This tends to make a price comparison against the old model difficult, but any changes to the posted stickers don't indicate any major increases.
For 2005, says Jelinek, Focus three-door hatchback will come as ZX3 S for $17,555 and ZX3 SE for $19,265.
There will be one version of the five-door hatchback -- the SZ5 SES for $21,755.
The biggest range of models will be in the popular four-door sedan model, starting with the ZX4 S at $16,795, the ZX4 SE at $18,515, the ZX4 SES at $21,755 and the performance-oriented ZX4 ST at $22,995.
In the wagon lineup, says Jelinek, Ford of Canada will offer the ZXW SE at $19,565 and the ZXW SES at $22,605.
On top of all those prices, Ford will levy an additional charge for delivery and dealer prep. As it is with all such charges from all companies, this is open for negotiation with the dealer.
There are two engine choices in Focus for 2005, starting with the new 2.0 litre Duratec 20 dual overhead cam inline-four that replaces both the 110-hp and 130-hp 2-litre Zetec engines in the previous model. This engine produces 136-hp at 6,000 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm.
The engine in the ZT4 STS produces 151 hp at 5,750 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250.
These new engines sit inside a new front end treatment that Larry Erickson calls more ''upscale and aspirational.''
But Erickson says that the most ''dramatic design departure'' from the original Focus is the car's new interior, which ''directly reflects the priorities Ford has set for its interiors: it is clean and modern looking, highly functional and built of high quality materials.''
Several storage areas have been designed into the new instrument panel, including a glovebox, a storage drawer for six CDs located by the driver's left knee, and an open storage space located just below the climate control dials.
A standard floor console houses the shifter assembly, two cupholders, the parking brake lever and controls for certain optional features, including the traction control system. An overhead console, which includes a sunglass holder and space for a garage door opener, is a new option.
Additional storage can be found in the front doors, which now include moulded-in bottle or cup holders.
