2014 Ford Focus at Geneva
The Geneva motor show always plays host to some exciting reveals; from Italian supercars to the flair of French concepts, patrons of the show are never left disappointed.
Some might then consider the showcase of a new Ford Focus as rather boring really. I mean it’s just your average C-segment hatchback after all.
However this couldn’t be further from the truth, because while it’s just your average C-segment hatch, the Focus is in fact the world’s best-selling nameplate. And that mean’s this is the car that you’re most likely to find yourself writing out a cheque for in the near future.
Now that I have your attention, let’s look at the finer details of the all-new Ford Focus. Overall the design is more stirring; an evolution on the old model, but undoubtedly a more attractive end product. The lines are similar, just less harsh and doused with a splash of chic modernism that is most prominent around the front.
The interior also sees a make-over; taking on customer feedback which called for a more intuitive layout and less clutter on the dash. Focus (excuse the pun) has shifted toward a more driver focussed design – I think they call it a cockpit layout.
Refinement was a major focal point in the overhaul, where by adding thicker carpets, thicker window glass and wrapping up the engine bay a bit more, they have achieved a much quieter ride.
Under the skin you’ll find a stiffer chassis up front and revised suspension geometry aimed at delivering a more responsive driving experience. The Electronic Stability Programme is new, working in conjunction with Torque Vectoring to reduce understeer and the electrically assisted power steering has also been looked at to provide better feedback to the driver.
Under the hood Ford will continue to offer the popular 1.0 litre EcoBoost motor that won the 2012 and 2013 International Engine Awards. However a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost and a 1.5litre TDCi diesel engine will be introduced for those customers who would enjoy a little more oomph.
The launch of the new Focus, expected in the latter half of 2014, marks the debut of SYNC2 in-car connectivity. The system features an 8-inch colour touch screen and advanced voice control for easier access to audio, navigation, climate control and your mobile phone. The technological advances don’t stop there however, with another Ford first being Active Park Assist that offers hand-free parallel parking.
“We weren’t satisfied with being No. 1; we wanted to blow people away with a stunning new version of the Focus,” said Stephen Odell, president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “New Focus marries modern design, advanced technology and leading fuel efficiency with the fun-to-drive DNA for which Focus is rightly acclaimed.”
