Focus goes all-EcoBoost for 2015

It's been promised since late last year, but Ford's upgraded Focus for 2015 is just months away from reaching our shores.

Chief among the changes to the small hatch and sedan is the adoption of the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine across the range. Turbocharged and direct-injected, the petrol four-cylinder develops 132kW and 240Nm – 7kW and 38Nm more than the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol Duratec engine it replaces.

Also available across the range are six-speed transmissions. A manual six-speeder is offered in the Trend hatch at entry level and in the mid-range Focus Sport hatch. All other variants are fitted as standard with the six-speed automatic, which is available as an extra-cost ($1000) alternative for those two variants fitted as standard with the manual transmission.

Fuel consumption is 5.8L/100km for the two manual variants. With the exception of the Focus Titanium hatch (6.4L/100km), all automatic variants return a combined-cycle figure of 6.2L/100km. The new engine comes with auto-stop technology to save fuel at standstill.

At entry level, the price has risen by $1100 (for the Focus Trend hatch manual, which was priced at $22,290), but that is offset by new features and the improved powerplant.

Ford's SYNC2 infotainment system, satellite navigation and reversing camera are standard across the revised Focus range. The flagship Focus Titanium also adopts the following driver-assist safety features: Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Active City Stop has been enhanced for the new model year too and the Titanium models fitted with the feature as standard will now brake automatically from speeds up to 50km/h.

All Focus models, which have been facelifted, now ride on revised suspension and incorporate retuned steering and an upgraded stability control system. Inside, the centre fascia has been simplified, the steering wheel has been redesigned and the centre console provides more storage space. NVH has been further suppressed and MyKey is introduced for all variants. MyKey is a means for parents to control the driving behaviour of their offspring in the car. It can limit the speed, limit audio volume, prevent the audio system from operating if seatbelts are not fastened and it can prevent safety devices such as the stability control system from being deactivated.

"Our award-winning EcoBoost engines are recognised globally for delivering fuel efficiency our customers expect without sacrificing performance when they need it," said Ford Australia President Graeme Whickman, as quoted in a press release issued today.

"Complementing the powerful EcoBoost technology is a stylish and sophisticated look and an enhanced list of standard features like voice-activated SYNC2 connectivity with 8-inch high-resolution colour screen, satellite navigation and rear view camera that will make the 2015 Focus a compelling reason for customers to put it on their shopping lists."

Options are Prestige Paint ($450) and Convenience Pack ($300, Trend models only). The Convenience Pack comprises auto wipers, auto headlights, electrochromatic mirror and Follow-me-home-lighting.

The LZ Focus, revised for 2015, will be available from Ford Australia dealers with effect from October.