Ford has worked tough over the past few years to entirely overhaul its entire design line. Recent product launches like the 2011 Ford Mustang and Fiesta exhibit that FoMoCo is committed to generating class-leading autos, and the bigger (ahem) aim on style, top quality and packaging is nothing short of impressive.
It certainly appears good, and with a raft of new engineering, safety and infotainment technologies on hand, the 2012 Focus is ready to set the C-segment on fire.
Visually, the brand new Concentrate is really a striking little automobile. Ford's kinetic style language is in full swing here together with the automaker's new trapezoidal entrance fascia broken off into three sections. Strong body lines are present on each the hatchback and sedan, and little details just like the integration of the fuel door into the hatch's rear taillight wraparound display that Ford has paid a great deal of attention to creating excellent style. A single sad fact, even though – we're told that the cool LED eyebrows observed within the Euro-spec cars in these photos will not make it to North American models. Rats.
The Concentration is 171.6 inches long (the sedan adds six.9 inches to that), 71.7 inches wide and 57.8 inches tall, and rides on a 104.2-inch wheelbase. This puts it right in line with other North American C-segment vehicles – the sedan, as an example, is only slightly larger than a Honda Civic, and also the hatch is roughly the same size as a Mazda3.
Between the two system styles, 4 trim levels is going to be available in North America – S, SE, SEL and Titanium. The base S trim can only be had within the sedan, and Ford expects the SE and SEL trims to make up the vast majority of Focus sales. Wheel sizes range from 15-inch steelies within the S all the way up to attractive 17-inch alloys to the Titanium. Naturally, the automaker's latest MyFord Contact infotainment program might be featured in the Focus, and it's standard fare about the SEL and Titanium. The top-end Concentration is stocked to the brim with features and goodies, such as a slightly tuned suspension, Sony sound program with HD radio and high-end interior materials. We'll be seeing much more Titanium-badged models from Ford, as well, starting using the 2011 Flex.
Speaking of interior refinement, we lately had the chance to sit within a couple of pre-production Focuses at Ford's solution improvement center in Dearborn, Michigan. The 2012 Focus' cabin is worlds far better than the existing coupe and sedan, and we'd have to spend a bit far more time within a Civic to determine if it nonetheless earns the honor of having one of the most buttoned-down fit and finish. Beyond that, nevertheless, the Focus' cabin is as aesthetically pleasing as it's comfortable and functional, nevertheless the addition of your eight-inch LCD display for the MyFord Contact program aids in giving the interior a substantially much more upscale feel. Take note, Honda.
What most intrigues us about the Aim, even so, could be the new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine slated for North American consumption. Obviously, other markets get to decide on from delicious 1.6- and 2.0-liter Duratorq diesel offerings, at the same time as a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, but customers right here inside States should be rather pleased with what the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter mill has to offer. This engine makes use of direct injection and Ford's twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to produce 158 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque.
As for transmissions, Ford is offering its six-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic as the typical unit, though a five-speed manual (yes, five-speed) is available. If you would like the manual, you'll have to make due using the S or SE trim ranges, though a select shift function is normal about the SEL and Titanium (without steering-mounted paddle shifters, natch)!!!
By making use of direct injection and Ti-VCT technologies, Ford is hoping to obtain an EPA fuel economic system rating of 40 miles per gallon (highway) for the 6AT Concentrate SE sedan. Fuel economic system won't necessarily be as great for larger trims or hatchbacks, and if you get the five-speed manual, expect to view mileage closer towards the low/mid-30s. Nevertheless, that isn't bad. Eco-minded drivers will likely be happy to know that FRD has fitted a smorgasbord of know-how into creating the Concentration as efficient as possible, together with items like an active grille shutter that improves drag at larger speeds (a lot such as the Chevrolet Cruze employs to support hit 40 mpg), low-rolling resistance tires and even a new "Eco Route" function inside the MyFord Contact navigation. By selecting Eco Route, the nav process directs you down the path which will prove towards the most economical.
On the road, we imagine the Emphasis to be a far more engaging steer than the comparatively bland coupe and sedan currently roaming the streets of North America. The brand new Focus' entire body is 31 percent stiffer than the outgoing model, along with the use of a quicker steering ratio and electronic energy assist means piloting the brand new C-car really should be a far much more involving experience than we've ever experienced from a Concentration. We recently stumbled upon a video of a Focus prototype doing its dirty work on a track at Ford's proving grounds, and if what we've observed is anything on which to base our judgments, we assume to be pleased with how the brand new sedan and hatch move about.
Beyond the much more powerful engine and body and steering enhancements, Ford has fitted the brand new Concentrate having a torque-vectoring control system, which manages power delivery to each of its entrance wheels. Since the Emphasis is front-wheel-drive, this torque-vectoring technique uses the rear brakes to hold items stable out at the back stop. It is nice to find out this sort of technological innovation being employed to the volume design Foci, but we're most interested to see how this all comes together about the 247-horsepower Aim ST, which has also been confirmed for American consumption.
Pricing will probably be announced later this year with an on-line configurator launching in October. With all of your added functionality and content, we fully assume the 2012 Focus to command a bit more coin than the present model. Our best guess is that pricing will start just below $17,000, but don't be surprised if a loaded-up Aim Titanium soars to around $24,000. FORD will probably be smart to retain the pricing competitive, but do not count on bargain pricing for this premium little car.
When the Aim goes on sale early subsequent year, the planet will finally get to taste the fruits of Ford's global solution strategy. We'll be seeing increasingly more world-wide vehicles coming our way, including the Grand C-Max, and next-generation versions of your Ford Fusion (Mondeo), Fiesta and Ford Escape. If this 2012 Emphasis is only the begin of what's to come down the worldwide pipeline, the future looks quite bright, indeed.
