PARIS SHOW: New Ford Focus

2010 PARIS MOTOR SHOW NEWS SPECIAL

Ford took the wraps off its new generation Focus small car at the Paris Motor Show, which will be sold in 120 different global markets including Australia.

Having sold more than 10 million units since its inception in 1998, the Ford Focus is an important model for the Blue Oval. Together with an updated exterior design that borrows a few 'Kinetic' styling elements from the Fiesta, the next generation Focus will be offered with a range of high-tech systems, including a large touch screen interface and voice controlled systems.

In addition to a brand-new interior design, again taking cues from the Fiesta, Ford has also confirmed that a lane departure and warning system, traffic sign recognition, a parking assistant and radar-based cruise control will be offered.

Designed in Europe, the new Ford Focus is offered in three body styles, five-door hatch, four-door sedan and wagon, but a three-door hatch will not be available.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Product Development, said "The presentation of the three core Focus bodystyles here in Paris is another key milestone in our global C-car strategy," adding that a three-door model was not necessary because the five-door hatch was sporty enough.

"Having taken the decision to adopt such a sleek, coupé-like design for the five-door hatchback, there was little space in the line-up for a three-door version," Kuzak stated. "The three-model Focus range provides the ideal blend of sporty, dynamic looks and every-day practicality."

Ford has confirmed the arrival of the Focus ST (first two images) in 2012 launching a 'concept' alongside the standard Focus models, but it appears to be a five-door hatch.

The Focus ST is the high performance model, which is badged in Australia as the Focus XR5 Turbo, and is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo engine that replaces the Volvo-sourced five-cylinder turbo. It is claimed to output 184kW/360Nm, which would make it more powerful than the current Ford Focus XR5 Turbo.

The regular Focus models will also get the option of EcoBoost turbocharged engines, with a 1.6-litre turbo EcoBoost motor offered in two states of tune, 110kW and 132kW. Non-turbo engines include a 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, and there will also be a 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines.

At this stage it is not yet known which engines will be offered to Australian motorists.

"The new Focus truly represents the best of Ford Motor Company, and we are excited that the first vehicles will be in customers' hands very soon," said Derrick Kuzak "The investment in our new C-car platform has enabled us to provide global consumers with an affordable product which offers quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations."

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.