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2007 FRANKFURT AUTOSHOW: Ford Introduces A Sharper Focus for 2008
Winner of more than 80 awards and the only vehicle in the world to be named Car of the Year both in Europe and North America, Ford’s Focus has been something of a phenomenon since the launch of the original back in 1998.

Now in its second generation, with more than 1.1 million examples sold in the UK and a range which includes hatchback, saloon, estate and Coupé-Cabriolet derivatives, the Focus success story enters another chapter.

Following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford has announced that a new version of its family favourite will begin rolling off production lines from the end of 2007. Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms, Coupé-Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in spring 2008. Benefiting from Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ approach to styling, the 2008 Focus takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed new Mondeo. The result is a classier and more distinctive appearance from a vehicle that’s now as exciting to look at as it is to drive.

Working from the front towards the rear, trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler.

Inside, the upmarket aura continues. New soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by plush new seat fabrics plus a variety of attractive fascia finishing's. The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved.

Furthermore, the Titanium now includes a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look. In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box. Another feature available as an option from the beginning of 2008 is the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter.

The aesthetic appeal of Ford's latest Focus is matched by a range of mechanical introductions, including an all-new automated gearbox. The Ford PowerShift transmission will be available from early 2008 in the new Ford Focus as well as the Ford C-MAX, in combination with the 136PS and new 110PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

Jointly developed by Ford and transmission specialists GETRAG, the gearbox consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet clutch unit. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other one 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 – the next gear change can be prepared by pre-selection whilst in motion and at full power.

As a result, in this configuration, the average fuel consumption improves by around 10 per cent, and CO2 emissions will be lower, compared to a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Final homologated fuel economy and CO2 emissions data, as well as performance data for the Ford Focus with this new transmission technology, will be published closer to the car's market launch.

Another new development is the Focus "ECOnetic" which features an array of aerodynamic efficiencies and is powered by a 109 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Average consumption for the Focus ECOnetic is a frugal 65mpg. This corresponds to an average CO2 emission of only 115g/km, which is a class leading result for a conventional vehicle in this segment.

As a direct result of the Ford ECOnetic initiative, all Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variants will achieve 119g/km CO2 and this is regardless of power rating, body style or wheel dimensions. Flexifuel version of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol – or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine.

The 2008 Ford Focus range will initially be offered across Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim grades. More detailed information about the UK range and prices will be release close to the car's on-sale date.

Enjoy the best photo coverage of the 2007 Frankfurt auto show.

This year's gallery is sponsored by our friends at Texaco. Special thanks to them!

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery


2007 FRANKFURT AUTOSHOW: Ford Introduces A Sharper Focus for 2008



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PorschinatorPorschinator - 9/11/2007 1:39:18 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Took it lines from Mazda. Atleast Ford owns 30% of Mazda =)

reply to this comment
EnnNorakEnnNorak - 9/12/2007 11:22:59 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Many posts have appeared on this site accusing one car company or another of copying. None of it is actually copying -- it's simply the whole industry moving together in a new styling direction. It almost appears to be a conspiracy to make obsolete existing styles or designs so that people would be motivated to trade in their older cars for newer ones sooner than later. Product obsolescence hurts the consumer but keeps the industry alive.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 9/12/2007 11:25:58 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I would definitely challenge Ford to display some brains and bring it to North America real quick. A diesel econobox like that could definitely steal sales from the likes of Corolla and Civic.

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/11/2007 6:12:37 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It looks like some combination of the current Euro Focus, the new C-Class and the new Mondeo, which is a very good thing.

CARGUY, no, we won't get it. Don't expect a new Focus platform in the US until 2046. That is when Europeans will be getting the Focus 10, and we'll just begetting the second-generation platform.

reply to this comment
EnnNorakEnnNorak - 9/12/2007 11:41:15 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I would not mention the superior 2008 C-Class in the same breath. My wife and I test-drove the new C yesterday and found a few flaws. The good news is that the new C looks great.

We drove the C300 4MATIC. Its seats are a bit too firm and the interior feels a bit cramped because of the excessively wide centre console. Rear leg room is totally inadequate. The C does have adequate power and is reasonably priced although Mercedes still tries to rip you off by charging extra for all but a few uninspiring paint colors. The new C300 has very nice 5-spoke wheels as standard equipment but the combination of low profile tires and stiff suspension makes for an uncomfortable harsh ride. I also noticed considerably more road noise than what I have in my leased Audi A6 Quattro.

We are probaly going to go for the Subaru Tribeca when my current lease expires. The Tribeca is the same price as the C but has a better engine and AWD system and a lot more room and comfort.
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