Ford Focus: Difference between revisions

Ford Focus
Ford Focus
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1998-present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car; / Small family car
Body style	3-door hatchback; 4-door sedan; 4-door station wagon; 5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L - 2.3 L I4
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Escort and Ford Orion

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Revision as of 21:04, 30 July 2006

The Ford Focus is a compact car / small family car made by the Ford Motor Company and sold in most Ford markets worldwide. It was launched in 1998 in Europe, and in 2000 in North America. Since then, it has become the most popular car in the United Kingdom, following in the success of the Escort, its predecessor. A new version of the Focus was launched in Europe in January 2005, while the United States received an updated version of the old model. In 2001 and 2002, Focus was the world’s best selling car.

Mk 1 (1998 - present)

Following the launch of the critically acclaimed Mk 1 Mondeo in 1993 the dark memories of the Mk 4 Escort were consigned to history, but because of the Mondeo's excellence expectations for the Escort's replacement was high, and more so because nearly every European Ford launched after the Mk 1 Mondeo was now considered by motoring critics to be nothing short of excellent (the Ford Cougar being the exception). With Ford now setting such high standards Ford could not repeat the disastrous chapter of the Escort, especially as expectations for that car were equally high in 1990.

Design and engineering

Codenamed CW170 during its development, and briefly known to some Ford contractors as the Ford Fusion, the original Focus took its eventual name from a Ghia concept car which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991. Certain elements of the design had been seen even earlier in prototypes used by Ford to demonstrate forthcoming safety features such as the eye-level rear lighting clusters. Initial spy photographs of the car seen in 1995 took the world by storm at the design's apparent boldness - further developing Ford's "New Edge" styling philosophy first seen in the Ka in 1996 and Cougar in 1998. The daring styling made it largely unchanged when it entered production three years later.

The interior of the car was also radically styled, featuring many curves and sweeping lines. Although the design was clearly influenced by the more radical Ford Ka the interior design language was more akin to those of American cars, in the same way the Mk 1 Mondeo was.

As well as having radical styling, the Focus also introduced high specification components. Built on an all-new platform the car featured a highly sophisticated fully independent multi-link rear suspension (dubbed "Control Blade") which was derived from the Short-Long Arm system used on the Mk 1 Mondeo station wagon (estate) and was intended to give the car class-leading handling and ride. Although fully independent multi-link rear suspension is extremely costly, and is the main reason why such a set-up was very rare, if not non-existent, in the class Ford managed to design and produce the suspension in an ingenious but cheap way by using pressed metal techniques. Until then other cars in the class, including the Focus' predecessor, featured torsion beam rear suspension.

When the North American versions were launched in 1999, initially as a 3dr hatchback, 4dr saloon and 5dr estate (a 5-dr hatchback soon followed) the cars featured subtle, but notable, styling differences as follows:

The front and rear bumpers (larger and of a different design on the North American version)
The grille (of which the North American versions incorporated the indicators/running lights).
Front wings (of which the European version featured indicator repeater lights)
The rear lights (although the units themselves were the same shape).

Even though both versions were identical in other respects (unlike the Mondeo and Contour) these detailed differences meant that the Focus was categorised as being available in two distinct versions - North American and European.

Marketing

The North American version was only available in the US and Canada while the European version was available elsewhere around the world, including Mexico.

Furthermore, an all-new Mk 2 Focus was introduced in 2004 but is not available in North America. Instead, Ford is continuing with a heavily revised version of the Mk 1 Focus in the US and Canada (see 2004 Mk 1 below) while the European version of Mk 1 Focus is still manufactured and available in some other markets worldwide.

Unlike previous Fords in the North American market, the Pinto and the Escort, no luxury Mercury version is available.

In Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other countries in the region, it replaced the Laser, based on the Mazda 323 (called the Mazda Protege in some markets).

The American Ford Focus fits smallest into a line of sedans (smallest to largest) by Ford:

2001 Mk 1

In 2001 the European version of the Mk 1 Focus was subtly facelifted, receiving a new grille design, revised headlights (although still the same shape) and new front and rear bumpers. The interior was mildly revised, though the dashboard and switchgear remained the same. New features, such as xenon headlights, were also introduced on some versions. A new flexifuel engine, based on the European Zetec 1,6 version, which could use both petrol and bioethanol, was also introduced, but only on the Swedish market.

