York region - 2008 Focus designed to connect with a connected generation

2008 Focus designed to connect with a connected generation

The 2008 Ford Focus, a second-generation evolution of the original, is all-new inside and out with new levels of safety, performance, fuel economy and user-friendly technology.

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November 11, 2007 10:06 PM

2008 Ford Focus
By: Rob Beintema

A new 2008 Focus is rolling into Ford dealers, promising a fresh redesign inside and out, along with new levels of safety, performance, fuel economy and user-friendly technology.

Tested by Canadian automotive journalists recently, this second-generation model, like everything else new in the Ford lineup, takes its inspiration from the popular Ford 427 concept-based Fusion, starting with the chrome barred grille - two bars instead of three, since it is a smaller car, after all. The belt line has been raised to instill a feeling of safety and security – a very common styling element to American post-9/11 products. Flared wheel arches and crisper character lines are designed to add sporty camouflage to this econo, entry-level car. The tail lamps borrow styling cues from the Ford Escape, integrating well with the LED-illuminated centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and a new roof-mounted antenna.

Upscale models get a little fender jewelry, a chrome appliqué mimicking the fender-vent, gill-like look now common to everything from Ford pickups to Cadillacs and Range Rovers.

Inside, the tall-cabin layout is roomy and comfortable. Thicker window glass and more insulation blend with better aerodynamics for a quieter cabin. The new seats have been carved out with improved contours and were designed to offer more lateral and lumbar support. The instrument cluster and switchgear lights up in a cool shade of ice blue, very current and complimented by an available next-generation, colour-configurable interior ambient lighting system. Think of it as “mood lighting” for your car. This idea first debuted with the 2005 Mustang and the new variable-colour, ambient lighting system can shift through shades of red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow illumination, bathing the cupholders and the front and rear footwalls in glowing colour. Pretty cool.

Along with other instrument changes, a new “top of dash” display has been positioned at eye level on top of the centre stack for easier viewing. There’s also more storage space in the revised console and door pockets. Side air bags and side curtains have also been made standard.

While we’re on the subject of interior innovation, I guess we should touch on Ford’s new Sync system. The 2008 Ford Focus is the first Ford to feature Sync, a cutting-edge way to use cell phones and media players inside a vehicle. This industry-first technology, built by Microsoft, was designed to offer adaptable new levels of user-friendly connection and hands-free application of electronic devices inside a car.

A microphone inside the cabin allows drivers to use their mobile phone hands-free while operating a vehicle. Using Bluetooth technology as a foundation, Sync can wirelessly connect up to twelve different cell phones to the vehicle through a process called pairing. Once the phone is paired, even the user’s address book and ring tones can be accessed by the system. Sync will even read your text messages out loud and let you answer with a choice of preset responses.

Sync also gives you hands-free, voice-activated command and control over portable media players and USB storage devices. Just plug in your iPod through the centre stack USB port and you can access your personal music selection through voice commands or via the dashboard and steering wheel controls. And, of course, your iPod or MP3 player will also recharge through the USB port as well.

But let’s get back to more traditional automotive technology.

Under the hood, the 2008 Focus harnesses a 140-horsepower 2.0-litre, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine. Engine power is up marginally by about 4 hp and 3 lb-ft of torque, due mainly to a better breathing air intake system and new cooling system, both of which are designed to improve efficiency and reduce back-pressure in the exhaust. The Duratec 20 can be matched to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. For 2008, both transmissions have revised final drive ratios, dropping rpms during highway driving for better fuel economy. When you factor in the smoother exterior aerodynamics and a weight reduction of about 45 Kg (100 pounds), fuel economy should benefit by a ten percent improvement over the last model. Official ratings for the entry-level manual version are 8.5L/5.7L/100km (city/hwy).

For 2008, the Focus’ suspension has been softened somewhat for a less jittery ride and changes in chassis, suspension and body structure were also designed to help improve handling.

Focus also gets an all-new brake system for 2008. New aluminum calipers contribute to the weight savings and improve brake pedal feel. The brakes are 10.9-inch vented discs in front and 11.0-inch drums in back with an available anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The 2008 Focus comes in two body styles – four-door sedan and, for the first time in a North American Focus, two-door coupe. Ford execs are tight-lipped about any possible wagon configurations but who knows what the future may bring.

The Focus comes in three trim levels - S, SE and SES.

The base S models comes fairly well-equipped with standard features that include rear defroster; tinted glass; AM/FM single CD/MP3 player with four speakers; Audio input jack; two 12V power points; 60/40-split rear seat; Visor mirrors; LATCH; SecuriLock passive anti-theft system. In Canada the SIRIUS® Satellite Radio comes standard with an included six month subscription.

There’s a long list of options and included equipment on SE and SES models - SES Sport Appearance Package (including 16-inch aluminum sport wheels); AM/FM six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 player; audiophile system for AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player with four coaxial speakers and 8-inch subwoofer; the Ford Sync system; interior ambient lighting system; 4-speed automatic transmission; Anti-lock brakes with traction control; power moonroof; Perimeter alarm system; leather and heated seats.

And while the Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan started with the upscale models first, arriving in dealers now, we should see entry-level S models by early December.

Count up all the styling, performance, safety and technological changes designed to connect with a very connected new generation of car buyers, and the 2008 Focus should prove to be a very viable contender in Canada’s competitive small car market.

(2008 Ford Focus AT A GLANCE)

BODY STYLE: four-door sedan/two-door coupe.

DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, front-wheel drive.

ENGINE: 2.0-litre, Duratec 20 inline-four cylinder, 140 hp/136 lb-ft of torque

FUEL ECONOMY: 8.5L/5.7L/100km (city/hwy)(manual)

SAMMPLE PRICES:

2-Door S Coupe - $15,999

4-door S Sedan - $15,999

2-Door SE Coupe - $17,399

4-door SE Sedan - $17,399

2-Door SES Coupe - $19,999

4-door SES Sedan - $19,999

WEBSITE: ford.ca

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