Cabin Comforts
The mission was to present an interior usually found on cars a class above. So no "plug in" radio (like the compact competition), the adoption of an integrated-into-the-dash audio system, and lots of contrasting colours and premium materials. A centre console wraps around the driver.
Ford said it learned much when developing Taurus and Lincoln into class-leaders for cabin quietness, and applied those lessons to the Focus (including dual pane sealing and aerodynamic mirrors and wipers).
But the biggest interior advance is the MyFord Driver Connect system, which is Ford's re-think on how to control and interact with the vehicle's climate, information, navigation, music and climate systems. On high-end Focus models, the MyFord system will include a multicolour 8-inch touch screen to control a wide range of functions. MyFord is complimented by the new-generation SYNC package, which features more effective voice command, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, and lots of connectivity for external devices.
Ford is not yet releasing all packaging and option details, but noted Focus will be available with keyless entry, hill start assist, start button, rearview camera, and a semi-automatic parallel parking system.
Safety First
The new Focus platform is touted as being very strong and stiff, which benefits handling, refinement and crash worthiness. Torsional rigidity is 25 percent greater than the current platform.
High-strength steels compromise 55 percent of the body shell, and more than 26 percent of the vehicle's structure is formed from ultra-high strength and Boron steels -- significantly more than any other Ford product. These steels also help to keep weight down.
Unlike Fiesta, the front end of Focus will remain the same for all markets -- the car meets all international safety standards.
The new car's front, side, and curtain airbags are said to deploy 30 percent quicker than the current car's airbags.
The mission was to present an interior usually found on cars a class above. So no "plug in" radio (like the compact competition), the adoption of an integrated-into-the-dash audio system, and lots of contrasting colours and premium materials. A centre console wraps around the driver.
Ford said it learned much when developing Taurus and Lincoln into class-leaders for cabin quietness, and applied those lessons to the Focus (including dual pane sealing and aerodynamic mirrors and wipers).
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But the biggest interior advance is the MyFord Driver Connect system, which is Ford's re-think on how to control and interact with the vehicle's climate, information, navigation, music and climate systems. On high-end Focus models, the MyFord system will include a multicolour 8-inch touch screen to control a wide range of functions. MyFord is complimented by the new-generation SYNC package, which features more effective voice command, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, and lots of connectivity for external devices.
Ford is not yet releasing all packaging and option details, but noted Focus will be available with keyless entry, hill start assist, start button, rearview camera, and a semi-automatic parallel parking system.
Safety First
The new Focus platform is touted as being very strong and stiff, which benefits handling, refinement and crash worthiness. Torsional rigidity is 25 percent greater than the current platform.
High-strength steels compromise 55 percent of the body shell, and more than 26 percent of the vehicle's structure is formed from ultra-high strength and Boron steels -- significantly more than any other Ford product. These steels also help to keep weight down.
Unlike Fiesta, the front end of Focus will remain the same for all markets -- the car meets all international safety standards.
The new car's front, side, and curtain airbags are said to deploy 30 percent quicker than the current car's airbags.
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