This version is still available in some countries despite the advent of an all-new Mk 2 Focus.

2004 Mk 1

While some countries either received the all new Mk 2 Focus or kept with the European version of the Mk 1 Focus, the North American Mk 1 was heavily facelifted in late 2004 for the 2005 model year. The car featured an all new front end forward of the windscreen, although the new grille and headlights made the car look outwardly similar to the Mk 2 Focus. The rear lights and boot lid of the saloon version was also heavily revised, while the rear bumpers were new on all body style variants. The interior was also heavily revised, featuring an all-new dashboard.

Ford apparently decided that a completely new car would not be profitable in this heavily price and incentive-driven market, while sales of the original Mk 1 began to slide in the US and Canada.

File:2005focuszx3fside.jpg

2005 Ford Focus ZX3 SE (North America)

File:2005focuszx3front.jpg

2005 Ford Focus ZX3 SE (North America)

Critical opinion

The motoring press heavily praised the handling and ride of the Ford Focus, which was considered very much superior to its rivals (namely, the Mk2 Opel Astra/Mk 4 Vauxhall Astra and the Mk 4 Volkswagen Golf. The reviews also hailed the Focus' independent rear suspension, performance and accommodation. The interior design polarised opinion largely due to the curves and sweeping lines. The quality of the interior materials was criticised relative to the Mk 4 Volkswagen Golf.

Manufacturing

The Focus is produced by factories in: Saarlouis, Germany; Valencia, Spain; Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines; Pacheco, Argentina; and Wayne, Michigan in which the United States Knocked down kits are supplied for assembly to Vsevolzhsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia. Some North American Focuses were built in Hermosillo, Mexico, before all post-2005 North American Focuses were built in Wayne, Michigan. The Hermosillo plant was then retooled to build the Ford Fusion.

Safety

In Australia, the 2002-04 Ford Focus was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[1]

Engines

The engines available were the well-proven 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre Zetec units from the Mondeo/Contour family and 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre versions of the Zetec-SE units found in the Fiesta and Puma, with the Endura diesel (a development of the old Deutz-designed motor which Ford had been using since the 1980s), although the Duratorq unit replaced this in 2002. The SVT and ST170 used a 168 bhp (170 Ps) variable valve timing version of the 2.0 litre Zetec engine while the RS used a 212 bhp turbo version of the same engine, but without variable valve timing.

Engines (North American)

2.0 L CVH/SPI: 110 bhp/125 ft·lbf torque. Standard in LX and SE model sedans through 2004. [2]
2.0 L Zetec: 130 bhp/135 ft·lbf torque. Standard on ZX3, ZX5, ZTS, and wagon models, and available in SE-model sedans through 2004. [3]
2.0 L Zetec: 170 bhp/145 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the SVT Focus. [4]
2.3 L Duratec: 145 bhp/149 ft·lbf torque. Standard on all cars sold in 2003 and 2004 in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine; optional in other US states. [5]
2.0 L Duratec: 136 bhp/133 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the (non-ST) 2005+ Focus.[6]
2.3 L Duratec: 151 bhp/154 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the 2005+ Focus ST. [7]

Engines (European and other markets)

1.4 L Zetec-SE: 74 bhp; 42.8 mpg ; 106 mph top speed; 14.1s 0-60.
1.6 L Zetec-SE: 99 bhp; 40.9 mpg ; 115 mph top speed; 10.9s 0-60.
1.6 L Zetec: (Other Markets)
1.8 L Zetec: 113 bhp; 37.2 mpg ; 123 mph top speed; 10.2s 0-60. (All Markets)
1.8 L Endura-D diesel: 75 PS (56 kW) and 90 PS (67 kW) non-common-rail (TDi/TDdi)
1.8 L Duratorq diesel: 100 PS (75 kW) and 115 PS (86 kW) common rail (TDci)
2.0 L Zetec: 128 bhp; 33.1 mpg ; 125 mph top speed; 9.0s 0-60.
2.0 L Duratec: From 2004 onwards. (Latin America)
2.0 L Duratec: ST170 and SVT Only; 170 bhp; 25 mpg ; 133 mph top speed; 8.2s 0-60.
2.0 L Duratec: RS Only; 212 bhp; 19.9 mpg ; 144 mph top speed; 6.4s 0-60.

