Ford of Europe unveiled new versions of its top-selling Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show. With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

The 2010 Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy models kick off a busy year for new product introductions from Ford of Europe but, more significantly, herald the arrival of a series of new and innovative technologies and features that, as they are introduced throughout the year, will challenge established perceptions of what Ford cars feel like to sit in and drive.

“We’ve given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made,” said John Fleming, Executive Vice President and Chairman & CEO, Ford of Europe. “S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story.”

These are the first cars to be available with Ford’s all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford’s large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

More Distinctive Outside

With the new S-MAX and Galaxy, Ford’s design team has achieved significant changes to enhance each vehicle’s individual and expressive kinetic design styling.

From launch in 2006 the Ford S-MAX quickly established itself as a car without peers – a sporty, high quality and well-equipped crossover that provides all of the benefits of a people mover, but without sacrificing style or driving enjoyment.

The new model maintains this tradition and has been thoughtfully updated with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille.

This gives Ford S-MAX a distinctive new presence on the road and a new lower front bumper which, on high series models comes with distinctive LED daytime running lights (optional for Trend series), further strengthens the car’s purposeful stance.

From the side, Ford S-MAX is instantly recognisable and now stands out even more with its window profile enhanced by a chrome strip, which surrounds the whole glass area to enhance the car’s sleek and sporty lines.

The rear of new Ford S-MAX has also been re-designed with a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a lower fascia, and new LED tail lights that extend deep into the rear side flanks, creating an even stronger athletic appearance. Boosting its premium appeal while further distinguishing the new car is a horizontal satin chrome bar, which runs between the LED tail lights and is embossed with the distinctive S-MAX logo.

The new Ford Galaxy also features a re-designed frontal section, which emphasises its ‘first class travel’ appeal and, along with a number of significant other detail revisions, enhance its role as Ford’s luxurious, full-size seven seat people mover.

A new, more sculptured, bonnet combines with the Ford Galaxy’s new front fascia design – which incorporates a bolder lower trapezoidal grille with inserts featuring subtle chrome bars – and new-look fog lights to emphasise the Ford ‘kinetic design’ influence. Ghia and Titanium models are differentiated further with chrome bars in the upper grille as well.

The roof incorporates new bolder integrated silver rails for cross bars, while at the rear, distinctive new LED lights and body-coloured lower fascia are standard equipment. Ghia and Titanium series models also receive additional chrome detailing on the side mouldings and door handles.

More Luxurious Inside

As with the revised exterior, real attention to detail and high quality execution are key to the new interiors for both models. Carefully balanced new colour and material choices deliver a luxurious and dynamic feel, which helps differentiate the individual personality of each model to meet particular customer tastes and requirements.

For both vehicles, the Ford FoldFlatSystem comes as standard for the second and, where fitted, third row of seats.

Ford S-MAX high series models get a new multifunctional overhead console with capacious stowage, sunglasses holder and child watch mirror, and a new one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds. For the first time high series Ford S-MAX models, and all models fitted with the panorama roof, get a new LED interior lighting system.

Music lovers will enjoy the all-new Ford Galaxy and S-MAX Premium Sound System option that is based around an eight-channel amplifier with an overall output of 265 Watts, with an upgraded speaker system, including additional centre channel speakers in the centre of the dashboard and a large sub-woofer fitted behind the left front seat.

Loading through the rear tailgate is also made easier thanks to a new courtesy light, fitted into the inside panel on the liftgate, that illuminates when it is opened.

New interior colours, graphics and materials are offered across all series, and have all been chosen to create an overall premium feel while also supporting the individual character of each model.

Power and Economy: EcoBoost SCTi, Duratorq TDCi and PowerShift

Ford’s new S-MAX and Galaxy offer a broad selection of the latest Ford powertrain technologies developed to offer a strong combination of improved fuel economy and lower emissions without sacrificing Ford’s renowned driving enjoyment.

These are the first vehicles to offer an all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine, which heralds a new era in Ford’s petrol engine development. Featuring lightweight all-aluminium construction, the latest-generation high-pressure direct injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi has an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi engine has a maximum output of 203 PS (149kW) at 5,500 rpm, combined with maximum torque of 300 Nm, which is delivered across a broad 1,750-4,500 rpm range. With this new powertrain, the Ford S-MAX achieves 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 8.5 seconds (8.8 seconds for the Ford Galaxy) and a top speed of 221 km/h (137 mph) – 217 km/h (135 mph) for the Ford Galaxy.

Yet even with this responsive performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions from the new engine are significantly improved. Compared with the previous 161 PS 2.3-litre automatic powertrain, CO2 emissions are reduced by 19 per cent to 189 g/km, even though the new 2.0-litre SCTi engine has over 25 per cent more power. This translates into a combined fuel economy of just 8.1 l/100 km (34.8 mpg) and an extra urban figure of 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg).

