subject: The Ford Focus A Leap Forward For The Company [print this page] The Ford Focus internal styling has taken a mighty leap forward. No longer is it the drab, lifeless greys and blacks of the coal mine.
Now the cabin is a warm, inviting living space that says a lot about this car's inherent qualities.Delicate touches of brushed chrome lend a classy feel, while brighter tones on lower surfaces gives a nicer atmosphere.
The overall feeling of the cabin is one of immense quality.Seats are shaped to better hold a human body, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes.. The second row of seats is a two adult affair, or maybe three smaller kids, Ford has upped the ante with equipment levels, adding keyless go, adaptive front lighting, bluetooth integration and voice control to the Focus.
Regardless, all Focuses come with electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, CD stereo and trip computer.Dual front airbags are on all models, and there's also front side airbags and curtain airbags available.
Front seatbelts feature pretensioners, and the steering wheel and pedals collapse away from the driver in a frontal collision.Brakes are discs all 'round and fitted with ABS anti- A mechanically-operated brake assist feature detects an emergency stop and aids the driver with full retardation.
All-independent suspension helps, and Ford has further refined the Focus' rear control-blade suspension for better tyre control throughout its vertical range.It drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic with tiptronic-style shifter. Fifteen-inch wheels and tyres are fitted to all corners, with the option of 16s or 17s and sports suspension.All this extra room, performance and safety doesn't come free, and Focus is 96kg heavier than before at 1356kg for the 2.0-liter five-door.
This 8 per cent increase in weight gives an 8 per cent increase in petrol consumption around town (9.8l/100km as opposed to 9.0l/100km), though extra-urban driving is more economical than before.
