"Ford Focus" sedan: description, characteristics, restyling

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Focus compact sedan is a modification of the Ford model, which, due to its design, technical characteristics, cost and a whole range of advantages, is one of the best-selling small cars in the world.

The Formation of the Ford Company

The Ford Automobile Company was founded in 1903 by engineer and entrepreneur Henry Ford. She became the third enterprise organized by G. Ford, the other two did not bring commercial success and were closed. The first cars produced by the new company were not very popular, as they were unreliable and had a fairly high cost. The relative failure forced G. Ford to reconsider the strategy of his company. It was decided to focus on the production of low-cost cars, while trying to reduce production costs as much as possible and increase labor productivity. All this was achieved by creating the world's first assembly line for the manufacture of automobiles, on which the worker performing one assembly operation remained in his place.

Beginning of assembly line production of cars

New wayproduction allowed to sharply increase volumes and reduce the cost of cars. Thus, the first Ford T assembly line car was produced from 1908 to 1927, was made in the amount of 15 million copies, while the initial cost decreased from $850 to $360.

In the future, the companies continued to increase the range and number of cars produced. In the early thirties, Ford provided great assistance in the construction and organization of production at the Gorky Automobile Plant. The first cars produced by the plant were the redesigned Ford A and AA, which were released under the corresponding names GAZ A and GAZ AA.

In the eighties, the company actively acquires other automakers (Aston Martin, Jaguar). In the 90s, Ford cars began to be sold in Russia. Ford is currently the third largest manufacturer of buses, cars and commercial vehicles in the world.

Creating a model

The Ford Focus compact C-class passenger car was first introduced in 1995 and production began in 1998. The first was a hatchback modification (five-door), then the Ford Focus sedan, then a station wagon, a three-door hatchback and a convertible. The car replaced the Escort model and immediately gained popularity, confidently entered the top ten best-selling cars in Europe, and in 2012 became the best-selling car in the world.

The third generation of the model is currently being produced, and the high popularity of the Ford Focus is evidenced by the fact thatthat the passenger car is produced at eight enterprises of the company in different countries of the world. An important factor in the popularity of the car is the large number of different powertrains that the model is equipped with: nine gasoline engines and five diesel engines, as well as a significant number of configuration options. Other advantages of the model include:

• recognizable design;
• high security (five stars Euro NCAP);
• affordable cost;
• general reliability.

In Russia, the production of the Ford Focus sedan model began in 2002 at the company's new plant in the Leningrad Region.

Appearance

The design of the third generation car can be called solid with sporty features. The designers managed to form such an interesting appearance of the Ford Focus sedan due to the careful study of all body elements, as well as using the following solutions:

• large bonnet slope with strong punching lines;
• narrowed head optics;
• Stacked front bumper with wide lower air intake and side recesses with fog lights;
• aerodynamic mirrors;
• high-line side windows;
• round wheel arches;
• smooth transition of the roof to the stern of the car;
• wide combo taillights flowing from trunk to fenders;
• dark lower bumper.

Resulted appearancethe car looks quite modern and corresponds to the current car fashion.

Interior

Solutions made in the interior of the Ford Focus sedan are aimed at creating high ergonomics for the driver and comfort for passengers. For this purpose, the following are applied in the car:

• three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel;
• informative instrument panel with deep gauge wells and on-board computer monitor;
• wide center console insert with infotainment display, air vents and numerous transmission and vehicle controls;
• comfortable seats with lots of customization;
• side armrests with control keys;
• back row of seats with headrests comfortable for three people.

In the decoration of the basic version, fabric and plastic were used. On more expensive versions of the interior, leather, chrome trim, woodgrain inserts and two-tone design are used.

Technical parameters

Cars currently produced for the domestic market are equipped with four power units with a capacity of 85, 105, 125 and 150 hp. For a front-wheel drive transmission, a five-speed manual or a six-band automatic can be installed. Main technical characteristics of Ford Focus sedan with EcoBoost engine:

• number of doors - 4;
• number of seats - 5;
• wheelbase - 2.65 m;
• length - 4.53 m;
• height– 1.48 m;
• width – 1.82 m;
• own/admissible weight – 1, 26/1, 83 t;
• turn size - 11.0 m;
• engine type - gasoline, four-cylinder;
• power - 150 hp;
• volume - 1.6 l;
• acceleration - 8.7 sec (up to 100 km/h);
• max speed 212 km/h;
• fuel consumption (city) – 7.7 l/100km;
• gas tank capacity - 55 l;
• trunk size - 440 l;
• tire size - 215/55R16.

Parameters for speed and fuel consumption may vary depending on the power unit installed on the vehicle.

Sedan equipment

Despite the fact that the price of the Ford Focus allows us to consider the sedan a budget class, the model has three trim levels and fairly good lighting. Among the most interesting systems and equipment are:

• six airbags;
• Hazard warning when braking hard;
• ABS;
• EBD;
• traction control system;
• Stability mechanism;
• assistant at the beginning of the movement on the rise;
• cruise control;
• 16" alloy wheels;
• outside mirrors electrically heated, electrically adjustable and turn signal;
• delay turning off the head light;
• adjustable for reach and tilt steering column;
• power steering;
• rain and light controllers;
• blind spot monitoring;
• power windows;
• electrically heated windshield, side mirrors, front seats and steering wheel;
• dual-zone climate control;
• immobilizer;
• infotainment complex;
• navigation system.

This vehicle equipment provides high comfort and safe operation. The Ford Focus sedan with an automatic transmission and an EcoBoost engine with a capacity of 150 hp has the most complete set.

Model update

To maintain high consumer demand, the car underwent scheduled updates. The first generation Ford Focus sedan was restyled in 2012. As a result of the changes made, the car received the following new elements:

• combined head optics;
• front bumper;
• lower air intake;
• digital climate control;
• radiator grille;
• navigation system;
• center console;
• all chairs;
• dashboard.

For the second generation model, restyling was carried out in 2008. Results of the changes made:

• front stamping line;
• updated rear bumper;
• new spoiler;
• installation of new side mirrors;
• completely replaced headlights;
• appearance of embossed hood;
• widening wheel arches;
• chrome inserts and new climate controls are used in the cabincomplex.

In addition, the Ford Focus sedan has an electric trunk lock. It should be noted that after the updates, the car did not change the power units and gearbox options.

Car Reviews

Due to a long production period and a significant number of vehicles produced, a large number of owner reviews of operating experience can be found in various specialized publications. Among the main advantages, in addition to the affordable price of the Ford Focus, are noted:

• design;
• comfort;
• handling;
• economy;
• suspension work.

Certain disadvantages most often include insufficient sound insulation and low ground clearance.

The most reliable engine for the Ford Focus sedan is considered to be a power unit with a capacity of 105 hp. With. and a volume of 1.6 liters. This is confirmed in numerous reviews of the owners of this model.

The Ford Focus sedan enjoys well-deserved popularity due to its merits and high-quality technical parameters.