At the same time, Ford’s diesel offering for the new S-MAX and Galaxy has been significantly improved. The upgraded 2.0-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine family complies with Stage V emission regulations and is also available in three power levels – 115, 140 and 163 PS (85, 103 and 120 kW) – for the first time.

Engineered to deliver refined performance and low cost of ownership, these new Duratorq TDCi engines also deliver impressive combined fuel economy and CO2 performance. With a consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (49.5 mpg) and an average CO2 emission of 152 g/km, the new S-MAX and Galaxy, with six-speed manual transmission, prove that it is possible to combine driving fun and compelling performance with high efficiency.

The efficient and smooth-changing Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission is a perfect match for both the new petrol direct injection and common rail diesel engines. It is standard with the new EcoBoost SCTi and also available as an option with the 140 and 163 PS (103 and 120 kW) versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi.

New Features Further Enhance Safety and Comfort

From the outset the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy were designed and developed to offer customers a premium travelling experience and, to achieve this, an already compelling range of features in the previous models was updated and broadened for even greater safety and comfort.

Jörg Beyer, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Large and Luxury Vehicles said: “The sheer number of Ford milestones we have delivered with the new S-MAX and Galaxy, in terms of vehicle design, powertrain technology and features, is big enough to make you think they are all-new vehicles. Our European Ford flagships deserve this treatment – and we are convinced that our customers will certainly appreciate it.”

The new S-MAX and Galaxy are Ford of Europe’s first vehicles to feature the new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®). This radar-based facility encourages a driver to be even more conscientious in checking over their shoulder by warning of vehicles in their blind spot area. Also, the new Adjustable Speed Limiter Device (ASLD) is designed to help drivers set, and then not exceed, specific speed limits unintentionally – another first for Ford of Europe.

Taking full advantage of the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus electrical system capabilities, Ford is introducing an optional Rear Door Power Child Lock system with the new models. With this, the rear power window deactivation switch in the driver’s door panel also combines with rear door power lock activation.

High series versions of the new Ford S-MAX feature extensive applications of Light Emitting Diode technology, with LED daytime running lights as standard (optional on the Trend) and LED illumination inside. All versions fitted with the panorama roof also benefit.

High series versions of both the S-MAX and Galaxy are also equipped with powerful courtesy lights located on the lower inside corners of the tailgate to illuminate the load area and all versions of both S-MAX and Galaxy come with LED tail lights as standard.

Another new feature to contribute to ‘First Class’ travelling comfort is the Premium Sound System, which can be ordered for both Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy with High-Nav or Sony Audio system. DAB radio is also an optional feature.

The comfort of passengers in both vehicles was also paramount in enhancing the performance of the climate control system, which now features a new ventilated temperature and humidity sensor mounted in the steering column shroud for more sensitive control of the cabin air.

Additional trademark technologies already available on other Ford models are now being made available on S-MAX and Galaxy for the first time. These include the Rear View Camera, Ford Keyless System and the award-winning Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling system.

Sophisticated, Flexible Manufacturing

As with previous models, the new S-MAX and Galaxy share the same assembly line with the Mondeo at Ford of Europe’s Genk manufacturing facility in Belgium.

A highly sophisticated, flexible and lean manufacturing process allows Ford to adjust the sequence and production quantity of different vehicles within its large and luxury car range, ensuring that it can respond very quickly to changes in customer demand.

More than 12 million vehicles have been built at the Genk plant since it opened in 1964. The Belgian facility is one of the most modern vehicle assembly plants in Europe, and a cornerstone of Ford of Europe’s lean manufacturing strategy. It currently employs some 5,000 employees.

Pioneering New Technology

“S-MAX and Galaxy were the first Ford vehicles to include elements of our ‘kinetic design’ styling theme,” added John Fleming, “More importantly, they began to change the way that many people thought about the Ford brand.

“As they sit alongside Mondeo at the top of the Ford range in Europe, it is essential that we use these models again as pioneers for the introduction of new and innovative technologies that will characterise Ford’s ambitious product launch calendar for 2010,” said Mr Fleming.

Ford of Europe unveiled new versions of its top-selling Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show. With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

The 2010 Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy models kick off a busy year for new product introductions from Ford of Europe but, more significantly, herald the arrival of a series of new and innovative technologies and features that, as they are introduced throughout the year, will challenge established perceptions of what Ford cars feel like to sit in and drive.

“We’ve given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made,” said John Fleming, Executive Vice President and Chairman & CEO, Ford of Europe. “S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story.”

These are the first cars to be available with Ford’s all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford’s large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

More Distinctive Outside

With the new S-MAX and Galaxy, Ford’s design team has achieved significant changes to enhance each vehicle’s individual and expressive kinetic design styling.

