Ford Focus MkII arrives

A more economical, better-value Ford Focus range is heading to dealerships around Australia, following a change in sourcing from Germany to Thailand.

There are no significant changes to the pricing structure of Australia’s now Asian-made Focus MkII range, but a handful of upgrades have been fitted across the range including active grille shutters on all models, improving aerodynamics and fuel consumption.

Australian buyers are still denied the idle/stop-equipped 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine that outputs 110kW and 134kW and is offered to European Focus buyers, and there’s no sign yet of the smaller 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine also destined for Europe.

However, the updated Focus will also offer a Volvo-esque collision avoidance system, which can automatically brake the car if it detects imminent danger - a feature that Ford says is a first for a vehicle under $40,000.

Fitment of active grille shutters across the range results in fuel consumption reductions on all engines except the entry-level 1.6-litre petrol four. The result is lower fuel usage on both petrol and turbo-diesel 2.0-litre engines, with the former using 6.6L/100km (down from 7.2L/100km) and the latter shedding 0.1L/100m for a 5.4L/100km combined figure.

Another upgrade for all Thai-built Focus models is the standard fitment of Ford SYNC, a voice-activated in-car connectivity system that allows users to verbally request phone contact details, read out text messages and even choose music by album name or song title. The Ford SYNC system will also tell you what song you're listening to if you ask it.

Top-tier Focus models will also be available with the Active City Stop system, a safety mechanism that can automatically brake the car if it detects an object - a car or a person - within striking distance.

“Active City Stop2 is recognised as an advanced safety feature by Euro NCAP and we've worked hard to make it available for our customers," stated David Katic, Ford Australia's General Marketing Manager.

The scanning system works at speeds of up 30km/h and is part of the Sports Executive Pack ($2300) available only on Focus Titanium models. The pack comprises Active City Stop, radar-based adaptive cruise control, Xenon headlights with LED position lamps and a sunroof.

Pricing and categorisation for the Ford Focus remains unchanged, with the Ambiente model kicking off proceedings at $21,990 plus on-road costs. This model is powered by a 92kW/159Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox bumps the price up to $24,290.

The rest of the range is powered by 125kW/202Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection GDI petrol and 120kW/340Nm TDCi turbo-diesel mills engines.

The major changes to the Focus line-up concern the Ambiente models, which now get the active grille shutters, Ford SYNC system, body-coloured door-handles and updated plastic wheel covers.

Mid-spec Trend models remain get the same updates as the Ambiente, while standard features like cruise control, front foglights and alloy wheels remain unchanged. There is a new Convenience Pack option available for $300, including auto headlights, auto wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 'follow me home' headlights.

The Sport models gets all of the above but add a reversing camera, new 17-inch alloy wheels and a new sports bodykit.

Skip to the top of the tree and the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Ford Focus Titanium hatch is priced at $37,340, while the 2.0-litre petrol model sells for $33,840. All Titanium models make use of the six-speed dual clutch auto and features new to the range-topping MkII Focus include a reversing camera, leather seat trim and a new bodykit.

To the end of June 2012, the Ford Focus has sold found about 9000 home, accounting for 7.4 per cent of the small car market and making it the fifth most popular vehicle in the class behind the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Holden Cruze and Hyundai i30.

Mr Katic said the updated Focus will drive more customers into Ford dealerships thanks to the updated technologies, and that demand for high-spec models remains strong.

"We are also seeing a strong preference for high-end models and a high mix of private sales," he said. "With improved safety, technology and fuel economy, we are confident more customers will find the stylish Focus the smart choice."

Ford Focus MkII pricing (plus on-road costs):

Sedan              
Ambiente petrol auto - $24,290
Trend petrol auto - $26,790
Trend diesel auto - $30,500
Titanium petrol auto - $33,840

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