Auto Channel

Production start

Ford's Saarlouis plant has commenced production of the facelifted 2008 Ford Focus for Europe. Something many Europeans will be happy to hear, and many American readers will once again cringe when they compare the award winning European version of the Focus against the American.

For 2008 Ford will be adding the Ford Focus ECOnetic to the line-up consisting of the Ambiente, Trend, Ghia, Titanium and ST models. Some of the new gadgets include Ford's Easyfuel system, start-stop button, tire deflation detection system, LED rear lamps, ESP as standard and state-of-the-art Ford PowerShift six-speed double-clutch transmission as an option.

“The 'C' car market is fiercely competitive and this dynamic new look incorporating our 'kinetic design' styling cues is aimed at keeping Focus at the top of its segment. A number of detail changes have been made to some models to deliver even better driveability and NVH performance.” said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe.

Press Release

Overview

• Ford's best seller gets dynamic new look with 'kinetic design' styling
• Enhanced interior with high quality materials and new instruments
• New customer focused, premium quality features available include Ford's Easyfuel capless refuelling, 'Ford Power' button, a tyre deflation detection system, LED rear lamps, DAB radio, a premium centre console with 230 volt power socket
• ESP is standard equipment in all European major markets
• Technical improvements for enhanced driving quality include better diesel NVH and driveability, and manual transmission shift quality
• Fuel efficient and clean powertrain line-up in which every new Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variant will achieve sub-120g/km CO 2
• Dedicated new Focus ECOnetic model uses conventional diesel technology to achieve class-leading low CO 2 average of only 115 g/km and great fuel economy
• New, state-of-the art Ford PowerShift six-speed double-clutch transmission option offers the efficiency and dynamics of a manual combined with the ease of a high quality automatic
• Available in five series – Ambiente, Trend, Ghia and Titanium, plus the range-topping ST performance model.
• Dedicated 'X' packs available for Ghia and Titanium models, plus bundled feature packs – Sport, Comfort, Style and Business (depending on market)
• Production of the three-door, five-door and wagon bodystyles begins at the end of 2007, with the new four-door saloon, ST and Focus Coupé-Cabriolet due in early 2008

"We're very proud of the Ford Focus. As our best selling model in Europe it is very special to us.

When it was launched in 1998 it represented a huge step forward for Ford in terms of style and desirability and it changed the perception of Ford for many customers and commentators. But the 'C' car market is fiercely competitive and this dynamic new look incorporating our 'kinetic design' styling cues is aimed at keeping Focus at the top of its segment.

Along with the new exterior look, we have also taken the opportunity to improve the quality of the interior, adding contemporary new features and technology.

Our engineers cannot resist the challenge of making the Focus even better to drive, so a number of detail changes have been made to some models to deliver even better driveability and NVH performance, particularly on the popular diesels, plus improved gearshift quality on the manual transmission.

New Focus is also more economical and cleaner in terms of CO 2 emissions. For customers wanting ultra-low emissions performance, our new Focus ECOnetic model uses conventional latest generation common-rail diesel technology and clever details to deliver class-leading low CO 2. If customers do not want to opt for the dedicated low CO 2 option, the great news is that all of the new Focus 1.6-litre TDCi powered models now achieve sub-120g/km average CO 2 emissions.

Add to all of that the legendary Focus strengths of driving dynamics, safety, affordability and five package-efficient bodystyles, and we believe the new Focus range is more compelling than ever."

John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe
November 2007