NEWS
Ford claims first for predictive stability control
Facelifted Focus will introduce advanced new safety featureThe small car in Ford's passenger car range, the Focus, will usher in new technology when it goes on sale here in 2015. That new technology will take the form of EcoBoost powertrains, updated SYNC 2 infotainment/telematics, and Enhanced Transitional Stability system – which is designed to anticipate events that might trigger the car's stability control system.
According to Ford, the new safety feature is an 'industry first'. It factors speed and driver input through the wheel to pre-empt a loss of traction or roadholding, reducing the response time of the car's stability control. Individual braking effort will resolve an emergency before the driver is even aware of lost adhesion, Ford claims.
"By recognising scenarios that will lead to a loss of driver control before an incident has developed, the Enhanced Transitional Stability system is setting the recovery process in motion quicker than ever before, and improving safety and comfort for driver and passengers," said Norbert Kessing, vehicle dynamics manager, Ford of Europe.
The Focus facelift will carry over the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine already available in the European Focus range and the 2.0-litre diesel will also continue – albeit in upgraded form. In addition, the updated Focus will also launch with 1.5-litre EcoBoost (petrol) and TDCi (diesel) four-cylinder engines.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine will be offered in two states of tune, 110kW and 134kW. In Europe the petrol four-cylinder will be offered with either manual or automatic transmission options – both six-speeds – and will be seven per cent more efficient than the 1.6-litre petrol engine they replace.
Similarly, the 1.5-litre diesel will be available in 70kW and 88kW versions, with Ford claiming the new diesel is good for a reduction in fuel use of around 10 per cent. The 2.0-litre diesel is uprated from 103 to 110kW and delivers a claimed fuel use improvement of 15 per cent. Automatic and PowerShift transmissions will be available with shift paddles as an option. Not all the drivetrain options available in Europe will necessarily make it to Australia via Ford's Thai plant.
Underneath, the revised Focus gains stiffer front suspension settings (dampers and bushes), new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and the Enhanced Transitional Stability system. The steering system delivers lighter weight through the wheel, fewer 'neutral zones' and improved feedback at higher speeds. Body flex during cornering is reduced by 'increasing the thickness of two brackets within the engine bay and using a stronger metal arc welding technique'.
Interior design has been enhanced for ease of use and the new SYNC 2 system offers upgraded voice control and a colour touch screen measuring eight inches, with a split-screen facility. The voice control responds to simpler instructions and recognises abstract concepts – announcing: "I'm hungry" will bring up a list of restaurants in the car's satnav system, for instance.
Focus's self-parking facility (Active Park Assist) now features a 'Perpendicular Parking' facility (side by side) along with the existing reverse parking (nose to tail) program. Two new sensors at the rear of the Focus provide added input for the Perpendicular Parking, as well as Cross Traffic Alert. Active Park Assist can also help a driver manoeuvre a car out of a parallel park now. It's one of 18 new or improved driver assistance technologies in the Focus, Ford advises.
One of those is Active City Stop, which detects the presence of stationary objects in front, warning the driver and reducing impact speed in the event the driver fails to take evasive action. Active Braking works in the same way, but detecting moving objects ahead, rather than stationary objects. It will work to avoid crashes at speeds of up to 180km/h.
Cosmetic changes that distinguish the refreshed model from the superseded Focus include bonnet, front apron and grille, with new headlights and fog lights. Bi-xenon adaptive lights are new to the Focus and feature seven adjustment settings to change the beam direction and reduce intensity for oncoming drivers. The Focus's tail lights and tailgate have been revised also. Satin black and chrome details provide a lift for the car's exterior appearance.
"The vision was to add more emotion to the design of Focus by incorporating our very latest 'face of Ford'," said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. "The new Focus is more toned, and more athletic, with more refined surface language; and clearly offers a promise of the drive experience to come."
Ford has also reduced the impact of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), through the use of thicker carpets, thicker side glass and extended noise-suppressing insulation in the engine bay.
"We weren't satisfied with being number one; we wanted to make the best even better with a stunning new version of the Focus," said Stephen Odell, president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The new Ford Focus marries modern design, advanced technology and leading fuel efficiency with the fun-to-drive DNA for which Focus is rightly acclaimed."
Ford Australia is still finalising specification for the Focus to be sold here, but expects the full range to be launched and on sale during the first half of 2015, with the Focus ST the first model to arrive.
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Written byKen Gratton
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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