Ford Focus: prices and specifications

Ford Focus: Model Range Overview

Ford Focus is a C-class car that has been produced since 1998. The first generation, developed under the code name CW170, got its name from the Ghia concept car presented in Geneva in 1991. In 2002, the first generation model was updated, and in 2004 the second generation debuted, which also underwent a facelift in 2008.

The third generation Ford Focus was shown on January 11, 2010 in Detroit. The car features a unique design: a massive air intake in the front bumper is divided into three sections, the headlights are elongated, and the unusual-shaped rear lights extend onto the fenders. The body range no longer includes a three-door hatchback; now a sedan, station wagon and five-door hatchback are available. Compared to its predecessor, the third-generation Focus is 21 mm longer (to 4358 mm), but 16 mm lower (to 1484 mm) and 16 mm narrower (to 1823 mm). The wheelbase increased by 8 mm (to 2648 mm), and the trunk volume decreased slightly: for the sedan with a full-size spare tire — 372 liters, for the hatchback — 277 liters (1062 liters with the rear seats folded).

The modern Focus is considered one of the most technologically advanced economy cars in its segment. It is equipped with many cutting-edge systems for safety and comfort. The interior of the car has changed noticeably: the new center console and instrument panel are equipped with LCD displays, and the trim materials have become better quality. The base version includes front and side airbags, dual-zone climate control, rain and light sensors, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The list of options is extensive: bi-xenon and adaptive cornering headlights, LED interior lighting, a radio with nine speakers and voice control, and an automatic parking system. The base powertrain for the European version became a new four-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine from the EcoBoost family with 150 or 182 hp. It is paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed robotic PowerShift gearbox, which was later replaced by a traditional automatic.

Engineers refined the rear multi-link Control Blade suspension to improve handling. The new model also received semi-isolated front and rear subframes. Even in the base configuration, the Focus III is equipped with IVD, EBD and ABS safety systems, which are often available only in luxury versions from other brands. The car has front-wheel drive.

History

Production of the Ford Focus started in 1998, replacing the Ford Escort. The Focus became one of the first Ford cars built on a global platform, so it is sold worldwide with minor changes and under different names.

The first generation Ford Focus was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in the late 90s. The model range included a hatchback, sedan and station wagon, which was called the Focus Turnier.

The design of this generation was executed in the conceptual New Edge style. The car's appearance seemed assembled from many geometric shapes. The instrument panel also looked more avant-garde than other models of the brand.

For the European market, gasoline engines of the Zetec and Zetec-SE families with a displacement of 1.4 to 2.0 liters and power from 75 to 130 hp were offered, as well as a 1.8-liter diesel engine with 75, 90 or 115 hp. Transmissions — five-speed manual and four-speed automatic.

The front suspension was classic (McPherson struts), and the rear was more complex, of the Control Blade type, which allowed the rear wheels to steer in corners. This provided the car with excellent handling and stability.

The first generation Focus was offered in Ambiente, Comfort and Ghia trim levels.

In 1999, the Ford Focus received the title "Car of the Year in Europe", and in 2000 — "Car of the Year in the USA".

In 2001, the model was updated, and in 2002, "hot" versions appeared: Focus ST170 (2.0 L, 172 hp) and Focus RS (2.0 L, 215 hp).

In Europe, production of the first generation ended in 2004, while in South America and the USA it continued until 2007.

The second generation Ford Focus debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. Production began in 2004 in Germany and Spain, and in spring 2005 in Russia, China and Taiwan.

The second generation was based on the global Ford platform, which also underpinned the Mazda3 and Volvo S40/V50.

Visually, the second-generation Focus looked more solid than its predecessor, mainly due to increased dimensions. The car became 50 mm wider, the wheelbase grew by 25 mm, and the track by 40 mm. This added space for rear passengers.

The Ford Focus II was offered in four body types: three-door and five-door hatchbacks, four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.

The car featured side curtain airbags protecting passengers from the front to the rear pillar. Front airbags were already included in the base version.

For an extra charge, ABS, IVD dynamic stability system, dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors, multimedia system, several types of alloy wheels and voice control for the phone were offered.

