It's the car that aims to keep Ford at the top of the sales charts and lead the troubled manufacturer back to profitability. Arguably the most important new vehicle for the marque, the next Focus isn't due on sale until 2004. But that hasn't stopped us getting these pictures showing the car as it will appear in showrooms.
The Focus clearly has it all to do and, taking styling cues from the C-MAX mini-MPV, we reckon the Ford is off to a promising start. The mature look of the family favourite also has the feel of the recently face-lifted Mondeo. It's less daring than the new edge-inspired model it replaces, and Ford has said in the past that it is certain the conservative makeover will improve the car's standing among more affluent buyers.
The firm also points out there will be many more Focus variants to choose from than before. As well as the C-MAX, the range will include a sporty coupé inspired by the Visos concept Ford revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Ford insiders are promising the car will also set new standards of performance, space and refinement in a class it already dominates. But the car will have a far bigger fight on its hands from rivals than ever before.
Crucially, the Focus is going to have to play catch up with these challengers. The new Golf, Astra and Mazda 3 will all be on the market in the next few months. Yet the Ford isn't due to make its début for another year. So how does the blue oval intend to keep its hatch ahead of the pack?
Company sources claim a mix of internal design, engineering and driveability will hold the key. Based on the all new C1 platform, the new model will be longer and wider than before to give class-leading levels of interior space. On the basis of the C-MAX's crash protection, safety standards are tipped to be impressively high. The Focus is equipped with Ford's Intelligent Protection System, and will be aiming for a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Using many of the ideas developed for the Mondeo, it should also be easy to service and repair, keeping running costs low. Services such as satellite navigation and live traffic information will also be offered for the first time, in response to the hi-tech kit fitted to the new Golf.
The engine range will also add a wide appeal. Entry-level models will be powered by an updated 1.6-litre Duratec, which has a proven track record in the current car. However, the newcomer will début 1.6 and 1.8-litre direct-injection petrol units offering variable valve timing, as well as fresh 1.6 and 2-litre TDCi diesels.
At launch, the larger capacity diesel will be the most powerful engine available, with an impressive 135 bhp and 300Nm of torque. This unit is likely to use clever electronics to reduce turbo lag. And with such a high output available, Ford is expected to supplement an uprated ESP system with four-wheel drive. Aimed at quality rivals such as the 4Motion Golf, this model is being secretly developed with the help of Bosch.
Three gearboxes will also be offered. The first is a conventional manual with six speeds. A new automatic is also expected, but most exciting of all is a fresh semi-automatic transmission similar to Audi's excellent new Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). Capable of changing ratios in the blink of an eye using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, the system is expected to help maintain the Focus's reputation as the best driver's car in its class.
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