New Gen Ford Focus Unveiled.

[buickman]

The change the positioning of the rear tail lights is move in the right direction.

The Focus let down on the current shape is the rear lights position as everything else is neat on the car.

[Antwon]

Hmmm Im not sure I like it. But thats the same thing I thought when I first saw the FG, and new Fiesta, now I love them both!

[CAMS290]

That looks awesome

[rancidpunx]

I like the sedan, not sure on the hatch. The styling is a little busy though throughout, inside and out. First impressions are ok but i think its going to have to grow on me.

[GS608]

This has to be the US version as it has that horrible chrome bar grill and doesn't flow as nice as the last Focus, this actually looks quite terrible imo, much rather have the current gen Focus

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by XR-CHIEF

This has to be the US version as it has that horrible chrome bar grill and doesn't flow as nice as the last Focus, this actually looks quite terrible imo, much rather have the current gen Focus

It's global, so there won't be any styling variations as we've seen in the past. As far as I am aware.

Originally Posted by HSE2

I don't think I like that as much as I like the current shape

+1.

They've screwed up the rear lights, on both the sedan and (especially) the hatch. The airdam's triangular theme (that is very similar to FG XR's) is out of sync with the rest of the design, which, judging by my initial reaction, is overdone and busy.

In saying that, I had the same impression of the Fiesta when I first saw it in the pics, but seeing it in the flesh/metal/plastic quickly changed my mind. I hope the same thing happens with this.

But the rear lights on the hatch... shocking. Big mistake.

I wish Ford good luck with this, it's probably the most important car for them in a very long time.

[R-Design]

Originally Posted by stevz

Yeah, great choice of pics for a 'fair' comparison. :

Not a big fan of the focus from what I see in those pics. Rear end looks horrid and the interior is way too busy and overdone IMO.

[GS608]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

It's global, so there won't be any styling variations as we've seen in the past. As far as I am aware.
.

I should have read the article :

Don't think this will work well in Europe, it seems to have a bit too much american influence in the design, interior looks tops, outside looks terrible.

[XR Martin]

Looks good with the lowered stance and 20in wheels, but in production spec it probably wont look so flash.

[RATT]

http://www.youtube.com/user/worldcar.../1/thy399HeVjI

[4VCLEVO]

The sedan looks great, and the hatch looks good but I'd pick the sedan over the hatch. Very modern design, makes the current Focus look dated which I think it is.

[gregsAUII]

looks great cant wait to see it in the flesh.

[Paxton]

As we begin 2010, it looks like the compact C-segment is shaping up to be one of the most highly competitve segments in the auto industry. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf and Jetta, along with the new Chevrolet Cruze are fighting for the hearts, minds and dollars of the masses. And then there's the Ford Focus.

This week in Detroit, Ford is unwrapping an all-new Focus for the 2012 model year. When the original Focus debuted internationally in 1998 and then in the U.S. a year later, it was more or less a common design. The U.S. version, however, suffered from a series of manufacturing issues and recalls within its first year of sales. Meanwhile, the overseas model got a full redesign in 2004, but Americans kept the MK1 Focus until three years ago when it got an unfortunately awkward re-skin. This time around the new Focus is truly global and adopts the latest evolution of Ford's European "Kinetic" design language. Judging by our first exposure to the 2012 Focus, every other contender in the segment may have a real problem to deal with next year. Learn more about the new Focus after the jump.



Gallery: 2011 Ford Focus


The new 2010 Focus sedan and five-door hatchback represent the third and fourth body styles of the new global C-platform from Ford. The European C-Max and Grand C-Max debuted last September at the Geneva Motor Show with the latter scheduled to land in the U.S. next year. Over the next year or so we will be seeing six more "top-hats" on the C-platform, including a station wagon, three-door hatch and hard-top coupe-convertible, some of which will be sold here in North America while others will only be available overseas.

With these new body styles being added and general growth in the segment, Ford hopes to double its current market penetration and sell about two million C-segment vehicles worldwide by 2012. In 2009 alone, one in four cars sold globally will be C-segment, a share that is expected to increase.



