of just 40mpg (5.9L/100km) in the US, where peak power is up from 107kW to around 119kW at 6500rpm, while maximum torque increases from 185Nm to about 198Nm.

Ford has also confirmed the new version of the company’s global best-seller will be fitted as standard in Australia with an Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system – at least on “mid- and high-series models” – and the electronic differential-mimicking Torque Vectoring Control system to reduce front-wheel drive understeer.

As in the US and Europe, Australia’s Focus will be available with hi-tech new features including the Active Park Assist semi-automatic parallel parking system and Adaptive cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiting Device (ASLD).

The new Focus is more aerodynamic, with the drag coefficient reduced from 0.32Cd to 0.295Cd, while body stiffness is said to be 30 per cent better than the current car's.

Focus sales are up almost 48 per cent in the first three months of 2011 during run-out, yet the model remains Australia's eighth-best-selling small car with a 5.5 per cent segment share - behind the Mazda3, Corolla, Cruze, i30, Mitsubishi Lancer, Impreza and Golf.

Ford has sold more than 10 million Focus vehicles since the nameplate’s introduction in 1998 and the third-generation model – which replaces the MkII that debuted here in 2005 – will be sold in more than 120 markets.

As the first truly global model to appear from the new ‘One Ford’ product development strategy, the new Focus is to spawn 10 model derivatives that account for two million annual sales by 2012.

“In every world market where Focus competes, customers are looking for expressive design, affordable innovation, superior quality, responsive performance and exceptional fuel economy,” said Ford Australia president and CEO, Bob Graziano.

“In Australia, the all-new Focus presents all these elements in an outstanding package. It will raise the bar in these areas and deliver a new level of standard and available content, enabled by its global scale.

“The new Focus is evidence of One Ford in action, and truly represents the best of Ford Motor Company. Our investment in a new global small-car platform is enabling us to provide consumers in Australia, and around the world, with an affordable range of cars which offer quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology beyond their expectations.

“The launch of the next-generation vehicle marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Focus in Australia.

“The all-new Focus is at the centre of a convergence for automotive trends. It was designed with an acute understanding of global customers yet it’s tailored for each individual region, combining the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a new level of emotional driving enjoyment.

“New Focus offers a desirable combination of dynamic design, outstanding driver appeal, affordable technology, quality craftsmanship and impressive fuel economy, which will not only delight our existing customers but also expand the appeal of the Focus brand to a whole new generation of Ford customers,” he said.

[AG3]

Originally Posted by DeKa

I am disappointed there is no EcoBoost engine. I won't buy one until there is.

The 2.0 DI Ti-VCT engine isn't that bad.
I read that the 2.0 Powershift model can hit 60mph in 8.6 seconds. I think thats decent for a non-performance Focus model.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/specs.html

PS: Could the Australian Spec German built Focus preview of the Thai Mk3 Focus' engine lineup?

[DeKa]

Originally Posted by AG3

The 2.0 DI Ti-VCT engine isn't that bad.
I read that the 2.0 Powershift model can hit 60mph in 8.6 seconds. I think thats decent for a non-performance Focus model.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/specs.html

PS: Could the Australian Spec German built Focus preview of the Thai Mk3 Focus' engine lineup?

Thanks for that link. Good to know - it's not bad at all.

[Road_Warrior]

Quite a contrast between those two articles isn't it...yet they both contain the same information.

[AG3]

Originally Posted by DeKa

Thanks for that link. Good to know - it's not bad at all.

Video of the test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfruUPWTsVo

Correction on my previous post, the Focus 2.0 Powershift hits 60mph in 8.3 seconds.

[Franco Cozzo]

When this comes out I'm going to get a price for trade-in on my LV TDCI and look at getting a TDCI in the new one

I have to take off my driving lights and mounting bar though first. Thats $600 worth of lights on that lol.

[djst1]

In the US at the moment,seem to be noticing them fairly often.
For the short period they have been released they already seem quite prominent.

[Fast Eddie]

Quote: "In the US at the moment............."

I watched a US Based news bulletin on TV and the commentator was talking about Ford US profit and the cost of fuel and he said Ford expected to increase sales of the MkIII Focus compared to the previous model significantly.

[Joe5619]

Australan Ford website now update... Looks good. Advances of one ford I guess??


http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/Satel...pper&site=FOA#

[csv8]

Is our Titanium the UK Titanium or the Titanium X ? OR a mix of both????
It needs to be priced the same as the Cruze SRiV...

