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Ford takes Focus up a notch for new 2008 model
Not that it's really showing its age, but the current model Focus has been around a good long while and enjoyed considerable success. It's highly sought after by value-conscious shoppers looking for a safe, reliable and economical vehicle that's still exciting to look at and drive.
These hard working men and women will be happy to know that for the 2008 model year, Ford's taken their Focus and sent it to finishing school.
Shoppers will soon be presented with a machine of vastly different attitude which maintains some styling cues while appropriately incorporating more modern touches. For instance, the grille flows into the outer edges of the headlights, while from the side a higher and more dynamic beltline suggests a sense of motion and excitement.
Flared wheel arches complete the visual execution and help make the Focus look bolted to the road.
Keeping the Focus on track is a new suspension system featuring reworked spring rates, shocks, stabilizer bars and damping to deliver a more tuned and connected ride. "From a dynamics perspective, the new Focus feels much more solid and substantial," says vehicle dynamics manager Mark Rushbrook. "When you're driving down the highway, it feels like you're in a very solid vehicle."
Additional sound deadening materials have been installed too, including an acoustic windshield and thicker door glass for more isolation from outside noises.
Moving the Focus along is a 2.0 litre Duratec DOHC four cylinder engine. Mileage is estimated around 37 MPG, and the mill gets a new air intake and cooling system.
Speaking of cool, a new Ice Blue illumination has been adopted for the instruments, interior switches, and controls. A feature we've seen already on the Lincoln MKR concept, the lighting is easy on the drivers eyes at nighttime while presenting a unique design element as well. Buyers can accent the Ice Blue look with an ambient light system that illuminates the cupholders and footwells in one of seven colors, selectable with the flick of a switch.
It's not all about showy looks and fancy lighting though, because Focus drivers often hold safety near the top of their list of priorites. For that reason, the new model features standard thorax airbags, side curtains, and the automakers Personal Safety System.
Cisco Codina, Ford group vice president, says "Focus is coming to market with more content, more standard features and strong fuel economy, while remaining competitively priced. With its bold stance and improved driving characteristics, the new Focus will be a solid competitor in this segment."
Ford takes Focus up a notch for new 2008 model
Not that it's really showing its age, but the current model Focus has been around a good long while and enjoyed considerable success. It's highly sought after by value-conscious shoppers looking for a safe, reliable and economical vehicle that's still exciting to look at and drive.
These hard working men and women will be happy to know that for the 2008 model year, Ford's taken their Focus and sent it to finishing school.
Shoppers will soon be presented with a machine of vastly different attitude which maintains some styling cues while appropriately incorporating more modern touches. For instance, the grille flows into the outer edges of the headlights, while from the side a higher and more dynamic beltline suggests a sense of motion and excitement.
Flared wheel arches complete the visual execution and help make the Focus look bolted to the road.
Keeping the Focus on track is a new suspension system featuring reworked spring rates, shocks, stabilizer bars and damping to deliver a more tuned and connected ride. "From a dynamics perspective, the new Focus feels much more solid and substantial," says vehicle dynamics manager Mark Rushbrook. "When you're driving down the highway, it feels like you're in a very solid vehicle."
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Additional sound deadening materials have been installed too, including an acoustic windshield and thicker door glass for more isolation from outside noises.
Moving the Focus along is a 2.0 litre Duratec DOHC four cylinder engine. Mileage is estimated around 37 MPG, and the mill gets a new air intake and cooling system.
Speaking of cool, a new Ice Blue illumination has been adopted for the instruments, interior switches, and controls. A feature we've seen already on the Lincoln MKR concept, the lighting is easy on the drivers eyes at nighttime while presenting a unique design element as well. Buyers can accent the Ice Blue look with an ambient light system that illuminates the cupholders and footwells in one of seven colors, selectable with the flick of a switch.
It's not all about showy looks and fancy lighting though, because Focus drivers often hold safety near the top of their list of priorites. For that reason, the new model features standard thorax airbags, side curtains, and the automakers Personal Safety System.
Cisco Codina, Ford group vice president, says "Focus is coming to market with more content, more standard features and strong fuel economy, while remaining competitively priced. With its bold stance and improved driving characteristics, the new Focus will be a solid competitor in this segment."