Ford_Focus_(International)

Ford Focus (International)

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1998-present
Assembly	Saarlouis, Germany Setubal, Portugal Valencia, Spain Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines General Pacheco, Argentina Chongqing, China Vsevolozhsk, Russia Pretoria, South Africa
Predecessor	Ford Escort (Europe) Ford Laser (Asia and Oceania)
Class	Compact / Small family car
Body style(s)	3- and 5-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate 2-door cabriolet
Designer	John Doughty^[1]

The Ford Focus is a small family car made by Ford and sold in most Ford markets worldwide. It was launched in 1998 in Europe and 2002 in Australia. Since then, it has become the United Kingdom's best selling car, following in the success of its predecessor, the Escort. In 2001 and 2002, the Focus was the world’s best selling car.^{citation needed} A new version of the Focus (Mk 2) was launched in Europe in January 2005 and a face lifted version in January 2008.

Ford Focus Mark 1 (1998–2004)

First generation

Production	1998–2004
Body style(s)	3- and 5-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford C170 platform
Engine(s)	1.4 L I4 Zetec-SE 1.6 L I4 Zetec-SE 1.8 L I4 Zetec-E 1.8 L I4 Diesel TDDI 1.8 L I4 Diesel TDCI 2.0 L I4 Zetec-E
Wheelbase	2615 mm (103 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4175 mm (164 in) Saloon: 4380 mm (172 in) Estate: 4455 mm (175 in)
Width	1700 mm (67 in)
Height	Hatchback and saloon: 1440 mm (57 in) Estate: 1460 mm (57 in)
Curb weight	1,150 kg (2,535 lb)-1,364 kg (3,007 lb)
Related	Ford Focus (North America)

Design and engineering

Codenamed CW170 during its development, and briefly known to some Ford contractors as the Ford Fusion^{citation needed} , the original Focus took its eventual name from a Ghia concept car which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991. Certain elements of the design had been seen even earlier in prototypes used by Ford to demonstrate forthcoming safety features, such as the eye-level rear lighting clusters. Initial spy photographs of the car seen in 1995 showed a continuation of Ford's New Edge styling philosophy, first seen in the Ford Ka in 1996, and Ford Cougar in 1998.

The decision to call the new car the Ford Focus was made in early 1998, as Ford's overheads had been planning to keep the Escort nameplate for its new generation of small family cars.

The interior of the car was also radically styled featuring many curves and sweeping lines. Although the design was clearly influenced by the Ka the interior design was more akin to those of American cars, in the same way the original Mondeo was.^{neutrality disputed}

The Focus also introduced high specification components. The car featured a highly sophisticated fully independent multi-link rear suspension (dubbed "Control Blade") which was derived from the system used on the Ford Mondeo estate and was intended to give the car class-leading handling and ride. Although fully independent multi-link rear suspension is costly, Ford managed to design and produce the suspension in an ingenious and cost effective way by using pressed metal techniques. Until then a high proportion of other cars in the class had used Twist-beam rear suspensions^[2], or other beam type suspensions.

Manufacturing

Critical opinion

The motoring press praised the handling and ride of the Ford Focus for its rare mix of passenger comfort and lively driver responsiveness which was considered far superior to its rivals at the time (such as the Opel Astra and especially the Mk 4 Volkswagen Golf).^[3] The reviews also hailed the Focus' independent rear suspension, performance and accommodation. The interior design polarised opinion largely due to the curves and sweeping lines. The quality of the interior materials was criticised relative to the Opel Astra and even more so relative to the Mk 4 Volkswagen Golf, although the Mk4 Golf was considerably more expensive than the Focus from new.^{citation needed}

Safety

The Mk 1 Ford Focus received 4 out of 5 stars for occupant safety, and 2 out of 4 stars for pedestrian safety in its EuroNCAP tests (69% frontal, 83% side, 28% pedestrian).^[4] In Australia, the 2002–2005 Ford Focus was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.^[5]

2001 facelift

A new flexfuel engine was introduced, based on the European Zetec 1.6 L version. This could use both petrol and bioethanol, but only on the Swedish market. This version is still available in some countries despite the advent of an all-new Mk 2 Focus.^{citation needed}

Engines

European introduction

Petrol engines available were the well-proven 1.8 L and 2.0 L Zetec-E units from the Ford Mondeo and 1.4 L and 1.6 L versions of the Zetec-SE units found in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Puma. The ST170 and RS performance models used modified versions of the 2.0 L Zetec-E. Originally, the only diesel engine available was the Endura TDDI (a development of the old Deutz-designed motor which Ford had been using since the 1980s). This was replaced in 2002 by the Duratorq TDCI.

