The Frankfurt show spawned a huge number of new car launches, but surprisingly one of its biggest players didn't have a launch occasion there.
For Ford it all happens next year and the biggest event in the Ford 2004 calendar is an all-new Focus range. We should see it in the Irish showrooms from the middle of the year when the five-door and estate arrive, followed late in the year by the three-door and the saloon.
But in a sense new Focus is much closer because C-Max, its midi-MPV derivative, will be going on sale at the end of this year. It was first presented at the Geneva motor show and it gives some clues to the shape and style of the second generation model range.
The first generation was probably Ford's most acclaimed small family car. It won a plethora of awards for being a superb all-rounder taking in all the attributes of ride and handling, comfort, looks and safety.
So what do we know about the new model? It's going to set fresh standards of performance, space and refinement in a class it already dominates. Based on an all-new platform that is also used by the Mazda3 and Volvo S40, the car will be significantly bigger than at present. The versatility of this floorpan allows technicians to lengthen the wheelbase without the need for drastic re-engineering.
It all adds up to more occupant head and legroom. Safety standards are expected to be boosted too. The Focus is likely to be fitted with the Mondeo's IPS (Intelligent Protection System) so that it can aim for a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Using many ideas developed for the Mondeo, easy maintenance and repair and low running costs are said to be other Ford objectives.
On the engine side, two new direct-injedction petrol units are expected to debut, offering variable-valve timing and coming in 1.6 and 1.8 litre formats.
There will also be new 1.6 and 2.0 litre TDCi diesel units. At launch, the 2.0 litre diesel will be the most powerful engine of the Focus II range, producing 135bhp.
The C-Max which we tested earlier this year, gave us a flavour of next year's Focus with tight body control and smart cornering for a tall car. Throw in the cushioning ride and the impressive e trim quality, and we felt we were in something much more expensive.
Focus II is Ford's big event of 2004.