Ford Focus

The Ford Focus has been an enormous success for Ford around the globe. The introduction of the upgraded Ford Focus line-up will keep the popular model at the top of its segment by providing its customer with many class-leading qualities. 

A fresh, new exterior along with an upgraded interior, impressive new features and technologies combined with a new engine ensures that Focus remains a competitive force in the medium car market.

“For 2009 we have upped the stakes,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager. “We are confident that the new Focus will be a highly competitive player in the medium car market and offer enjoyable dynamic on-road driving qualities which have become a Focus trademark.”

Focus was produced locally in 2004 for the South African and Australian markets. Over half a million units have since been produced and sold in the Africa and Asia Pacific region. The Focus is the first and only model to date, to win ‘Car of the Year’ titles in both Europe and North America, illustrating the level of ability of the vehicle.

For 2009 the Focus enters a new chapter. The most influential visual enhancement to the new Ford Focus is the dramatic new front featuring ‘kinetic design’ elements. Rather than just update a bumper or a grille the design team took a ‘whole vehicle’ approach in applying kinetic design form language to the exterior.

Kinetic design elements, such as the large trapezoidal opening below the bumperline and new bonnet with defined contours, are immediately evident. The new upper grille with a larger Ford badge, dominates the new front design. It is more expressive, more athletic and more in keeping with the overall on-road character of the new Focus. In all, the new Focus is visually confident and modern.

“It was important that the new model is still recognisably a Focus, but is also identifiable as a new-generation Ford,” continues Pillay. “The design team clearly achieved this. The new car has greater presence and stronger lines, reinforcing the driving dynamics of the vehicle.”

Inside Ford’s new Focus, the emphasis is on enhancing the overall comfort levels with high-quality materials and improved ergonomics.

The evidence is clear to see and feel. Either in black or dark dusk grey, the soft touch dash pad as well as soft-touch upper door trims contrast beautifully against a tan coloured inner roof lining to lighten the interior. The dark dash greatly reduces windscreen reflection in bright sun conditions.

The driver now sees a large-face tachometer and speedometer set deeply into individual binnacles. Positioned above are small-face water temperature and fuel gauges. Each surrounded by a silver bezel. Between the two large gauges is an LCD information screen displaying time, outside temperature, trip meter and odometer. The LCD screen also displays menu options for distance to empty, average speed, and average fuel consumption.

A revised centre stack and redesigned window and mirror switches accompany new intuitive controls for the air-conditioning, heater and ventilation system. At night the centre stack controls are illuminated in soft red light which is more soothing.

USB connectivity on high grade models and Blue Tooth Capability are other new features available in the new Focus line-up.

The new Focus will be available in two model series: the entry level Ambiente and the higher grade Si. Both four and five door models will be available with four engine derivatives on offer.

The new 1.8-litre Duratec model replaces the previous 1.6-litre model. It produces 92kW @ 6000 rpm and has a torque peak of 166Nm @ 4000rpm. It is available with a five-speed manual transmission. 

The 2.0-litre Duratec model remains unchanged but is now mated to a new five-speed transmission and is also available in automatic guise with sequential sport shift. It produces 107kW @ 6000rpm and has a maximum torque output of 185Nm @ 4500rpm.


Ford debuts its innovative six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission with the potent 2.0-litre DuraTorq turbodiesel engine. This drivetrain combination offers outstanding fuel efficiency with no compromise to driving performance.

The six-speed PowerShift automatic with double-clutch technology is extremely refined and able to shift smoothly through its six-speed gearing more efficiently than a conventional automatic transmission. PowerShift convincingly demonstrates a high degree of driving comfort and agility in congested urban driving. In fact, PowerShift is much more efficient than a conventional torque converter automatic transmission, and this efficiency is evident when noting the fuel consumption figure of 5.8l/100km (combined urban and extra urban according to 1999/100/EC).

Also offered with a six-speed manual transmission, the TDCi derivative produces a maximum power output of 100kW @ 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque @ 2000rpm. 

Topping the range is the 2.5-litre Focus ST, which offers a healthy 166kW @ 6000rpm and a torque peak of 320Nm between 1600rpm and 4000rpm. The new ST, which was launched mid-2008, is available in both three- and five-door configurations 

A key strength of the Ford Focus has always been its no-compromise approach to safety which includes the Ford Intelligent Protection System. The new Focus maintains a robust list of standard active and passive safety features including its rigid, reinforced passenger cell.

To enhance the overall Focus safety package, larger exterior side mirrors improve driver’s side visibility. All new Focus series variants come fitted with a clever automatic hazard warning light activation system that warns following drivers of emergency braking manoeuvres.

ABS braking technology is available on all models while Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control (TCS) makes its debut with the PowerShift system, ensuring the driver maintains vehicle stability during all driving situations.

Among the passive safety system are driver and passenger front and side airbags (standard across the range) and inflatable side curtain airbags for front and rear-seat occupants on all higher grade Si derivatives.

The Ford Focus has always been acclaimed for its driving quality and the new range remains true to this heritage. Excellent chassis control and steering precision give the Focus its on-road agility particularly when combined with the advanced and innovative system like the PowerShift automatic gearbox.

“While the major changes to the new Focus are most visible in its new exterior and interior design elements, there have been extensive efforts made to improve the comfort and the ride and drive of the new model," concludes Pillay. "I am confident that the new model will delight our existing customers with its new levels of style and substance, and that it will attract even more new customers to the Ford brand."