International summary

Size (L)	Name	Fuel	Market	Power (kW/bhp/PS)	Torque	MPG^clarify	Top Speed	0-60 mph (S)
1.4	Zetec-SE	Petrol	Europe	55/74/75	123 N·m (91 ft·lbf)	42.2	107 mph (172 km/h)	14.1
1.6	Zetec-SE	Petrol	Europe	74/99/101	145 N·m (107 ft·lbf)	37.4	116 mph (187 km/h)	10.9
1.6	Zetec-Rocam	Petrol/ethanol (Flex)	Brazil	81.5/109/111
1.8	Zetec-E	Petrol	Europe	85/114/116	160 N·m (118 ft·lbf)	33.8	124 mph (200 km/h)	10
1.8	TDDi	Diesel	Europe	55/74/75	175 N·m (129 ft·lbf)	54.9	115 mph (185 km/h)
1.8	TDDi	Diesel	Europe	66/89/90	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)	51.2	115 mph (185 km/h)
1.8	TDCi	Diesel	Europe	85/114/116	250 N·m (184 ft·lbf)	51.4	123 mph (198 km/h)	10.8
2.0	Zetec-E	Petrol	Europe	96/129/131	178 N·m (131 ft·lbf)	31.6	126 mph (203 km/h)	9.2
2.0	Duratec-ST	Petrol	Europe	127/171/173	196 N·m (145 ft·lbf)	31	134 mph (216 km/h)	7.9
2.0	Duratec-RS	Petrol	Europe	158/212/215	310 N·m (229 ft·lbf)	27.9	144 mph (232 km/h)	6.3

Transmissions

Trim levels

Body styles

Performance versions

ST170

The ST170, which was launched in 2002, is the International version of the American Focus SVT.^{citation needed} The car was only available in some markets outside of America.

Adapted from the Facelift Mk 1 Focus, the ST170 had the following cosmetic revisions: 17" Multi-Spoke Alloy Wheels; Alarm; Side Airbags; Optional Recaro leather seats; Optional 9006 Stereo system with Subwoofer; and Locally developed bodykit (Australia only). The engine was developed by Cosworth and tuning bumped the horsepower from 130 to 170. Upgrades included: High-flow aluminum cylinder head; Variable valve timing; Dual state intake manifold; Stainless steel exhaust system; Sports catalytic converter; Larger brake discs (300mm front, 280mm rear); Getrag 6 speed manual gearbox; and Revised power steering pump.

In 2002 the more bespoke engineered and performance orientated RS badge made a return to a Ford product following the demise of the Escort RS 2000 in 1996. Using a turbocharged version of the 2.0 litre Zetec-E, the Focus RS produced roughly 212 horsepower (158 kW). A total of 4501 were produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant.

Mk 2 (2004-present)

Second generation

Production	2004–present
Body style(s)	3- and 5-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupé cabriolet
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford C1 platform
Engine(s)	1.4 L I4 Zetec-SE 1.6 L I4 Zetec-SE 1.6 L I4 Zetec-SE Ti-VCT 1.6 L I4 Diesel TDCI 1.6 L I4 Diesel TDCI DPF 1.8 L I4 Duratec HE 1.8 L I4 Diesel TDCI 1.8 L I4 Duratec HE Flexi-fuel 2.0 L I4 Duratec HE 2.0 L I4 Diesel TDCI 2.5 L I5 Turbocharged T5
Wheelbase	2640 mm (104 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4340 mm (171 in) Saloon: 4480 mm (176 in) Estate: 4470 mm (176 in) ST: 4360 mm (172 in) Coupé cabriolet: 4510 mm (178 in)
Width	Coupé cabriolet: 1835 mm (72 in) Saloon, hatchback and estate: 1840 mm (72 in)
Height	Hatchback: 1500 mm (59 in) Saloon: 1495 mm (59 in) Estate: 1500 mm (59 in) Coupé cabriolet: 1455 mm (57 in)
Curb weight	1,229 kg (2,709 lb)-1,630 kg (3,594 lb)
Related	Ford C-MAX Ford Kuga Mazda3 Mazda5 Volvo C30 Volvo S40 Volvo V50

The all-new Mk 2 Ford Focus was launched at the Paris Motor Show on September 23 2004 as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate, although the new car was previewed, in 4-door saloon form, as the 'Focus Concept' developed by Ford Europe at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2004.