Transmissions

5-speed manual
6-speed Getrag manual (SVT / ST170)
4-speed automatic

Trim levels

Trim levels (North American)

The North American Focus received trim levels in S, SE, SES, ST, ZTW, SVT, and ZX3/ZX4/ZX5 Premium editions.

Trim levels (European)

Standard

CL (1.4 petrol, 1.6 petrol, 1.8 turbodiesel), 3/5-door hatchback, 5-door estate (only available in UK with 1.4)
LX (1.6 petrol, 1.8 petrol, 1.8 turbodiesel), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon, 5-door estate
Zetec (1.4 petrol, 1.6 petrol, 1.8 petrol, 2.0 petrol, 1.8 turbodiesel), 3/5-door hatchback, 5-door estate
Ghia (1.6 petrol, 1.8 petrol, 2.0 petrol, 1.8 turbodiesel), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
ST170 (2.0 petrol), 3/5-door hatchback only

Special Editions

Millennium (1.8 petrol), 5-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Millennium Yellow paint, heated leather seats and ABS
MP3 (1.8 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: 17" 7 spoke alloy wheels, limited paint colour choice (Metropolis Blue or Moondust Silver), Harlequin Blue seat trim and MP3 compatible radio
Black (1.6 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Panther Black paint, 15" 3x2 spoke alloy wheels, mesh Upper Grill (commonly known as the Collection Mk1 Grill), chrome tailpipe, Midnight Black leather heated seats, air conditioning, heated front windscreen and scuff plates
Chic (1.6 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Magnum Grey paint, chrome tailpipe, 15" 3x2 spoke alloy wheels, Midnight Black heated leather seats, air conditioning, heated front windscreen and ABS
Ebony (1.6 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Panther Black paint, 15" 3x2 spoke alloy wheels, mesh Upper Grill (commonly known as the Collection Mk1.5 Grill), chrome tailpipe, Midnight Black heated leather seats, 6 disc CD autochanger radio, air conditioning, heated front windscreen, titanium finish scuff plates, ABS, traction control, parking sensors and side airbags
Edge (1.6 petrol, 115PS diesel), 3/5-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Spoiler (commonly known as the Collection spoiler), 16" 5 spoke alloy wheels, Midnight Black heated leather seats, air conditioning, titanium effect radio surround and side airbags
Elle (1.6 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Moondust Silver paint, chrome tailpipe, 15" 3x2 spoke alloy wheels, Midnight Black heated leather seats, air conditioning, side airbags and ABS
Flight (1.6 petrol), 3/5-door hatchback.
- Special features included: 15" steel wheels with wheeltrims, Midnight Black heated leather seats, air conditioning, titanium effect radio surround and side airbags
Ink (1.6 petrol), 3/5-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Ink Blue paint, 15" 3x2 spoke alloy wheels, chrome tailpipe, mesh Upper Grill (commonly known as the Collection Mk1.5 Grill), Midnight Black heated leather seats, titanium effect scuff plates and ABS
Silver (1.6 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: 15" 3x2 spoke alloy wheels, Machine Silver paint, chrome tailpipe, heated front windscreen, Midnight Black heated leather seats, air conditioning, rear disc brakes and ABS
Collection (1.8 petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Official ford body kit comprising side skirts (optional), front bumper with mesh lower grill and round fog lights and rear bumper with mesh lower grill and cut out for exhaust. Also, Amadine blue pattern seats, leather gear knob and blue collection floormats
RS (2.0 turbo petrol), 3-door hatchback.
- Special features included: Garret GT2560 turbocharger, Water to Air charge cooling, Sachs Racing dampers, Brembo Brakes, Rally-derived suspension, wide track, Thatcham Cat 1 alarm, leather Sparco seats, metal pedals, alloy gear knob, air conditioning, 6CD multichanger radio, start button, blue backlit dials, turbo boost gauge and shift light, only 4500 produced

