Ford is keen to stave off increasing competition from its German and Japanese rivals in the C-segment and is set to do so with the unveiling of a new Focus at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Although technically just a facelift, the Focus has been extensively updated, particularly inside. There are also new engines to choose from.
Exterior
The most noticeable change marking out the new Focus is the front end styling, which has been brought into line with the rest of the current model line-up. Sleeker headlight units feature, and the 'Aston-like' inverted trapezoidal grille is the most attractive interpretation of Ford's current design language to date. Elongated fog lights in the lower front bumper further enhance the appearance, as does the re-sculpted bonnet.
Along the side subtle chrome detailing around the windows helps to portray a more upmarket feel, although it remains unclear as to whether that will feature on all trim levels. The changes around the rear of the car are more subtle but still serve to give the car a refreshed appearance. The length of the rear lights' 'finger', which extends into the rear flank, has been scaled down, while the more horizontal base of the light units gives the impression of a wider car.
Interior
It's inside though where the biggest changes lie in the Focus. An all-new dashboard presents a far cleaner design that looks less 'busy' than before. The show car in which we sat also featured a high-resolution eight-inch touchscreen that can display satellite navigation and various media in-formation. It can also be operated in a split-screen mode to combine the two if desired. An updated instrument binnacle features new dial designs and contains a smaller TFT display that relays in-formation from the car's on-board trip computer.
The other significant difference in the new Focus is the quality of the materials used. The plastics are less shiny and have a more solid feel, and now more closely rival the likes of Volkswagen for feel and perceived quality. A new three-spoke steering wheel design contains neatly-proportioned multi-function controls that are just the right distance to enable the user to operate them by simply moving a thumb. For the first time in a Focus buyers will be able to order a heated steering wheel as an option, while those opting for the automatic gearbox will now also have the use of paddle shifters.
Mechanicals
Under that re-sculpted bonnet Ford is planning to introduce a fresh line-up of engines including two versions of its new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which will come in both 150- and 180hp guises. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit will still be available in 100- and 125hp guises. The 99g/km version of the Focus powered by the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is claimed to be the first non-hybrid petrol family car in Europe. Buyers will also be able to order the automatic transmission in conjunction with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.
Diesel options will come in the form of new 95- and 120hp 1.5-litre TDCi units, the latter of which will also have the option of a PowerShift automatic transmission. Ford claims that its new automatic gearbox delivers a 13 per cent improvement in fuel economy.
Anything else?
Ford has been working with voice-recognition firm Nuance - the company that developed Apple's Siri technology - for its SYNC2 in-car system, which it's claimed can now be used in a more natural fashion and is capable of offering a higher degree of functionality through a greater understanding of voice commands in nine different European languages.
Other new technology includes an upgraded Active Park Assist system that, in addition to helping the driver to parallel park, can now also park perpendicularly without the driver having to touch the steering wheel. This system will also now feature Park Out Assist, which can guide the car out of its parking space. Rear radar can also detect oncoming traffic from either side if the car is reversing out from a perpendicular space.
The new Ford Focus will be officially unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show next month and is planned to be in showrooms later in the summer.