Design and engineering

The Mk 2, codenamed C307, uses the Ford C1 platform which is shared with the Volvo S40, V50 and C70, Mazda3 and Focus C-MAX. Ford calls this platform sharing programme "Global Shared Technologies".

The basic suspension design, which contributed much to the Mk 1's success, has been carried over largely unchanged from its predecessor which, along with a 10% stiffer bodyshell, offers even better handling and ride according to Ford. The same body styles as the Mk 1 Focus were offered, though the saloon did not appear until mid-2005.

The Focus Mk 2 is much larger than its predecessor with a 25 mm (1 in) increase in wheelbase, 168 mm (6.6 in) longer, 8 mm (0.3 in) taller and 138 mm (5.4 in) wider. As a result the interior and boot space has increased. New technologies include a KeyFree system, a solar-reflect windshield, adaptive front lighting, Bluetooth hands-free phones and voice control for audio, telephone and climate control systems.

Stylistically, the Mk 2's styling features the same design language found in the Mondeo and Fiesta. Although still recognisable as a Focus the new car uses styling features from the abandoned B-Proposal for the original Focus which never reached production.

The interior and dashboard follows on from the Mk 2 Mondeo and is constructed from higher quality plastics than before.

Availability

The Focus Mk 2 is also built in South Africa for export to Australia and New Zealand. However shortly after launch, Ford New Zealand surrendered its supply to satisfy Australia's high demand, and now receives vehicles from the German factory in Saarlouis. In 2006 the Mk 2 made its debut on the Americas, with its launch on the Mexican market as the 4 door Sedan or the sporty 3 door in ST trim, being the only market on the continent where Ford currently offers the model. The Mk 1 Focus is still available in some other markets worldwide such as Brazil, Argentina and Chile. In Argentina, the Mk 1 Focus is about to be replaced by a Mk 2 locally produced. In the U.S., the Mk 1 Focus is offered in a much revised form.

Critical opinion

Dynamically, the Focus Mk 2 is held in high regard by the motoring press. Although they claim the latest generation Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra and Volkswagen Golf have much improved handling over their respective predecessors, they still were short of the all-round ability offered by the Mk 2 Focus. The Mk 2 Focus offers further improvements, including better handling and ride and, as with its predecessor, is regarded by critics as having the best chassis in its class. Although many journalists claim the rear-wheel drive BMW 1 Series offers marginally better handling, and the Volkswagen Golf a slightly better ride, they proclaim the Focus still offers the best handling/ride compromise, and is superior even over its Mazda and Volvo cousins who share the same platform and suspension.

Styling-wise, like the Mk 2 Mondeo and Mk 3 Fiesta the Focus has been criticised by the motoring press for what some perceive as a lack of flair, originality and boldness compared to its predecessor's New Edge design although many critics do say the new model looks more mature.

The interior design has not faced such harsh criticism with many journalists believing it represents a significant improvement through more sober 'German' styling and, more importantly, better quality plastics than the first generation design, although the general consensus from journalists is that the Focus' interior is still a notch down from the Mk 5 Volkswagen Golf.

The second-generation Ford Focus sold in Australia did not feature side curtain SRS airbags (XR5 excluded) when launched in 2005, and due to this, the Focus sat behind many of its close rivals in terms of safety. The lack of side curtain SRS airbags was due to the fact that Australia receives the Focus from the factory in South Africa. This means the car is normally marked down in various car comparisons, despite being one of the best cars dynamically.^[6] However, since August 2007 side curtain SRS airbags and Dynamic Stability Control have been available upon facelift.

Safety

The new car has gained the best ever EuroNCAP ratings for its class (5 stars for adult protection, 4 of 5 for child protection and 2 of 5 for pedestrian protection),^[7] beating such contenders as the Renault Mégane and Volkswagen Golf, including full (16/16) marks for the front impact test.

Engines

The engine line up for the Mk 2 is a mixture of old and new. Revised versions of the 1.4 L and 1.6 L all aluminium Zetec-SE engines from the previous generation Focus were carried over, although the units were now renamed Duratec, with the addition of 1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT engine with variable valve timing.

The 1.8 L and 2.0 L Zetec petrol engines of the original were heavily revised and renamed Duratec HE. This engine is not based on a Mazda MZR engine as in the American Focus, and is very different to the smaller 1.25L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L Duratec engines (which are versions of the Yamaha-developed Sigma/Zetec-SE engines first used in the 97 facelift Fiesta).

