FORD FOCUS – AN INDIVIDUAL APPROACH
The dynamic and stylish new Ford Focus arrived on our shores earlier this year. The range was well received with the 2.0 TDCi five-door receiving further acclaim when it was nominated as a finalist in the 2006 Car of the Year competition.
In a bid to further enhance the appeal of the Focus, Ford is now offering the four-door sedan with a Sport Pack kit as an option, previously the Sport Pack was only available as an option on the five-door Si models, with the exception of the 2.0 TDCi. The Sport Pack is available as an aftermarket kit from all Ford dealers throughout the country.
Ford’s relentless development and leading technical expertise has ensured the Focus is now highly regarded as a genuine driver’s car. Excellent road feedback and precise steering control are enhanced by a significant gain in torsional stiffness within the new body structure, providing a fluid ride quality.
Neale Hill, Ford Marketing Manager, comments that a car is an extension of the owner. “We believe that buyers of the new FordFocus Sport Pack are very conscious of the way they want to be seen. They are progressive, stylish and dynamic,” he reveals. “They want a car which is a fresh, confident expression of their active lifestyles.
“We know that the Focus represents a truly dynamic package. The Sport Pack provides a sporty look, which is intended to be a reflection of the excellent ride and handling capabilities that the vehicle possesses,” concludes Hill.
There are three four-door Focus models that will offer the Sport Pack as an option, namely the; 1.6-litre Trend, 2.0 Trend as well as 2.0 Trend A/T.
The 1.6-litre BZ-VCT petrol engine develops 77kW of power at 6 000rpm and produces 145Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. Variable Camshaft Timing improves airflow through the engine and delivers more torque at lower rpm. It is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and offers hydraulic power assisted steering. Fuel consumption has been measured at 9.6 litres per 100km in town, 5.8 litres out of town, and 7.2 litres on a combined cycle.
The lightweight 2.0-litre Duratec featuring a 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve power train develops a power output of 107kW at 6 000rpm and produces a torque of 185Nm at 4 500rpm and is available in both manual and automatic guise.
The 2.0 manual accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 210km/h, while fuel consumption comes in at 7.1 litres on the combined cycle. The automatic transmission accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.7 seconds with a top speed of 197km/h and fuel consumption figures of 8.1 litres/100km on the combined cycle run.
With its slightly larger dimensions, the new Ford Focus has a more muscular stance, highlighted by flared wheel arches that are more prominent yet at the same time better integrated into the overall design. The front and rear bumper extensions of the Sport Pack further enhance the sporty intensions of the dynamic Focus.
The popular C-segment sedan, when in its Sport Pack configuration, also boasts a stylish set of 17” alloy wheels with wider shod 205/50 R17 tyres that not only look the part but further enhance the dynamic and sporting capabilities of the vehicle.
The driver is pampered with air-conditioning, remote central locking and a trip computer with message centre, while safety features include anti-lock brakes and front and side air bags as standard.
The cabin’s ambiance is further enhanced by the quality design and finish associated with an expensive luxury car. The engineers employed comprehensive checks to ensure the interior materials feature harmonised colours, grains and gloss.
The interior of the Sport Pack model is readily identifiable by the branded loose floor carpets that feature the FordFocus emblem. In addition the side sill protectors also offer the FordFocus emblems as a unique signature of the Sport Pack.
Designed exclusively for the Focus range the Sport Pack is made to meet exacting standards of quality and durability. Standard features unique to the Sport Pack models are:
- Front and rear bumper extensions
- Side sill extensions
- 17” alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres
- Ford Focus branded loose foot well carpets
- Ford Focus branded sill protectors
A 5-year/ 60 000km Ford Protect Maintenance Plan is standard with all models, as is a 3 year unlimited kilometre road side assistance plan. The warranty is applicable for 3 years / 100 000kms while a corrosion warranty is in place for 5 years / unlimited kilometres, service intervals are pegged at 20 000kms and 15 000km on all diesel models.
PRICING:
Recommended retail pricing (including VAT) with optional sport pack fitted are as follows:
- 1.6 Trend 4 DR R 167,900.00
- 2.0 Trend 4 DR R 194,900.00
- 2.0 Trend 4 DR A/T R 204,900.00
- 1.6 Si 5 DR R 164,900.00
- 2.0 Si 5 DR R 189,900.00