Bodystyles

File:2005focuszx3.jpg

2005 Ford Focus ZX3 SE (North America)

File:Focus Wagon 2006.jpg

2006 Ford Focus ZXW (North America)

3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback (added for North America starting in 2002. Part of the original line in Europe)
4-door sedan (Not available in Japan or New Zealand)
4-door station wagon (Only available in Europe, Japan and North America)

In the US and Canada, the second generation Focus are coded with a 'ZXx' designation. ie ZX3, ZX4, ZX5, ZXW

Performance versions

Special Vehicle Team, or SVT

In late 2001, Ford's in-house performance group, known as Special Vehicle Team (SVT), introduced the SVT Focus to the United States and Canadaian markets for the 2002 model year. Ford billed the SVT Focus as the sportiest offering of the Focus to date. Cosmetically, the exterior included unique front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, rear spolier, special exhaust tip and 17" alloy wheels wearing 215/45R17 tires. Mechanically, the car featured a throughly reworked version of the 2.0 liter Zetec engine available in other Focuses. This engine featured many advanced technologies coming from Ford at the time. Included were a special aluminum cylinder head with enlarged intake ports, variable camshaft timing, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-2-1 tubular exhaust header. These additions bumped horsepower from 130 to 170, while still acheiveing good fuel economy and emissions. For the transmission, Ford went to German manufacturer Getrag to provide a six-speed manual. This transmission was a twin layshart design, and included a dual mass flywheel to eliminate vibration. Other changes to complete the package included quicker steering, and stiffened suspension with larger anti-roll bars.

ST170 After the SVT's launch for the 2002 model year, a performance version of the European Focus was launched. Badged ST170, the car was only available in some markets outside the US and Canada. The car featured a revised version of the standard 2001 Focus' bumper and 17" alloy wheels, though the rest of the car was outwardly identical to the standard European Focus. Mechanically the car was identical to the SVT, using the same steering, suspension and 170 horsepower engine.

RS In 2002 the more bespoke engineered and performance orientated RS badge made a return to a Ford product following the demise of the Escort RS 2000. Simply badged RS the Focus was one of the most eagerly anticipated performance cars ever, and expectation was high due to the excellence of the standard Focus, but also due to the surprising disappointment of the SVT and ST170.

Using a turbocharged version of the 2.0 litre Zetec engine, but without variable valve timing, the RS produced 212 bhp. Mechanically, the car was more removed from the standard Focus range than the SVT/ST170. Styling wise, the car featured a unique front bumper assembly (mainly necessitated by the need to channel air to the intercooler) and wider wheel arches and rear bumper to encompass the wider tracks. Mechanically, the car was uprated in all areas and far more bespoke than the SVT/ST170 and most notably incorporated a Quaife differential to make the car more direct, responsive and to control the power more ably as the RS was still front wheel drive. The steering was quicker while the brakes featured larger discs (which filled specially developed 18" alloy wheels). The Ford Focus came with the new 2.0L RS Motor [asia only]

Competition

Mk 2 (2004)

The all-new Mk 2 Ford Focus was launched in 2004 and was a task few manufacturers would have relished; to replace a car which was universally praised and set unprecedented new standards to a class. The Mk 1 was a rare car which dominated its class with such consummate ease and set new standards for rivals to follow. Indeed, it took the Mk 5 Volkswagen Golf to claim class best honours - 5 years after the Ford was launched.

The Focus was launched at the Paris Motor Show on September 23, 2004 as a three and five-door hatchback and a station wagon, although the Focus was truly previewed, in 4-door saloon form, as the 'Focus Concept' developed by Ford Australia at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2004.

Marketing

Unlike the Mk 1 Focus the Mk 2 is not available in North America so there are no longer 2 distinct North American and European versions. Instead, Ford is continuing with the Mk 1 version in the US and Canada (see 2004 Mk 1 above) while the 2001 Mk 1 is still available in some other markets worldwide.