AFF Technical Resources - Fresh Enhancements Fan Fervour for Focus

March 2007

Ford's popular German engineered small car range, Focus, will be graced by a new model, new bodystyles and enhanced safety options when the freshened model goes on sale mid-year.

A new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door model, featuring a six-speed manual transmission, will make its debut as part of the new range, becoming the first diesel powered passenger car in the Ford Australia line-up.

"There is an increasing awareness of the benefits associated with diesel and a subsequent groundswell of desire for diesel alternatives, so Ford will introduce an all-new Focus diesel option in direct response to consumer demand," said President of Ford Australia, Tom Gorman.

"Today's diesel technology is state-of-the-art and in some aspects of motoring can provide performance benefits over and above petrol engines. The addition of a turbo-diesel option, in tandem with a new six-speed manual transmission, will further expand the appeal of Focus and cement its position as one of the best performing models in the small car segment."

Two new bodystyles will also be introduced as part of the freshening actions. A new Zetec sedan with five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission will be available, as will a Ghia hatchback with a four-speed automatic.

"Focus customers expressed a desire for a Zetec specification sedan and a slightly sportier looking Ghia model. Again, we have listened and we're adding these two derivatives to the line-up, to cater for motorists who want an even more highly specified feature-laden small car," said Mr Gorman.

Safety will also improve with the new model, thanks to across the range availability of curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and traction control with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

These reassuring safety features will be available as part of an optional safety pack on all Focus models.

New exterior door mirrors incorporating a turn indicator will become standard on all models and a new front bumper, as seen on the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, will be incorporated across the range, excluding XR5 Turbo.

New alloy wheel designs will further differentiate the freshened range, as will two new exterior colours, Tango and Tonic.

"Focus sales rose by 63 per cent in 2006 compared with the previous year, which shows an increasing number of people have come to appreciate Focus and its outstanding driving dynamics, comfort, quality and refinement," said Mr Gorman.

"The enhancements we have detailed today will add to its desirability and confirm Focus as one of the safest, versatile and fun to drive small car models available in Australia."