Ken Gratton•11 Dec 2014
NEWS
EcoBoost Focus running late
Ford's small car with fuel-saving turbo four-cylinder is due to reach Oz in the latter half of next yearPlans to bring Ford's updated Focus small car to Australia in the first half of 2015 have gone awry, with the company now advising the newly EcoBoosted range will arrive in the second half instead.
The facelifted Focus – and Focus ST – made their local debut at Ford's Go Further 2020 event on Monday, when Ford announced the delayed local launch. As we reported three months ago, the Focus was due here in the first half of 2015.
When it arrives the updated Focus will introduce EcoBoost power for the first time. Ford Australia has confirmed that the Aussie Focus will be powered by a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, delivering 134kW, rather than the 110kW version available in Europe.
In addition to the new fuel-sipping engine, the Focus gains a thicker frontal structure, recalibrated front suspension and steering, all of which make the Focus "more fun to drive, bringing real improvements in handling, steering and efficiency," in the words of Ford Asia/Pacific product VP, Trevor Worthington. The 2.0-litre diesel engine continues in the new model, but has been revised for more power (up from 103 to 110kW) and a 15 per cent fuel efficiency improvement.
Already introduced in the locally-built Falcon and Territory, the SYNC2 infotainment system finds its way into the upgraded Focus, providing improved functionality and ease of use with its enhanced voice control system. The display is a larger colour touch screen that's easier to read. The interior of the Focus has been redesigned for the sake of simplicity, relying on fewer switches and buttons on the steering wheel and centre fascia.
Ford Australia is introducing MyKey with the 2015 Focus. This is a system that allows parental control over the way the car is used by younger members of the family. It can be set to restrict speeds, keep audio system volume at a bearable level and prevent the driver from deactivating the car's safety features.
And capping off the new model year update, Focus will offer Advanced Active Park Assist, which now parks the car perpendicularly as well as parallel to the kerb.
Tags
Ford
Focus
Car News
Hatchback
Family Cars
Written byKen Gratton
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