Focus for Ford is a dynamic hatch

The almost coupe-like shape gives the Zetec a sporty feel and it comes with plenty of extras.

Ford says its latest range of Focus hatchbacks is considerably more refined than the outgoing model, thanks to design and engineering revisions based on four cornerstones: stability, agility, precision and comfort.

The previous Focus broke dynamic ground in the hatchback segment, its standout chassis providing a class-leading ride/handling mix with sharp and accurate steering.

Now, seven years on, the bigger model blends signature dynamics with a more polished appeal inside and out.

"Driving quality has been a Focus trademark from the beginning and the new model extends that strength to encompass the entire driving experience with improvements in comfort and refinement," says Ford New Zealand marketing chief Graeme Whickman.

Ford says the 25mm longer wheelbase and 40mm wider track helps give the all-new Focus a surefooted stance and an improved interior package.

So, it says, does the revised Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension, a stiffer front subframe, and an 8 per cent increase in torsional stiffness over its predecessor.

"Drivers will appreciate enhancements in comfort that have been achieved in Focus without sacrificing its signature agility, stability and precise reaction to steering inputs," Whickman says.

The second-generation range was launched this week. There are five models - entry-level, sporty Zetec and top-range Ghia - each powered by a revised 2-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine mated to either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes and priced from $29,990 to $36,990.

The cars are built in South Africa, unlike the previous model which came from Europe. Why South Africa?

A projected boom in new-car sales in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region over the next 10 years is one of the reasons, says Ford.

"South Africa is part of a manufacturing strategy that will reflect our new approach to the entire region," says Mark Schultz, Ford vice-president for Asia-Pacific and Africa.

"With volumes approaching the markets of North America and Western Europe, Ford's Asia-Pacific and Africa regions will now be treated as an integrated entity, able to benefit not only from the latest technology but also from economies of scale in manufacturing.

"This is an important first step in creating a model for future growth and investment."

Over the next 10 years, he says, there will be an additional nine million new vehicles on the market.

Asia-Pacific and Africa are expected to contribute 65 per cent of global industry growth to the end of the decade. About 80 per cent of that growth will come from China, South-East Asia and India. "Ford intends to go after our fair share and we are confident that the new Focus will assist us achieve our ambitious targets, within the core mid-size passenger car segment," Schultz says.

Ford's manufacturing plant in Pretoria (its marketing division is headed by former Ford NZ managing director Nigel Harris) builds the Focus for this part of the world.

The carmaker says its Pretoria plant has worked closely with the global Focus development team and has consistently achieved quality, cost and delivery targets. It describes the new model as "more mature."

"We've moved on in terms of Ford of Europe's design language," says design chief Chris Bird.

"What the customer really appreciates is an impression of quality in the design.

"It's an impression that we believe we have put into this vehicle by craftsmanship in design engineering throughout the exterior and interior, led by the distinctive, almost coupe profile."

The new Focus family shares its architecture with the Ford-owned Volvo S40/V50 and Mazda3.

The car's interior is 140mm wider than the outgoing model, providing more space between driver and passenger, and is 25mm longer to give for increased legroom.

The previous model's 998mm headroom is retained, while an increase in boot size from 812mm to 923mm has increased luggage space from 350 litres to 385.

The Duratec engine has been designed to meet the stringent Euro III emission levels that come into force in 2006.

It delivers 107kW (143bhp) of power at 6000rpm and peak torque of 185Nm at 4500rpm.

Ford claims fuel economy at 7.1 litres/100 km for the manual, down from 8.7 l/100 km on the old 2-litre engine. The automatic's thirst drops from 9.5 litres/100 km to 8.0 litres/100 km. The entry-level manual hatch rides on 16-inch wheels and comes with air-conditioning, CD player, dual front airbags, ABS brakes and front power windows as standard. The automatic gets an extra option pack. The Smooth Pack model adds side airbags, body-coloured power mirrors, cruise control, leather steering wheel, and electric windows that can be opened on the key fob.

The Zetec adds 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, sports suspension, body kit, six-disc in-dash CD player, traction control and alarm. The Zetec comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission.

The range-topping Ghia comes with four-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, six-disc in-dash CD player, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels and alarm.