Ford Focus, a definite contender for Australia’s best small car, is improved for 2012 with the new range highlighted by improved fuel economy, standard Ford SYNC and – the big news – availability of ‘Active City Stop’ safety (a first in a small car under $40,000).
The model range remains largely unchanged although the ‘Sport’ variant sedans have been dropped. Entry-level Ambiente hatchback retains its $21,990 sticker.
‘Active City Stop’ is included in the optional ‘Sports Executive Pack; for range-topping Ford Focus Titanium. Priced at $2,300, the pack also brings adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and a power sunroof.
Focus is the first Ford vehicle to add the acknowledged safety of ‘Active City Stop’. Operational at speeds up to 30km/h, Ford’s ‘Active City Stop’ pro-actively prevents collisions by monitoring the road ahead for stationary traffic.
If the sensors detect the traffic ahead is stopped, the brakes are pre-charged and if there is no steering or braking input from the driver Ford’s Active City Stop’ activates the brakes.
“Safety is a key pillar of the Ford brand and we are proud to bring this technology to Focus in a (small car) segment first” revealed Ford’s marketing chief David Katic.
The additions make Ford Focus Titanium a very sharp rival for higher-priced European small cars – standard features include ‘Active Park Assist’, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear-view camera, leather seats and a ‘Sports Styling Kit’.
Now standard across the Ford Focus range is ‘Ford SYNC’ – a software platform providing advanced voice-activated connectivity. Focus owners can connect a compatible mobile telephone or digital media player to their car via Bluetooth or USB enabling automatic phone book download, voice control, voice activated music and the ability to listen to texts.
Technology is also to the fore in the new Ford Focus to reduce fuel consumption. Active grille shutters are now standard across the range – they close to reduce aerodynamic drag at speed and open again at slower speeds to reduce engine temperature.
As a result, fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol Focus has dropped to 6.6l/100kms and in the diesel models consumption is down to 5.4l/100kms.
‘Sport’ models gain a rear-view camera, new alloy wheels and a ‘Sports Styling Kit’ while entry-level ‘Ambiente’ adds new 16-inch wheel covers.
New colours distinguish the latest Ford Focus lineup – ‘Winning Blue’ and ‘Ingot Silver’ and ‘Candy Red’ now available across the range.
No change to the engine lineup – entry-level Ambiente models powered by the 1.6- litre Duratec petrol, then there is the direct-injection 2.0-litre GDI and diesel power comes in the form of the 2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel.
The full range is:
Hatchback
Ambiente 1.6l Duratec manual $21,990
Ambiente 1.6l Duratec automatic $24,290
Trend 2.0l GDi manual $24,490
Trend 2.0l GDi automatic $26,790
Trend 2.0l Duratorq automatic $30,500
Sport 2.0l GDi manual $27,890
Sport 2.0l GDi automatic $30,190
Sport 2.0l Duratorq $33,690
Titanium 2.0l GDi automatic $33,840
Titanium 2.0l Duratorq automatic $37,340
Sedan
Ambiente 1.6l Duratec automatic $24,290
Trend 2.0l GDi automatic $26,790
Trend 2.0l Duratorq automatic $30,500
Titanium 2.0l GDi automatic $33,840
