• Sleek and sculpted lines flow across the new Focus range guaranteeing that, regardless of bodystyle, all models share a common design DNA.
• The new model is unmistakably a Focus, retaining the original spirit of individuality from the rest of its segment – with a fast, coupe-like profile.

“Our target was to build a coherent and distinctive family of derivatives that would be successful designs in their own right,” said Chris Bird, Director of Design, Ford of Europe.

• A more muscular stance – highlighted by flared wheel arches that are more prominent and yet more integrated into the overall design.
• The bold lines of Ford’s ‘family’ radiator grille, headlights and air dam – shared with Focus C-MAX – give the new Focus a purposeful personality.
• Low ‘family’ nose is steeply raked. From it the key lines of the body structures sweep up towards the rear – creating a hunched and athletic profile.
• Power bulge arches back from the radiator grille to the A-pillars, set off with prominent ‘cheekbones’ that are shared by all Focus models.

Visually the most dramatic and obvious difference between Focus and its competitors is at the rear.

• Fast profile allows 3-door model to look believable as a oupe as well as being a full-value 5-seater – a silhouette which is shared elegantly by the 5-door model.
• The estate embodies the sporting sculpture, bringing a new elegance and purposeful stance to an extremely functional and space efficient design.
• Sharp and sporting lines of the front and rear pillars give the new Focus its bold personality, every bit as dynamic as its predecessor but in a more refined and integrated manner.
• Cockpit feel of the driving environment is nurtured, while still increasing the real world space available to driver and passengers.

“It is an entirely new way of looking at Focus but it remains clearly a Focus nonetheless, balancing that sportiness with functionality and practical daily living,” said Chris Bird.

SAFETY

• Throughout the range, the new Focus has a structure that was designed to protect its occupants within a lightweight and highly efficient survival cell.
• Rigorously tested in virtual and physical form, verified by the most powerful computers in the industry and tested in the Volvo Safety Centre in Sweden.
• Optimised crash load paths through the body structure for maximum energy absorption outside the passenger environment, both in straight frontal impacts against a rigid barrier and in offset crashes.
• Equipped with standard front air bags and optional thorax-protecting side air bags and inflatable side curtains, which deploy between the A and C pillars to provide protection in the event of a side impact.

ADVANCED FEATURES

Focus introduces several new technologies to the Ford range that are developed with an emphasis on relevance and affordability for customers, including:

• KeyFree System – interacting directly with the car to unlock it without fumbling.
• Solar Reflect Windshield – blocking nearly five times the level of solar radiation as standard tinted glass, significantly improving the efficiency of air conditioning.
• Adaptive Front Lighting System – technology that guides headlight beams in line with the front wheels. Ford’s approach uses halogen rather than xenon lamps, making the option affordable for a broader range of customers.
• Blue Tooth™ Hands Free Phones – wireless technology that allows the connection of mobile telephones without compatibility issues.
• Voice Control – hands-free command of audio, telephone, climate control, in-car entertainment and navigation systems.
• In-Car Entertainment – premium sound systems by Sony, featuring either a 6-disc in-dash changer or an MP3-capable single disc CD player with four 20-watt premium speakers that deliver a characteristic “Sony sound”.
• Rear Seat Entertainment – MP3-enabled independent audio system available, with high-mounted screen for DVD or games consoles provided in the estate.

DRIVING QUALITY

• Engineered to build on the dynamic capabilities of the original – providing an ultra-stiff body shell, enhanced Control Blade rear suspension and new front chassis subframe – while making strides in comfort and refinement, including reduced noise and enhanced sound quality in a spacious cabin environment.
• Longer wheelbase (by 25mm) and wider track (by 40mm) than its predecessor give the new Focus a sure-footed stance and an improved interior package. Knee room and shoulder room are improved, rear-seat headroom remains generous and luggage capacity has expanded by 10 per cent.

(Source: Ford, 2 September 2004)