In discussing where Ford was going with the new Focus, company reps explained that the company's development philosophy is "Great to look at, Great to sit in, Great to drive," and this applied to the Focus just as much as it does to a Mustang. In recent years, customers have "downsized in terms of vehicle size, but not in expectations." That means customers don't want to give up any features and amenities that they've come to expect in an SUV when buying a compact car.

If Ford (and Chevrolet) can succeed in following brands like MINI in convincing Americans to pay more for well-equipped and attractive small cars, it will go a long way toward bringing this market in line with the rest of the world. Judging by our first look at the new Focus, Ford may be well on its way to a very strong position in the small-car segment in the U.S.

The 2011 Focus could be described as the first, second-generation Kinetic design from Ford, as the look has evolved a bit from the most recent batch of European Fords. Among the hallmarks of Kinetic design have been a large trapezoidal lower grille, bold wheel arches and a prominent character line running from the front wheel back to the rear quarter.



On the new Focus, longitudinal creases in the hood extend down between the upper grille into the trapezoid dividing it into three sections. The wheel arch creases now extend straight back from the top of the arch above the main lateral crease blending out a few inches behind the start of the lower line. A similar crease is echoed on the rear quarter with the overlap area at each end forming a "Z" that Ford refers to as a "Zorro flip." The rear quarter character line also forms a prominent rear shoulder area. Around the back, large tail-lamp clusters finish off the bold styling. Some might consider the styling a bit too bold or over-done, but it works quite well in person and certainly makes the new Focus stand out in this crowded segment.

This is hardly Ford's first attempt at a global design. The early '80s Escort, the first-generation Focus and the Mondeo/Contour were all attempts at "world cars" that went awry. Ford addressed the question of such world cars having failed in the past and why it might work now. First of all, each of those previous attempts ended up diverging because of different regional demands and tastes. However, Ford says that global tastes are converging in terms of design and vehicle requirements in this Internet age.

When the U.S. Focus was refreshed a couple of years ago, management opted to discontinue the previous three- and five-door hatchbacks in favor or a two-door coupe to accompany the sedan. In the intervening years, it's become increasingly clear that hatchbacks do have some appeal in this market if they're made desirable enough. As a result, the next-gen Focus, which likely will be labeled a 2011 model, will be offered to Americans as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback just like the new Fiesta. The sedan also will get a swept roof-line and tall rear deck profile like the Fiesta sedan.



The new sedan is dimensionally about one inch lower than the outgoing Focus sedan but a little less than an inch wider than the current European model. The overall length and weight are claimed to be about the same, as is the interior volume. Speaking of the interior, the sedan that we previewed had an interior that takes compact cars to a whole new level. The car we were shown was a Titanium trim level, which is new to the U.S. market but has been offered in Europe for several years already.

After Ford started offering the Titanium trim in Europe, it was surprised at the popularity of such a premium finish in this class of car. As many as 40 percent of European buyers have opted for the Titanium trim level, and on the Mondeo it's up to 60 percent. The inside of the new Focus looks like something you would expect to find in an Audi or Lexus more than the direct descendant of the Escort. Will Americans be willing to pay prices up to the low $20,000-range for a Focus? We'll find out soon enough. At this point, we don't know what the base level trim will look like, but if the Fiesta is anything to go by, it should still be much nicer than any current Focus.

After being the debut vehicle for SYNC three years ago, the Focus will be one of the first Ford models offered with the optional MyFord Touch control system that debuts this summer in the new Lincoln MKX. In addition, drivers who opt for navigation will get a new eight-inch screen – by far the largest we've ever encountered in a small car.



When the first-generation Focus appeared a decade ago, it was praised for its driving dynamics and the current Euro model is considered among the best of its breed. The 300-hp Focus RS has been renowned as one of the most un-front-wheel-drive-like front-wheel-drive cars ever. While there are currently no plans for an RS model here in the U.S., North American Focus chief engineer Jim Hughes does promise that nothing will be lost in translation when this Focus hits U.S. roads.

Like other new Fords, the next-gen Focus also is getting an electric power assist system (EPAS) for its steering, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by cutting parasitic losses. Hughes claims the Focus dynamics team has improved the steering precision and feel with this EPAS system, something we'll have to judge for ourselves later in the year when we get a chance to drive it. Until now, EPAS has tended to be a mixed bag, with some applications like the Honda Fit having excellent feel while others have no feedback. Ford applications have generally done pretty well on this count, so we are hopeful.

