..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
Related Articles
The stylish Ford Focus range has been made more appealing than ever with the introduction of four new derivatives – all of which feature the sophisticated PowerShift six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission paired with the award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine for the first time, a statement issued in Pretoria has said.
The PowerShift and EcoBoost combination, according to the statement, is available in both Ambiente and Trend specification levels for both the Focus five-door hatch and four-door sedan. This brings the total number of Focus models available in South Africa to 14, including the two sizzling hot Focus ST range-toppers.
“The Focus is a stand-out model for Ford as it showcases our unsurpassed design, technology, safety and performance, all matched to outstanding value for money in the extremely competitive C-segment,” Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region, said.
“With the expanded line-up we combined the remarkable performance and fuel economy of the 1.0 EcoBoost engine with the outstanding responsiveness and driving dynamics of the high-tech dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission.
“By making the combination available on sedan and hatchback models, and in both Ambiente and Trend specification levels, these two great technologies are more accessible than ever. The Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente, in particular, offers exceptional value for money for private, company and fleet buyers alike.”
The Focus 1.0 EcoBoost’s sophisticated six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures seamless power delivery and rapid shifts. It provides the efficiency, optimized gear ratios and driving enjoyment of a manual gearbox with the smoothness and ease-of-use of a conventional automatic.
Ford’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine won the International Engine of the Year title for an unprecedented three consecutive years, from 2012 to 2014, and won the sub-1-litre category for the past four years.
It is equipped with Ford’s latest fuel-saving technologies including Auto-Start-Stop and the Active Grille Shutter to achieve significant reductions in CO2 emissions. In addition, Ford’s Smart Regenerative Charging system selectively engages the alternator and charges the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost – thus reducing engine load for less fuel usage.
The 1.0 EcoBoost delivers 92kW of power and 170Nm of torque. Matched to the PowerShift automatic transmission it is credited with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km* and a CO2 emissions rating of 125 g/km*.
As is the case with the entire Focus range, the new models are extremely well equipped. Standard features on the Ambiente ‘entry-level’ model include remote central locking, front electric windows and mirrors, dual front and side airbags, electric power-assisted steering, a trip computer with EcoMode and temperature gauge, as well as manual air-conditioning.
On the multimedia front, the Focus boasts an audio system with six speakers, a 4.2-inch screen, Ford SYNC® with Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as two USB ports, an auxiliary input and dual 12-volt power sockets.
The safety features comprise all-disc ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control and Hill Launch Assist. Ford’s latest second-generation MyKey system is also fitted as standard for programming selected driving and in-car entertainment features.
In Trend specification, the Focus 1.0 EcoBoost gains 16-inch dual-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps, cruise control with speed limiter, electric windows all round, curtain airbags and power-operated child-proof rear door locks.
The Focus is also available with the impressive 1.5 EcoBoost engine that produces maximum power of 132kW and 240Nm of torque. All 1.5 models are supplied in Trend specification, and can be purchased with either a six-speed manual transmission or the conventional six-speed automatic gearbox with SelectShift manual control.
In order to personalise their vehicles, buyers have the option of a Styling Pack on the five-door Trend models, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, privacy glass, automatic headlamps, adaptive bi-Xenon HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, as well as power-adjustable and heated folding side mirrors.
The available Driver Assistance Pack, which is optional on the Trend model, adds Ford’s latest advanced driver assistance features. These include Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Aid, Active Park Assist (with perpendicular and parallel parking), Pull-Out Assist, Active City Stop, rear-view camera, plus front and rear parking sensors.
As part of Ford Protect, all models are sold with a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, four-year/80 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 20 000km.
