Ford concept hints at new Focus

Earlier this week we brought you our computer-generated vision of the 2011 Ford Focus based on our industry intelligence. Now comes this offering from the Blue Oval itself. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show the iosis MAX concept is the best look yet at what to expect from the crucial new model for the company.

Styled by Ford of Europe the new concept gives a sneak peak at what to expect from the next generation C-MAX, but also points to the future direction of the Focus.

Due to begin production in 2011 the new Focus will be a global car for Ford and will be built around the world -- including at Ford Australia’s Broadmeadows facility.

Ford has plenty of history with iosis concepts previewing soon-to-be released products. The original iosis was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and presented the 2007 Mondeo ahead of its production debut, while the iosis X shown at the 2006 Paris Motor Show gauged public opinion for the 2008 Ford Kuga.

The front end styling of the new concept follows the same trend as the Fiesta, with a large lower grille and a short, steeply raked bonnet. While the concept car's LED headlights look radical and are unlikely to see production, the new shape is more probable.

"The new iosis MAX concept car marks another important step in the renaissance of Ford of Europe's product design under the leadership of [Ford of Europe's Executive Design Director] Martin Smith," says John Fleming, CEO of Ford of Europe.

"The two previous iosis concepts were significant milestones in that process. They helped to introduce our new design strategy, and to show how kinetic design would play a key role in transforming our future product line... The iosis MAX sends a powerful signal that there are more stylish and desirable Ford products just around the corner."

As well as the new look the car also previews new drivetrain options for Ford's small cars that are to use forced induction smaller capacity engines. Power for the concept comes from the EcoBoost 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The motor is equipped with several features designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, including direct injection and stop-start technology. Ford claims the new unit achieves a 20 per cent reduction over conventional larger engines that produce similar power.

Ford will begin rolling out the EcoBoost engines across its line-up from next year and it is expected they will figure strongly in the new Focus line-up.

"The iosis MAX marks the next stage in the evolution of kinetic design, and showcases a number of affordable petrol engine technologies that will make a difference to the environment and our customers' pockets," says Smith.