robertlane Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 2008 Ford Focus Winner of more than 80 awards and the only vehicle in the world to be named Car of the Year both in Europe and North America, Ford’s Focus has been something of a phenomenon since the launch of the original back in 1998. Now in its second generation, with more than 1.1 million examples sold in the UK and a range which includes hatchback, saloon, estate and Coupé-Cabriolet derivatives, the Focus success story enters another chapter. Following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford has announced that a new version of its family favourite will begin rolling off production lines from the end of 2007. Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms, Coupé-Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in spring 2008. Benefiting from Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ approach to styling, the 2008 Focus takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed new Mondeo. The result is a classier and more distinctive appearance from a vehicle that’s now as exciting to look at as it is to drive. Working from the front towards the rear, trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler. Inside, the upmarket aura continues. New soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by plush new seat fabrics plus a variety of attractive fascia finishing's. The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved. Furthermore, the Titanium now includes a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look. In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box. Another feature available as an option from the beginning of 2008 is the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter. The aesthetic appeal of Ford's latest Focus is matched by a range of mechanical introductions, including an all-new automated gearbox. The Ford PowerShift transmission will be available from early 2008 in the new Ford Focus as well as the Ford C-MAX, in combination with the 136PS and new 110PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. Jointly developed by Ford and transmission specialists GETRAG, the gearbox consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet clutch unit. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other one 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 – the next gear change can be prepared by pre-selection whilst in motion and at full power. As a result, in this configuration, the average fuel consumption improves by around 10 per cent, and CO2 emissions will be lower, compared to a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Final homologated fuel economy and CO2 emissions data, as well as performance data for the Ford Focus with this new transmission technology, will be published closer to the car's market launch. Another new development is the Focus "ECOnetic" which features an array of aerodynamic efficiencies and is powered by a 109 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Average consumption for the Focus ECOnetic is a frugal 65mpg. This corresponds to an average CO2 emission of only 115g/km, which is a class leading result for a conventional vehicle in this segment. As a direct result of the Ford ECOnetic initiative, all Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variants will achieve 119g/km CO2 and this is regardless of power rating, body style or wheel dimensions. Flexifuel version of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol – or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine. The 2008 Ford Focus range will initially be offered across Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim grades. More detailed information about the UK range and prices will be release close to the car's on-sale date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Is everyone SURE we want Euro interiors? This thing looks woefully outdated now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MGallun Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Is everyone SURE we want Euro interiors? This thing looks woefully outdated now. opinnions... i like it, looks nice and functional... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 opinnions... i like it, looks nice and functional... Nice and functional...but old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCK Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Nice and functional...but old. It is three years old, looks much better than the new US focus interior and much better than the fusion interior. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 The way the plastic is grained reminds me of the Lexus IS..........which is HORRID! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White99GT Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Is everyone SURE we want Euro interiors? This thing looks woefully outdated now. I think that interior could easily pass for an upper trim level mid-size sedan interior, pretty damn good for a relatively inexpensive compact IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 It is three years old, looks much better than the new US focus interior and much better than the fusion interior. I disagree...especially when viewing the high-res pics. Those vents, in particular, look like something out of 1997. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 I disagree...especially when viewing the high-res pics. Those vents, in particular, look like something out of 1997. FoE executes everything perfectly. How dare you downtalk the C1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKII Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 I disagree...especially when viewing the high-res pics. Those vents, in particular, look like something out of 1997. Hey be thnkful Nick you get your redesign Focus and we get ours, no need to fret. :happy feet: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Hey be thnkful Nick you get your redesign Focus and we get ours, no need to fret. :happy feet: They are both disappointing. I don't think either one of us wins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 They are both disappointing. I don't think either one of us wins. True dat! Although it would be nice to get some of the Euro Focuses luxury content, in a damn Lincoln.