Ford to offer pothole detection with next Focus
New option not only detects potholes but adjusts the dampers to improve the ride and reduce damageFord will offer a new option on its fourth-gen Focus that actively detects potholes and pre-arms the suspension to help deal with the impact.
Set to be offered in conjunction with adaptive dampers, the pothole detection system uses 12 high-resolution sensors that identify potholes and road imperfections before the small hatch drives over them.
Once a pothole is identified, the dampers automatically switch to the firmest settings. This ensures that when the wheels run over the hole they don't fall deep into the cavity.
This, claim Ford engineers, reduces the impact and minimises damage.
The system operates on both front and rear axles, with the pothole detector most effective on the rear axle as there's more time for the rear dampers to be pre-armed for impact.
In Europe the new pothole detection system will come standard with the adaptive dampers and, in the UK, it will be priced from around £600 ($A1200).
The new Focus hatch, sedan, wagon and crossover is confirmed for Australian release by the end of this year, but it's not yet known if the pothole detection system will be offered Down Under.
Other new technologies that will be available on the new Focus include adaptive cruise control that is capable of self-steering to keep in a lane, a new evasive steering-assist system and a fully autonomous parking system.
New safety kit includes a new night-time pedestrian and cyclist detection system that will be standard across the range.
Under the bonnet the 2019 Focus will be offered with 1.0-litre and new 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engines with cylinder deactivation, even on the three-cylinder engine
In some markets 1.5- and 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesels will also be offered and all engines will come with the new option of an eight-speed automatic.
Soon after launch, Ford will replace its existing Focus ST hot hatch.
Set to come with a detuned version of the Focus RS' 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, it's thought the Blue Oval's new Golf GTI rival will deliver around 200kW.
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