According to Ford analysis of just-released full-year Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive, Ford Focus retains its title as world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate for 2013. The new 2015 Ford Focus 4-door sedan is all set to make its debut at next week’s 2014 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show).
The launch of all-new 4-door 2015 Ford Focus sedan and Focus Electric in New York follows the Geneva Auto Show launch in March of the Focus 3- and 5-door wagon and hatchback. A new version of the performance Focus ST will be shown later in 2014. The redesigned Ford Focus provides a more intuitive and upscale interior, a bolder exterior design, the additional powertrain option of Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine with a new 6-speed manual transmission and a host of technologies uncommon for a compact car in the U.S.-spec Focus. While U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings are not yet available, Ford expects the 1.0-liter EcoBoost Focus to raise the bar in fuel efficiency among non-hybrid compact vehicles.
For 2015, the Focus adds an SE Sport Package, which includes paddle shifters (needs automatic transmission), new body treatments, 17-inch black gloss aluminum wheels, P215/50 HR-17 tires and a revised touring suspension. The paddle shift feature offers drivers an additional element of control by allowing them to simulate the manual gear selection aspects of manual gearbox and extract more power from their engines. Also notable for 2015, Ford’s MyKey feature will be standard on all trims.
Jim Farley, Executive Vice President at Ford Motor Company Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln said “It is remarkable to see Focus again lead the industry as the No. 1 selling vehicle nameplate on the planet.” “With the new car, we’ve raised the bar again, showcasing Ford’s commitment to continuous improvement – adding better technology for drivers and a more modern, sleeker exterior across the entire Focus family.”
Award-Winning 1.0-Liter EcoBoost
Besides a host of technology and styling advances, the 2015 Ford Focus will offer the fun-to-drive, efficient EcoBoost 1.0-liter powerplant with 6-speed manual gearbox. Automotive journalists globally named it International Engine of the Year for 2012 and 2013. Raj Nair, Group Vice President at Ford Global Product Development said “The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is proof that excellent performance and fuel economy can come in one package.” “Focus is already known for bringing together fun and efficiency, and our latest offering will bring consumers a whole new level of enjoyment – on the road and in what they’ll save at the pump.”
The EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with direct injection, turbocharging, proprietary Ford software and variable valve timing to bring customers exceptional fuel economy and performance. Ford EcoBoost engines can deliver significantly better fuel economy unlike larger-displacement gasoline powerplants. The all-new Focus customers also will enjoy a quieter ride, achieved by enhanced engine-bay insulation and thicker side window glass and carpets.
Stylish New Focus
The 2015 Ford Focus arrives with a bolder look. It features signature LED lighting for taillights and headlights, a restyled hood and grille, a redesigned trunk lid and new rear lamp clusters. Focus 4-door and 5-door models will be available in the United States. Inside, materials and colors have a modern yet clean, look, with new switches and seat trims, available heated steering wheel and satin chrome detailing. A new center console integrating adjustable cupholders enhances storage capacity.
Advanced Technologies
The Focus comes with plenty of driver-assist technologies; these include available Blind Spot Information System, a lane-keeping system and a rear view camera. Standard on Focus for the first time, the rearview camera will appear on either the eight-inch screen or a 4.2-inch screen, which comes with MyFord Touch-equipped models.
Should a Focus driver start to drift out of the current lane without a turn signal activated, the lane-keeping system offers a warning through a series of steering wheel vibrations, which mimic a rumble strip. If the unintended lane departure is not corrected by the driver, the aid function of the system actively applies steering to help the driver direct the car back toward the center of the current lane. It benefits from advancements in interior design, exterior styling, chassis and suspension upgrades, and of course, powertrain and technology. These include new shock absorber valve design offering enhanced interior quietness, and a change to the rear suspension for giving drivers a more connected feel to the road.
New functions include:
Connected apps can access a variety of real-time vehicle data such as acceleration, speed, location information and odometer, which can be used by the app to further personalize and customize the owner experience.
More consistent user experience thanks to voice pass-through capability allows developers to use on-device or cloud-based voice recognition systems to evaluate driver commands.
Notifications read aloud as a driver enters the car, with no need to touch the phone.
Ford builds the Focus in eight manufacturing facilities on four continents. Plants in US, Germany, China, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina and Taiwan have a combined capacity to build more than 1.5 million Focus vehicles yearly at a rate of more than two per second.
Since the introduction of Ford Focus in 1998, the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world for two years running has sold over 12 million vehicles internationally.