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 True dat! Although it would be nice to get some of the Euro Focuses luxury content, in a damn Lincoln.... Is anyone asking for a $25,000 Lincoln? That would do more harm than good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Reynolds Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Is anyone asking for a $25,000 Lincoln? That would do more harm than good. I suppose I should have been a bit more clearer. I am by no means begging for a low cost Lincoln, what I am arguing for is feature content. Keyless GO, HID Adaptive Headlights........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 I suppose I should have been a bit more clearer. I am by no means begging for a low cost Lincoln, what I am arguing for is feature content. Keyless GO, HID Adaptive Headlights........ Now that I can go along with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker16 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Is everyone SURE we want Euro interiors? This thing looks woefully outdated now. compared to what? this. I have seen both, and touched both. the 08 ain't bad, but the Euro is a step above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 compared to what? this. I have seen both, and touched both. the 08 ain't bad, but the Euro is a step above. Like I've said multiple times... THEY BOTH SUCK!!! There. I won't say it again. I'm just tired of people bitching about NOT getting the Euro versions of Fords when in this case, the difference in quality and appearance is minimal at best. In the end, those same people whining about Ford NA's Focus would probably end up just as disappointed with the refreshed C1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Like I've said multiple times... THEY BOTH SUCK!!! There. I won't say it again. I'm just tired of people bitching about NOT getting the Euro versions of Fords when in this case, the difference in quality and appearance is minimal at best. In the end, those same people whining about Ford NA's Focus would probably end up just as disappointed with the refreshed C1. I agree with you on this Nick, Ford needed a Camry sales killer and this is not going to be it. Focus gets most of it sales from fleet rentals in Europe just the thing Ford said they don't want to sell into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suv_guy_19 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 I agree with you on this Nick, Ford needed a Camry sales killer and this is not going to be it. Focus gets most of it sales from fleet rentals in Europe just the thing Ford said they don't want to sell into. Why would the focus kill Camry ales anyway???? Carolla, maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 I agree with you on this Nick, Ford needed a Camry sales killer and this is not going to be it. Focus gets most of it sales from fleet rentals in Europe just the thing Ford said they don't want to sell into. so the Focus is marketed to compete against the Camry????.....compact against mid-size? somehow something got crossed up here....oh and side bar...the Euro is head and shoulders above the 08 focus...absolutely no compettion, interior AND exterior, but I kinda expected it...Euros take their small cars more seriously...may be a reaction to their gas prices and the fact they are more comfortable in smaller vehicles....and no this isn't a its based on seeing and driving on both sides of the pond...FOE small cars seem more refined IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Ford needed a Camry sales killer and this is not going to be it. You're right, because it's a C-size, with no V-6 option. The Mondeo is the Camry competitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKII Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 They are both disappointing. I don't think either one of us wins. Well I am very pleased with My 2007 C1, and like how the redesign looks as well, and glad I don't have to worry about what I had in Canada with my last 3 C170, I am glad I do not have to wonder anymore when or if North America would be offered the C1 Focus, and not worried what FoAmerica will do will the looks of the upcoming C2 Focus, and lastely very glad not to have to see the C170 redesign wearing a Focus badge on the highways. So I am a very happy and proud Ford customer and excited about what Ford of Europe is offering. :happy feet: :happy feet: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pioneer Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Nice looking car. Seriously, anybody know what the process is of importing a car to the U.S. from another country, and getting it registered? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suv_guy_19 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Well I am very pleased with My 2007 C1, and like how the redesign looks as well, and glad I don't have to worry about what I had in Canada with my last 3 C170, I am glad I do not have to wonder anymore when or if North America would be offered the C1 Focus, and not worried what FoAmerica will do will the looks of the upcoming C2 Focus, and lastely very glad not to have to see the C170 redesign wearing a Focus badge on the highways. You actually worried about those things...wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Nice looking car. Seriously, anybody know what the process is of importing a car to the U.S. from another country, and getting it registered? You can't, because it needs to be crash tested...and do you want to buy 3-5 cars that it needs to be done with? You could hypothetically buy the car, but you wouldn't be able to register or insure it..so its pretty pointless to do so... Even when Ford brings over models from overseas they have to crush them within a years period of time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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