Ford Motors is testing the next generation Ford Focus under extremely trying conditions of mountainous terrains of Austrian Alps. Ford Motors has already confirmed that it will be displaying the next generation estate and a hatch model at the upcoming Paris Auto Show next month. The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80% parts common around the world.
The new Focus will include a range of Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-litre unit in Europe and a choice of Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20% compared to the outgoing models. The model goes on sale in the British market by early 2011 and thereafter in the rest of the international market.
The new Focus, available as either a four-door or a five-door hatchback, will go into production this year. Other features include a dry-clutch six-speed automatic transmission with twin clutches; updated multilink "control blade" suspension; torque control techniques to improve traction and steering; and the MyFord control system with an 8-inch touch screen.
Ford has introduced Figo as its small car hatchback model in India. It has slowly ramped down Focus from the Indian domestic market but the next generation model of Ford Focus is being developed under One Ford program which means that Ford may re-introduce its new small model in the emerging markets as well.