The PSA-developed Duratorq Diesel engine in 1.6 L 90 hp and 110 hp editions, Ford's own 'Lynx' Duratorq 1.8L 115 hp diesel carried over from the previous model and the PSA DW10 diesel in 2.0 L form rounds off the range in standard Focus guise (this is a different unit to the 'Puma' diesel in the Mondeo).

Trim levels

The main trim levels of the pre-facelift Focus Mk 2 in the United Kingdom are listed below. For other countries, the range is either a cut down version of this list (e.g. for New Zealand) or it is almost completely different altogether (e.g. for South Africa, or Australia, which continues to use the old CL/LX/Zetec/Ghia trim levels)

From September 2006, Ford revised the standard trim specifications slightly, to allow for the introduction of further options called X-Packs.

2008 facelift

Ford unveiled a facelifted Mk2 Ford Focus at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, to go on sale in early 2008 in the hatchback, estate and saloon bodystyles, with the Coupé-Cabriolet and ST to follow in Spring 2008. Went on sale in the UK on 2nd Feb 2008. Changes include:

Prices are set to be similar (if not identical) to that of the pre-facelift Focus, as its lead at the top of the British car sales charts has quickly been cut by the Vauxhall Astra in the last couple of years.

Ford collaborated with dance floor superstar Alesha Dixon in January 2008 to create an exclusive special edition remix and video to celebrate the launch of the new Ford Focus.^[8]

Additional variants

Focus ST

In 2005 Ford unveiled a hot hatch version of the Mk 2 Focus. Called Focus ST, and available in either three or five door hatchback variant, the car uses the same T5 engine from the Volvo S40/V50 T5 models, a turbocharged 2.5 L 5-cylinder engine producing 225 hp. The Ford Focus Mk 2 ST is also known as the XR5 Turbo in the Australian and New Zealand market, but is sold as a five door hatchback only. According to Top Gear a new version called ST260 will appear in 2008 with a 260 hp version of the same engine.^[9]

Coupé-Cabriolet

The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, a two-piece retractable hardtop, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006 and went on sale in October 2006. Originally named the Vignale by designer Pininfarina, it was previewed at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. Pininfarina performs final assembly. Ford plans to sell about 20,000 annually in Europe.

In February 2008, Ford revealed a new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet sporting the new 'Kinetic Design' front end of the generic Ford Focus. Notably however, unlike the generic Focus models, the side and rear body panels were not changed, and neither were the door mirrors upgraded to the new-style units, as on the rest of the new Focus models. Nor were bodyside mouldings removed, as with the rest of the Focus range. Some press outlets had expected such changes in line with the rest of the range.

Focus ECOnetic

Shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007 as part of the facelifted range, the Focus ECOnetic is an emissions-friendly model, similar to Volkswagen's BlueMotion range, using a 109PS 1.6 Duratorq TDCi engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Aerodynamic features including low-resistance tyres contribute to 65mpg fuel consumption figure with average CO2 emissions of 115g/km.

Focus RS Mk 2

On December 17 2007 Ford of Europe confirmed that a Mk 2 Focus RS will be launched in 2009. The press release also notes that a concept version of the RS is due in mid-2008.^[10]Contrary to numerous rumours and speculation^[11] ^[12] ^[13] the RS was announced by Ford to have a conventional FWD layout with an upgraded Volvo T5 engine, gearbox, suspension, and LSD.^[14]

Mk III

Reports have repeatedly surfaced that the third generation will debut in 2011 or 2012. This generation is to re-unite the International Ford Focus with the North American Ford Focus onto a common architecture.^[15]

On July 23, 2007, Australian Industry Minister Ian MacFarlane announced that the next generation Ford Focus would be built at Ford Australia's Broadmeadows manufacturing plant from 2011.^[16]

Motorsport

The first Focus World Rally Car made its debut in rallying and the World Rally Championship on the 1999 Monte Carlo Rally with Colin McRae and Simon Jean-Joseph at the wheels of the two cars, replacing, for the first time in a generation, the venerable Escort. It was immediately on the pace, setting many fastest stage times, but a vehicle weight issue meant that the two cars were excluded from that event. McRae went on to give the Focus WRC its maiden victory on the Safari Rally in February of the same year and took victory again in the following rally, the Rally Portugal.

The MkI Focus WRC went on scoop further victories over the years for McRae, Carlos Sainz and Markko Märtin from then until it was phased out in favour of the MkII offering in late 2005.^[17] This car, a winner in both Marcus Grönholm's and Mikko Hirvonen's hands in the two-car factory BP-Ford World Rally Team that contested the 2006 World Rally Championship season, duly racked up the manufacturers' title,^[18] spelling the end of a formidable twenty-seven year wait for such an honour in this series for the Blue Oval. The team successfully defended the manufacturers' title in the 2007 season.^[19]

Besides rallies, the Focus has also been used in the SCCA Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series.