[vztrt]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/119766/2...rice-revealed/

2011 Ford Focus Titanium TDCi drive away price revealed
By Tim Beissmann | May 20th, 2011

Following our scoop on Wednesday that revealed the first pricing details of the new Ford Ranger, we can again reveal similar details about the all-new Ford Focus, which goes on sale in Australia on August 1.

In another similar competition, Ford Australia is giving away a Ford Focus Titanium TDCi – the top of the range model in the new Focus line-up.

According to the competition’s terms and conditions, the Focus Titanium TDCi will be priced from “approximately $33,000” on the road (which includes GST, 12 months registration in the winner’s state or territory of residence, dealer delivery charges, 12 months compulsory third party insurance and stamp duty).

The current Focus TDCi hatch has a manufacturer’s list price of $27,790 with the six-speed manual transmission and $29,790 with the six-speed sequential gearbox. With on-road costs factored in, it seems there will be no significant price increase from the outgoing model to the new Focus.

CarAdvice understands the new Ford Focus Titanium TDCi will be powered by a 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine that produces 120kW of power and 340Nm of torque (up from 100kW and 320Nm).

In the UK, this engine’s combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 5.3 litres/100km, although Ford Australia is yet to officially confirm performance details for our Focus.

The specifications of the new Titanium TDCi are also still a bit of a mystery, although it’s a safe bet that the new vehicle will be at least as well equipped as the model it replaces.

The current TDCi hatch comes standard with six airbags, eight-speaker CD player, Bluetooth phone connectivity with Voice Control, USB input for iPod/MP3 integration and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Titanium TDCi will be fitted with Electronic Power Assisted Steering (similar to the system used in the new Territory), and is likely to feature keyless start, cruise control with speed limiter, dual-zone climate control, nine-speaker Sony DAB audio system, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and emergency flashing brake lights.

Features like Active Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control are expected to be optional on the Titanium TDCi variant.

[DJM83]

Good to see some of the Mondeo options on the Focus.

[In Focus]

Can't wait to check these out, even if it means my car is a "previous" model.

Ford should match the Cruze model for model on pricing (petrol manual vs petrol manual, diesel auto vs diesel auto, etc), and really focus (pardon the pun) on the "Compare" advertising. Let people in the market for a Cruze know there is a better alternative available for exactly the same money.

Every comparo I've seen rates the Focus better than the Cruze on everything bar looks (and that's at least 50-50 if not better in the Focus's favour). The only advantage the Cruze has is being "Australia's own" - though that's a good marketing angle, admittedly.

It looks like Ford are intent on going after the i30 as well, with the option of 1.6L motor to match the i30's wussier power-plant. Hopefully, it's got enough urge to shift a nearly 1400kg car. The Ecoboost 1.6 would have been better; I reckon I would have been in the market for one of those.

[Wretched]

The new Focus has certainly grabbed my attention. I am not keen to give up my XR5 but will be trying to convince the old man to get a new XR4? when it comes out. He's looking at moving away from the Falcon.

Fifth Gear this week will be reviewing the new Focus in their segment where all four reviewers rate a car. It won't be comprehensive but am keen to see how it goes. They themselves said it was one of the most important cars of the year.

[Polyal]

well now that Ford is globalizing most models they have to nail it otherwise the pain is magnified.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Polyal

well now that Ford is globalizing most models they have to nail it otherwise the pain is magnified.

Spot on, and people might think im biased but its going to take a good car to top the current range.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Fifth Gear this week will be reviewing the new Focus in their segment where all four reviewers rate a car. It won't be comprehensive but am keen to see how it goes. They themselves said it was one of the most important cars of the year.

When is this on I'd like to watch it??

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

When is this on I'd like to watch it??

This Friday so the torrent will be available from Saturday.

[fordlova8]

Whats the story with the Chev using an RS badge.

[AG3]

Originally Posted by In Focus

It looks like Ford are intent on going after the i30 as well, with the option of 1.6L motor to match the i30's wussier power-plant. Hopefully, it's got enough urge to shift a nearly 1400kg car. The Ecoboost 1.6 would have been better; I reckon I would have been in the market for one of those.

According to the UK Focus Brochure, the curb weight of the new Focus 1.6 hatchback is 1276kg (This is most likely a manual).

[Martyvan]

Thats going to work perfectly... the 1.6 has about 90 odd KW, so its not going to struggle, but will provide a possible sub $20k drive away opening pricing point. Particularly as it will be built in Thailand......

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Wretched

This Friday so the torrent will be available from Saturday.

I dont think the show was on as the torrent doesn't seem to be coming online.. Season 19??

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I dont think the show was on as the torrent doesn't seem to be coming online.. Season 19??

Episode hasn't been put up anywhere yet.