Its tail has also been modified, with European-style taillights and a cleaner trunk lid. Ford hasn't touched the car's trademark flared fenders. Altogether it is still recognizable as a Focus despite the update, but now Ford's compact model is effectively brought up to date, keeping it fresh and very stylish.
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| The rear of the Focus has also been updated, with European-style taillights and a cleaner trunk lid. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Under the shiny finish the Focus makes use of a harder alloy metal to resist dings and dents, ensuring that its sharp lines will remain that way, while making its structure stiffer benefiting everything from handling to crash safety.
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| The two new engines that will be offered promise to be 'cleaner, greener and meaner' according to Ford. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Another key area which Ford focused on in the revision of the Focus was the engine lineup. Two new engines will step in and take the place of three older engines, promising to be 'cleaner, greener and meaner'. Basic Foci (plural for focus) will receive an update of the workhorse Duratec 2.0 liter inline four. Featuring dual overhead camshafts, and sixteen valves, it creates a competitive 136 horsepower. This engine claims an impressive 32 percent reduction in smog-forming pollutants, and even better fuel economy.
While 136 horsepower is plenty to move a compact vehicle around, there will be a segment of enthusiasts who will simply crave more. Fitted to the top of the line
ZX4 ST sedan, will be an all-new 2.3 liter Duratec engine. Under the same name as its hot European sibling, the ST model yields 150 free-revving horsepower. Essentially Ford has taken the solid Duratec 2.0 and revamped it with performance parts from Ford's SVT division, plus pumped up the displacement and tuned the exhaust to help the engine generate a 10 percent increase in power and 16 percent torque boost.