Overall sales and history

In Europe, the hatchback is the biggest selling body style. Ford attempted to market the saloon in Europe as a mini-executive car by only offering it in the Ghia trim level, something that it had tried before with the Orion of the 1980s. It has since given up on this strategy, and has started selling lower specified versions of the saloon.

Despite its radical styling (the hatchback version in particular), and some controversial safety recalls in North America, the car has been a runaway success across the globe, even in the United States, where Ford has traditionally failed to successfully sell its European models. This was the best-selling car in the world in 1999 through 2004. It was elected Car of the Year in 1999. The Focus won the North American Car of the Year award for 2000.

The Focus, unlike the Escort, was never offered in a panel van body style in the U.S.; however, a commercial Focus is available in Europe.

Ford was therefore left without a light-duty commercial vehicle when the Escort finally went out of production in 2000. The purpose-designed Transit Connect, introduced in 2002, largely served as its replacement. A convertible version was another notable omission that was rectified with the Mk2 Coupe-Cabriolet.

Reliability

The European Focus would also suffer from some recall issues, but in 2002, according to German reports and surveys, the Focus was claimed to be the most reliable car between one and three years old in the German car market.^[21] This was a remarkable feat as the Focus was competing against German prestige manufacturers as well as Japanese manufacturers, all of which have strong reputations for quality and reliability.

Awards

Since its launch in 1998 the Focus Mk I has won over 60 awards including 13 Car of the Year awards in both Europe and North America, and more recently, the best family car ever (Autocar UK 2003). In 2005, in a poll by the Men & Motors TV channel in the UK, it was placed 19th in the nation's favourite 100 cars of all time.

Auto Express in 2005 hailed the European Focus Mk 2 "Supreme Champion" in its New Car of the Year awards. The Focus also won the subcategory of Best Compact Family Car in the same awards.

What green car in 2008 named the "green" version of the Focus, The Ford Focus ECOnetic as its Green Car of the year 2008. It won for its class-leading low emissions and high fuel economy^[22].

Focus in the UK

The first British buyers of the Focus took delivery of their cars during the autumn of 1998. Its predecessor, the Escort, continued in limited production alongside the Focus for two years, as the Focus was a distinctive design that Ford feared might take time for buyers to get used to.

But the Focus quickly became popular thanks to its competitive asking price, sharp handling, generous equipment, spacious interior and comfortable seats. It has been Britain's best-selling new car every year since 1999, and the second generation model (on sale since the end of 2004) has just strengthened its position.

The majority of motoring surveys have given the Focus a good rating for reliability, build quality, driver appeal and overall satisfaction, and helped it compete with reputable Japanese and German brands in terms of quality.

In November 2007, the BBC reported Sheffield University survey data as showing that 40% of UK families owned two cars, and one was 'likely to be a Focus'.^[23]

The Focus was Britain's best selling car once again for 2007 - the ninth successive year that it has achieved this success. It is now just one year away from achieving the Ford Cortina's record of ten successive years as Britain's best selling car.^[24]

v • d • e « previous — Ford car timeline, European market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
Type	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
City car																	Ka I												Ka II
Supermini	Fiesta I			Fiesta II						Fiesta III						Fiesta IV				Fiesta V			Fiesta VI						Fiesta VII
Small family car	Escort Mk3 / Orion I						Escort Mk4 / Orion II				Escort Mk5 / Orion III			Escort Mk5b		Escort Mk6			Focus I						Focus II
Large family car	Cortina V		Sierra											Mondeo I				Mondeo II			Mondeo III							Mondeo IV
Executive car	Granada II					Scorpio I / Granada III									Scorpio II
Coupé	Capri																	Puma
Coupé										Probe										Cougar

Contents

Ford Focus Mark 1 (1998–2004)

Design and engineering

Manufacturing

Critical opinion

Safety

2001 facelift

Engines

European introduction

International summary

Transmissions

Trim levels

Body styles

Performance versions

ST170

RS

Mk 2 (2004-present)

Design and engineering

Availability

Critical opinion

Safety

Engines

Trim levels

2008 facelift

Additional variants

Focus ST

Coupé-Cabriolet

Focus ECOnetic

Focus RS Mk 2

Mk III

Motorsport

Overall sales and history

Reliability

Awards

Focus in the UK

See also

References

External links