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View Full Version : Focus coupé’s licence to thrill



mikeyb
02-05-2009, 11:29 AM
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_601/car_photo_300959_25.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_601/car_photo_300958_25.jpg

Here are the pictures that prove the Focus is on style at Ford like never before! It’s a new three-door Coupé version of the blue oval’s family hatchback – and it has VW’s Scirocco and Renault’s Mégane Coupe in its sights.

As we revealed in Issue 1,037, Ford has ambitious plans for the next-generation Focus range, with the first variant, the C-MAX MPV, due in 2010. According to our sources at sister magazine Auto Bild, the firm is working on a bold new look – and this Coupé will be the flagship.

As Renault has shown with the Mégane, it’s possible to offer two very different hatchbacks in the same model range with a more conservatively styled five-door that appeals to core family buyers – and a sleeker coupé-style machine for younger customers. And that’s just what this Focus aims to do.
These world exclusive pictures give the best view yet as to how the newcomer could look. It takes inspiration from the successful shape of the latest Fiesta with its lower grille, which is accompanied by bold headlights and LED spotlights.

Chunkier wheelarches and huge alloys add visual muscle, but the most head-turning features are the steeply rising waistline and angular C-pillars. At the rear is a sloping tail with neat lights, a diffuser-style lower bumper and a smart roof spoiler.

The look may be rakish, but the Focus Coupé is practical, too, with plenty of room in the rear for tall passengers.

Up front will be a new dashboard that boasts even higher quality materials than the current Focus, but the big change is a control system similar to BMW’s iDrive and Mercedes’ COMAND set-ups, which will help reduce clutter. Under the skin lies Ford’s new compact family car (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/233857/focus_coups_licence_to_thrill.html#) platform, which engineers at the company are currently developing.

Driving dynamics are key to the appeal of the Focus, and the new model will be no different with direct steering and fine body control.

The three-door will have slightly stiffer suspension settings than the five-door for more agility and driver appeal.

Power will come from Ford’s new direct-injection, turbo EcoBoost range with base models getting a 1.0-litre unit with either 89bhp or 108bhp. But most sales will come from a new 1.6-litre turbo in 148bhp or 178bhp guise.

Two new oil-burners are also on the way: a 1.6-litre TDCi with 89bhp, 108bhp or 128bhp, and a 2.0-litre with 168bhp or 197bhp. Manual gearboxes will be standard, but there will also be the option of Ford’s PowerShift twin-clutch transmission.

The Focus Coupé will arrive in late 2010, with an estate and a CC due around a year later.

MazdaSpeeder
02-05-2009, 11:32 AM
oooo, 197hp 2.0L FTW! Please come to the US...please. The current focus coupe is a style vomit comet.

Kymerik
02-05-2009, 02:17 PM
oooo, 197hp 2.0L FTW! Please come to the US...please. The current focus coupe is a style vomit comet.

ROFL that's almost sig worthy! and yes i agree that thing is pure sex on wheels i'd hit that even in 168hp form

Chibana
02-05-2009, 03:41 PM
The next Focus is supposed to be offered in the U.S. largely unchanged (although not necessarily with all of the format choices), so I'm guessing this gives a pretty good indication of the style of the next U.S. Focus. I see some of the new Taurus in the style, as well as a bit of Mazda3 sedan (that crease on the sides at the back and into the taillights), as well as the obvious similarity to the new Fiesta. I love it. I'm looking toward the next Focus (MkII.5?) as a likely replacement for my Mazda3.

SuperStretch18
02-05-2009, 03:58 PM
The 198 hp is a diesel, so unlikely it will come here, but a 178 hp 1.6L ecoboost sounds interesting!

BlackCherry06
02-05-2009, 04:05 PM
I'm not 100% in love with the pictures (love the nose, not wild about the tail) but ANYTHING would be better than the electric-shaver looking Focus they're peddling now. DAMN that thing is ugly.

skylar2ups
02-10-2009, 11:04 AM
Fiesta?

haze20
02-10-2009, 11:07 AM
It looks like a confused SUV to me.

mikeyb
02-10-2009, 11:07 AM
Fiesta?

Focus

skylar2ups
02-10-2009, 11:09 AM
I just meant it looks oddly like the Fiesta... am I wrong? It's like the fat older sister.

mikeyb
02-10-2009, 11:11 AM
I just meant it looks oddly like the Fiesta... am I wrong? It's like the fat older sister.

Your right it does look like a Fiesta. Its the corporate look.

Chibana
02-16-2009, 01:42 PM
It's my understanding that these pictures aren't "real" Ford pictures, anyway--just someone's guess of what it will probably look like.