The engine range was extensive: gasoline engines 1.4 L (80 hp), 1.6 L (100 hp), 1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT with variable valve timing (115 hp), 2.0 L (145 hp), as well as a Duratorg 1.8 L turbodiesel (115 hp). The engines were mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed adaptive automatic Durashift-ECT (for the 1.6 L engine). The range also included TDCi diesel turbo engines with a displacement of 1.6 L and power of 90 or 109 hp, and a two-liter engine with 136 hp.

In 2008, the Ford Focus II underwent a facelift, during which the headlights, bumpers, mirrors, hood and fenders were changed. New features also appeared, such as a tire pressure monitoring system, a 220 V outlet, SONY multimedia and rear LED lights.

The engine range remained the same. The car passed the Euro NCAP crash test and received the maximum five stars. The number of body options did not change.

In 2010, the third generation Ford Focus was presented at the Detroit Auto Show. Not only the platform, but the car itself became global. The three-door hatchback and convertible disappeared from the range.

In 2014, the Focus underwent a facelift, which mainly affected the front of the car.

Exterior

The design of the Ford Focus III is hard to call extraordinary, but it attracts attention. The car looks modern and attractive. It features kinetic design elements familiar from previous generations, and also retains similarities with them. The sedan does not look like a hybrid based on a hatchback, but is perceived as an independent development. The car looks solid, without unnecessary details. Visually, the Focus seems larger than its predecessor: it is longer, wider and slightly lower, which gives the appearance more dynamics.

Interior

The quality of materials in the cabin is pleasing both visually and tactilely. Despite the unusual design of the front panel, it appeals to most potential buyers. Ergonomics deserve high marks.

The front seats are comfortable and have a wide range of adjustments. A driver of any build can sit comfortably, and access to all controls can be called ideal.

The large number of buttons on the center panel takes some getting used to.

In the back row, there is enough legroom and shoulder room, even if tall passengers are sitting in the front seats.

The sound insulation of the cabin is at the level of premium cars. Extraneous noises are practically absent both at low and high speeds.

Such a level of interior trim is usually found in more expensive cars.

Engine and Transmission

The third generation Ford Focus offers a wide selection of gasoline and diesel engines. The gasoline engine range starts with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost (998 cc) with 101 or 125 hp. Next is the popular in Ukraine 1.6 L engine, which is produced in Ti-VCT (85, 105 and 125 hp) and EcoBoost (150 and 182 hp) versions.

The most powerful gasoline engine is a two-liter, 250 hp.

Diesel engines are also widely represented: 1.6 L engines can have 95, 105 or 115 hp, and a two-liter diesel — 140 or 163 hp.

There are also two variants of the 1.6 L engine: one runs on natural gas (117 hp), the other on bioethanol (120 hp), but such cars are not supplied to Ukraine.

Both gasoline and diesel engines can be mated to a five- or six-speed manual transmission.

The PowerShift automatic transmission is installed on all engines except the 1.0 EcoBoost.

Safety

Safety is in order with the Ford Focus. In the Euro NCAP crash test, the new Focus earned the maximum five stars.

In a frontal collision, it scored 15 points out of 16 possible, in a side collision — 7.6 points out of 8. Child safety was rated at the maximum 12 points.

Features

Many experts consider the car's handling to be exemplary. The Ford Focus demonstrates classic front-wheel drive characteristics, but its ultimate capabilities are higher than those of competitors. During sharp maneuvers, the car clearly follows the steering wheel.

Feedback allows the driver to feel the position of the wheels and the limit of grip. On the highway, the car's behavior is exemplary both on straight lines and in long turns. Even broken roads with ruts hardly affect handling.

Popularity in Ukraine

The car is popular and sells well on the Ukrainian market. According to the autoportal.ua sales rating, it is in the TOP-20.

The Ford Focus also holds leading positions among companies purchasing cars for employees. In Ukraine, you can find Focus of different generations used for business purposes. On the secondary market, the model has a good reputation.

Our Verdict

The Ford Focus is a good choice for those who want to buy a modern high-tech car with exemplary handling.

The model is one of the best offers in terms of price-quality ratio. In Ukraine, there is a wide network of dealerships and specialized service stations, and any spare parts are available in warehouses.

Despite the fact that there are no particular complaints about the quality of German cars (cars assembled in Germany are sold in Ukraine), for many, warranty is important. For the Ford Focus, it is 3 years without mileage limit.