One more interesting feature that will be available on the next-gen Focus is Dynamic Cornering Control. While torque vectoring has been increasingly used in high performance all-wheel-drive systems from Acura, BMW and Audi, Ford is applying the concept to the front-wheel-drive Focus. If it delivers, this should help provide even better handling balance with less understeer in the new compact.



American Focus buyers will get one brand new engine and two transmission options at launch early next year. Like other new Fords, six-speed gearboxes are now the norm for Focus with a choice of manual or dual-clutch PowerShift units available. No traditional torque converter automatic will be offered in the Focus, but the PowerShift will get manual shift capability unlike the Fiesta. Unfortunately, the manual control comes by way of a switch on the side of the shift knob – no wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The engine is a new 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, which will also form the basis of the upcoming 2.0-liter EcoBoost. The normally aspirated unit will be rated at an estimated 155 hp and 145 pound-feet. Both cams are equipped with variable phasing using the same cam-torque actuation system as the Fusion's 2.5-liter and the new 5.0-liter V8 in the Mustang. Thanks to the charge cooling effect of direct injection, the new engine will have a 12:1 compression ratio, which should aid low end torque production. The new engine will also be E85 flex-fuel capable, a first for a DI engine. No one from Ford would confirm the availability of an EcoBoost engine in the Focus, but they did hint that the 1.6-liter GTDI would eventually be an option. Another feature that will be new to the Focus is automatic start-stop functionality that switches off the engine when the car comes to a halt. This will be one of the first such applications in the U.S. market in a non-hybrid vehicle.



The other powertrain that we'll definitely see in the Focus is a full battery electric option. The Focus Electric will join the lineup sometime in 2011 using a lithium ion battery pack and electric drive developed in cooperation with Magna International. The Focus Electric is expected to have a driving range of 80-100 miles.

Ford isn't talking mileage numbers for the next-gen Focus yet, but it clearly is a priority for the new car. With Chevrolet aiming for 40+ mpg on the highway for the the Cruze, Ford will surely be trying to match it. To that end, designers have also focused a lot on functional aerodynamics in addition to just aesthetic styling. One of the more interesting features are thermostatically controlled shutters behind the grille. At higher speeds when more air naturally flows through the radiator, the shutters automatically close and force air around the sides of the car.

The new Focus body has also been designed to meet crash safety standards globally with a common structure. In order to meet those divergent requirements without adding excessive weight, the structure is comprised of 55 percent high strength steels. The B-pillar is produced by a process known as tailored rolling that makes eight different gauge thicknesses across its length. This allows strength to be put where its needed while keeping mass to a minimum. As with all new cars, there is a plethora of air bags that can inflate from all directions, and new inflators allow them to deploy 30 percent faster than in the current Focus.



One of the reasons that the first-gen Focus encountered so many quality problems was untested production processes. Focuses built in Europe and North America were produced on completely different machinery with completely different processes, and Euro models never had the issues that occurred here. Going forward, the One Forward policy applies across the board including design and manufacturing. Focuses built in France, Spain, China and Michigan will all use the same equipment, work instructions and production steps.

Production of the Focus will start almost simultaneously in Wayne, Michigan and Saarlouis, France late in 2010, with additional production starting over the next two years in Russia and China. The media preview we attended a few weeks ago was held at the newly renamed Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP). Until early 2009, the plant was known as Michigan Truck Plant and housed Navigator and Expedition production. MAP is one of three truck plants that are being converted to car production and Ford is making a big bet that this is the right way to go. It will no doubt help the Blue Oval meet its upcoming CAFE obligations. Now it just has to convince consumers to buy all these cars its building. Things look promising so far with the Fusion breaking sales records, the Fiesta building buzz and now this, the next-gen Focus, which should take the fight straight to cars like the Cruze, Civic and Corolla.

I don't know. I'm not sold on this yet, but I'm sure it will grow on me.

[Fab]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/2...finally-unite/

[RSgerry]

Love the hatch and that shade of red is awesome. Now, XR5T or RS???? Come on Ford....

