Tuesday 12th January 2010

New Ford Focus Gets Detroit Debut

Next-gen hatch retains the right ingredients for another RS - PICS UPDATED

---

Ford is revealing the latest incarnation of the Focus at the Detroit Auto Show today, albeit exclusively in 'mid-range' flavours.

It's obviously far too soon to be discussing a new ST or even RS (we're not quite over the 'old' RS just yet), but that didn't stop us from asking Ford anyway. Rather unsurprisingly, the nice PR man brushed off the suggestion and directed us back to the shiny new 'cooking' version - but we reckon there's cause for optimism.

Although the new Focus rides on an all-new platform, the chassis and supension arrangements appear to be along the same lines as previous generations - albeit with some small but promising changes, which suggests that this could be a cracking handler.

The multi-link 'control blade' rear suspension that has given previous Focuses such agility has been revised, along with the semi-isolated front and rear subframes. The variable-weight electric power steering system is also totally new.

The engines will be broadly grouped into two main strands; four-cylinder direct injection 'EcoBoost' petrol engines on the one hand and, representing the derv contingent, a range of revised 'Duratorq' TDCi common-rail diesel lumps. Being 2010, it's unsurprising to learn that Ford has targeted fuel economy improvements across the range of 10-20 per cent.

In a welcome move (at least for our friends across the pond), the new Focus is also the first to be offered with the same chassis and suspension architecture in all markets, meaning no rubbish soggy versions will appear in foreign lands to sully the car's good name.

The 'boggo' Mk3 Focus will go into production towards the end of this year, and should be on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2011. It took Ford four years to develop an RS version of the Mk1 Focus, and five years to knock out one for the Mk2, so we're not expecting anything like that too soon. But the Mk2 did get an ST version within a year of its launch and, as PH found out with our fantastic long-term ST-2, this was no mere 'warm' hatch.

It seems to us, albeit at this early stage, that with the Mk3 Focus's revised steering and suspension and purported improvements in stiffness and possibly weight, the ingredients are all there.

[Craiglamuffin]

Looks okay from the outside I suppose. I like the colour! Interior is a bit frantic though.

[CatherineJ]

Normally the US versions look a bit pap in comparison to the european Focus, but that looks really good.

[RenesisEvo]

Looks interesting, I'm sure it will grow on me. That handbrake position could be a right pain for RHD markets however.

[J500ANT]

New Astra looks better.

[JADCampbell]

Not usually interested in hatchbacks but that is a good looking car. You're right about the interior being a bit busy though.

[SonicHedgeHog]

Predictably it looks nice outside and in (I like Star Trek interiors). My concern will be price. As with all cars in this sector it's going to be about £20k for a good one and that's a lot of money. Can't help thinking that a second hand repmobile would be better for most families even if the Focus is easier to park.

[Dr G]

Looks OK outside but the dashboard looks like a Kenwood head unit from about 1997!

[MrTappets]

Now i would say i am a bit of a car person, so to speak, but i think you could plaster a KIA badge on this, this new astra or the megane, and i honestly wouldn't be any the wiser. Can't they do something a bit special for once. I know the MINI is a bloated pastiche now but in 2001 it was different and made a statement. How about a return to the dog-bone grill, Mk1 escort style?

[Snoggledog]

Is it me or does it look a bit big in those photos?

[CatherineJ]

I've just read the Autocar article, this isn't just the american market focus is it?

[Magog]

Looks highly unimaginative to me, particularly when compared to how radical the Mk1 seemed when it first appeared.

[HellDiver]

J500ANT said:

New Astra looks the same.

EFA.

[sykes]

Presenting the Nanjing-Shanghai-Rising-Sun Astra! My word thats some rather large triangular fake ventery happening at the front!

[FRED SLIPPAGE]

Well maybe if they do offer a RS they will do it properly this time and power all four wheels ?

[FraserLFA]

I think they've killed the focus personally. I really don't like it at all. I prefer the Mk2 and Mk3 shape with the long lights at the back. This really doesn't do it for me

[i'm no superhero]

Snoggledog said:

Is it me or does it look a bit big in those photos?

What I thought.

[J500ANT]

HellDiver said:

J500ANT said:

New Astra looks the same.

EFA.

Not quite, the Astra front and rear are better - but it would appear there's a generic mid section being produced for Ford/Vauxhall etc.

[Wayne King]

HellDiver said:

J500ANT said:

New Astra looks the same and just as unimaginative.

EFA.

EFA.

[wab172uk]

Not keen on the interior. Looks too busy to me.

No doubt this car will be even larger than the MKII which is already a BIG car for a Hatchback. Thus meaning it'll be heavier too.

Bet the MK1 Focus would look like a Fiesta stood next to it.

[J500ANT]

The trouble is, imaginative doesnt work. They're all trying not to offend (aka be a VW Golf)