Enhanced Ford Focus Range Brings Smart New Technology to Segment

• Introduction of SYNC™ infotainment system for improved connectivity and safety across the model range
• Focus range  increased from eight to 12 models
• Capless refueling system available across the range

PRETORIA, South Africa, 02 November, 2012 – With a variety of enhancements, including the introduction of SYNC, the revised Ford Focus range offers customers exceptional value with state-of-the-art-technologies.

“Focus has always been a rewarding car to drive with its smart technologies and engaging dynamics,” says Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly. “Now with additional technologies available such as Ford SYNC, Focus has cemented it position as the stylish and smart choice for customers.”

Ford SYNC

Ford SYNC is an advanced software platform that provides hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity. Now available on the Trend and Sport derivatives, the SYNC system allows customers to connect a compatible mobile phone or digital media player to their Focus via Bluetooth^®1 or USB.

The SYNC system can recognise up to 150 voice commands and is able to cope with variations in accents and vocabulary, making it easier to access more content by voice.  It is compatible with most mobile phone devices and allows the driver to make calls via voice commands and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

SYNC is able to retrieve text messages and reads them aloud*. It is even able to identify popular abbreviations and emoticons such as LOL (laugh out loud) and 😀 (big smile). Using voice activation, the driver can also send a reply from a predetermined list of 15 responses while on the move.

In addition to its advanced connectivity features the SYNC system also ensures a dynamic in-car entertainment experience. It is able to connect to a compatible digital media player via Bluetooth® or USB connection, allowing users to play their favourite music via voice commands and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Users can browse their music collection by genre, album, artist, playlist or song title using voice commands. SYNC can even put together a playlist of the music the driver is in the mood for by utilising the “play similar” command.

“SYNC has enjoyed a huge uptake globally with more than three million Ford Motor Company vehicles running the system. It’s smart yet simple technology that ensures a safer driving experience for Focus customers,” adds Golightly.

Enhanced Range

Since its launch in 2011 Focus has won over a legion of fans. It made its local debut with a line-up of eight different models. As its popularity continues to grow the Focus range has now been expanded to include 12 models.

Joining the line-up are the following models:

• Hatch (5-door)
• 2.0 TDCi Trend (6-speed manual transmission)
• 2.0 TDCi Trend (6-speed PowerShift auto transmission)

Sedan (4-door)

• 1.6 Ti-VCT Ambiente (6-speed PowerShift auto transmission)
• 2.0 GDi Trend (5-speed manual transmission)

The Ambiente marks the entry into the brand followed by the Trend, with the Sport featuring the highest level of features and specification. All three model-lines feature Ford’s capless refueling system as well as new wheel designs.

Despite being the entry into the range, the Ambiente models boast impressive features including manual air conditioning, front power windows with driver one touch up/down functionality, ABS brakes with EBD, ESP, Hill Launch assist, Torque Vectoring Control and dual front airbags. Ambiente models will now also feature body colour door handles and mirrors, while the much acclaimed PowerShift transmission system is now available in Ambiente guise.

The Trend models which already benefits from features such as curtain airbags, driver one touch up/down power windows and rear power windows will now be offered with the SYNC In-Car Entertainment system. The 5-door Trend is now also available with a 2.0 TDCi engine.

For customers wishing to further customise their Focus, a Trend Option Pack is available. The pack includes: rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, follow-me-home lighting, and an auto dimming rear viewmirror. The Pack has been further enhanced with the addition of a styling pack including sporty spoiler and 17”alloy wheelsand a full leather interior.

Lastly the Sport model tops the range with features such as sport suspension, partial leather sports seats, keyless entry with Power Start button, dual zone air conditioning, auto dimming rearview mirror, auto headlamp feature, follow-me-home lighting, rain sensing wipers, global close on front windows as standard, front and rear 12V power pointsto name just some of the luxury features.

New on the Sport range is the addition of the SYNC In-Car infotainment system and a sporty styling pack that includes body colour side skirts, front and rear bumper extensions and a sporty ST-inspired spoiler.

“We’ve looked at customer demand and tried to tailor a range according to what our customers desire and expect,” explains Golightly. “Even the entry level Ambiente models feature impressive specification while the Trend and Sport models expand on this offering even further.”

Extensive engine and transmission offering

The Ford Focus line-up features a choice of petrol and diesel engines with a more comprehensive product mix now on offer.

The 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT has a maximum power output of 92kW @ 6 000rpm and 159Nm at 4 000rpm. CO₂ emissions are as low as 145g/km with an average fuel consumption of 6.2 litres/100 km on a combined cycle, dependent on bodystyle and transmission.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the Focus is one of the first on the market to combine the technology of gasoline direct injection (GDi) with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), producing 125kW of power and 200Nm of torque. CO₂ emissions are as low as 154g/km with an average fuel consumption of 6.6 litres/100 km on a combined cycle, dependent on bodystyle and transmission

 The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi model produces 120kW @ 3 750 rpm and 340Nm @ 2 000 – 3 250 rpm. Thanks to its efficient fuel pump and a low friction accessory drive power, torque, economy and emissions are notably enhanced.  CO₂ emissions are as low as 134g/km with an average fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100 km on a combined cycle, dependent on bodystyle and transmission.

All engine options can be paired with Ford’s acclaimed PowerShift transmission. Unlike regular hydraulically operated automatic transmissions, which use power-sapping torque converters, wet clutches and pumps, Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift automatic consists of two manual transmissions working in parallel. Each has its own independent clutch unit controlled by computers and fast-acting electromechanical actuators that shift the gears.

One clutch carries the odd gears, 1, 3 and 5, while the other carries the even gears, 2, 4 and 6, and reverse. PowerShift is an automatic because the gear changes are coordinated by a computer that directs the clutches to engage and disengage in a way that provides seamless delivery of torque to the wheels, even during gear changes.

As a result, the driver benefits from improved fuel economy along with the crisp acceleration normally associated with a manual gearbox.

All Ford Focus models come standard with Ford’s warranty and service plan, which comprises of a four-year / 120 000km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty, five-year Corrosion warranty and five-year / 90 000km Service Plan. A Ford Protect roadside assistance plan is in place for three-years / unlimited km while service intervals are scheduled at 20 000km.