[kocho]

It doesn't look too bad. I don't like those taillights on the hatch at all.

[XR Martin]

Pretty sure there wont be a XR5, the inline 5 is dead AFAIK.
Hopefully an ecoboost version though.

[Swordsman88]

Originally Posted by Paxton

I don't know. I'm not sold on this yet, but I'm sure it will grow on me.

Agree andrew. I think merging the US and euro styling has caused some issues for me. On the plus side the sedan is alot more appealing..... For me the rear lights and and front airdam are the only real issues esp on the hatch. As long as the rest of the ford lineup migrates over to this style i supose we will just have to get used to it LOL!

[388cube_edxr8]

I swore to myself a long time ago that I would never ever own another front wheel drive car as long as I lived.

But that is one sexy looking beast. Ill have the top spec in manual please.

[Swordsman88]

Well guys turns out i was a bit behind on this 'new focus' thing. Didn't realise there was so much info out and about concerning the new C car. Here are some interesting vids to watch if anyone is intersted concerning the new car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ef0w_Ub-Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvHj-vfg0rs

Lots of work being done by Ford europe on really getting this car right. The level of detail they go to is nothing short of amazing. In particular getting the EPAS system to work properly. While electric power assist steering is great for fuel burn etc, it does poes the problem of not getting the feel right. Seems Ford Europe (and hopefully ford globally) have got it right. Amazing what a bit effort does now isn't it GM...

Hope mods don't mind the youtube links. If so please delete.....

[chevypower]

I think the sedan looks great, but I usually like the sedans better than hatch. The same is true with Imprezza and Mazda 3. The rear half looks great, they shouldn't have made it slope down so much at the front. That sloping forward hipline makes it look like the front sinks too much, and the bum is sticking up in the air a bit. But generally, I am pretty impressed.

[mrbaxr6t]

in all honesty rear lights that stick out like that will be a hot after sales spare part seller, I can see many young ladies reversing into stuff and busting tail lights, how many small cars you see adorned with frangipanis, pink seat covers and p plates do you see with rearend damage due to reversing into stuff yes its a nice car but its tail lights need to be tucked in imho

[Polyal]

I think its very very nice all round.

The tail lights are just different to what we are used to and I am glad a manufacturer has finally put some thought into the **** end of the car and not just the front.

Excellent IMO.

[Fordman1]

I like... it's a winner

Hopefully with Fiesta sales increasing and Ford getting a name for quality small cars, this Focus launch will get this model (sales wise) up with Cruze and Mazda 3 where it deserves to be.

It's a shame it won't be built here (possible FPV version also), but I hear it meant taking 'a lot of content out' to make it even close to being viable.

I can't wait for the first Cruze vs 2011 Focus Comparison .

[FoMoKid]

I was interested to see what Ford did with the Focus update and pretty much held off searching for chops by uninformed motor mags but I have to say I am not feeling it much at all. I can only hope that those rear lights can be retooled (please please please) because that phallic extended bit on the hatch is really irritating me and the sedan reminds me of a 2004 Renault Laguna - so does the Mondeo for that matter. Although I like the surfacing and the proportions look to be pretty nice indeed with a decent bit of tech thrown in for good measure. Further judgment should be made in the flesh, for the moment I will stick with my LV XR5 :sm_headba

In any case looks like Ford globally is heading in the right direction with great products and technology (market price is now at $12!!!)

[JPFS1]

It's got some serious surface lines going on. Good to see Ford getting creative.

It's not surprising that initial reaction is shock, but I think it will come into its own when seen on the road.

The rear of the sedan is a major improvement, and the rear of the hatch is reminiscent of the quirky small Volvo hatch. Will look better in the flesh for sure. Pics do take allot of the design detail out of the car.

[MITCHAY]

Looks the goods. Give me the turbo option

[FPV8U]

If the GF's reaction was anything to go by, these will sell... and in big numbers.

[Stealth00]

For the first time in history, I like the Focus sedan better than the hatch.

[Bossxr8]

This can't come soon enough, the current Focus has tanked.

XR4 Turbo with a version of the Ecoboost 4 will replace the XR5 Turbo, but wether it has the 2 litre EB or 1.6 litre EB version I don't know.