From launch in 2006 the Ford S-MAX quickly established itself as a car without peers – a sporty, high quality and well-equipped crossover that provides all of the benefits of a people mover, but without sacrificing style or driving enjoyment.

The new model maintains this tradition and has been thoughtfully updated with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille.

This gives Ford S-MAX a distinctive new presence on the road and a new lower front bumper which, on high series models comes with distinctive LED daytime running lights (optional for Trend series), further strengthens the car’s purposeful stance.

From the side, Ford S-MAX is instantly recognisable and now stands out even more with its window profile enhanced by a chrome strip, which surrounds the whole glass area to enhance the car’s sleek and sporty lines.

The rear of new Ford S-MAX has also been re-designed with a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a lower fascia, and new LED tail lights that extend deep into the rear side flanks, creating an even stronger athletic appearance. Boosting its premium appeal while further distinguishing the new car is a horizontal satin chrome bar, which runs between the LED tail lights and is embossed with the distinctive S-MAX logo.

The new Ford Galaxy also features a re-designed frontal section, which emphasises its ‘first class travel’ appeal and, along with a number of significant other detail revisions, enhance its role as Ford’s luxurious, full-size seven seat people mover.

A new, more sculptured, bonnet combines with the Ford Galaxy’s new front fascia design – which incorporates a bolder lower trapezoidal grille with inserts featuring subtle chrome bars – and new-look fog lights to emphasise the Ford ‘kinetic design’ influence. Ghia and Titanium models are differentiated further with chrome bars in the upper grille as well.

The roof incorporates new bolder integrated silver rails for cross bars, while at the rear, distinctive new LED lights and body-coloured lower fascia are standard equipment. Ghia and Titanium series models also receive additional chrome detailing on the side mouldings and door handles.

More Luxurious Inside

As with the revised exterior, real attention to detail and high quality execution are key to the new interiors for both models. Carefully balanced new colour and material choices deliver a luxurious and dynamic feel, which helps differentiate the individual personality of each model to meet particular customer tastes and requirements.

For both vehicles, the Ford FoldFlatSystem comes as standard for the second and, where fitted, third row of seats.

Ford S-MAX high series models get a new multifunctional overhead console with capacious stowage, sunglasses holder and child watch mirror, and a new one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds. For the first time high series Ford S-MAX models, and all models fitted with the panorama roof, get a new LED interior lighting system.

Music lovers will enjoy the all-new Ford Galaxy and S-MAX Premium Sound System option that is based around an eight-channel amplifier with an overall output of 265 Watts, with an upgraded speaker system, including additional centre channel speakers in the centre of the dashboard and a large sub-woofer fitted behind the left front seat.

Loading through the rear tailgate is also made easier thanks to a new courtesy light, fitted into the inside panel on the liftgate, that illuminates when it is opened.

New interior colours, graphics and materials are offered across all series, and have all been chosen to create an overall premium feel while also supporting the individual character of each model.

Power and Economy: EcoBoost SCTi, Duratorq TDCi and PowerShift

Ford’s new S-MAX and Galaxy offer a broad selection of the latest Ford powertrain technologies developed to offer a strong combination of improved fuel economy and lower emissions without sacrificing Ford’s renowned driving enjoyment.

These are the first vehicles to offer an all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine, which heralds a new era in Ford’s petrol engine development. Featuring lightweight all-aluminium construction, the latest-generation high-pressure direct injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi has an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi engine has a maximum output of 203 PS (149kW) at 5,500 rpm, combined with maximum torque of 300 Nm, which is delivered across a broad 1,750-4,500 rpm range. With this new powertrain, the Ford S-MAX achieves 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 8.5 seconds (8.8 seconds for the Ford Galaxy) and a top speed of 221 km/h (137 mph) – 217 km/h (135 mph) for the Ford Galaxy.

Yet even with this responsive performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions from the new engine are significantly improved. Compared with the previous 161 PS 2.3-litre automatic powertrain, CO2 emissions are reduced by 19 per cent to 189 g/km, even though the new 2.0-litre SCTi engine has over 25 per cent more power. This translates into a combined fuel economy of just 8.1 l/100 km (34.8 mpg) and an extra urban figure of 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg).

At the same time, Ford’s diesel offering for the new S-MAX and Galaxy has been significantly improved. The upgraded 2.0-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine family complies with Stage V emission regulations and is also available in three power levels – 115, 140 and 163 PS (85, 103 and 120 kW) – for the first time.

Engineered to deliver refined performance and low cost of ownership, these new Duratorq TDCi engines also deliver impressive combined fuel economy and CO2 performance. With a consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (49.5 mpg) and an average CO2 emission of 152 g/km, the new S-MAX and Galaxy, with six-speed manual transmission, prove that it is possible to combine driving fun and compelling performance with high efficiency.

The efficient and smooth-changing Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission is a perfect match for both the new petrol direct injection and common rail diesel engines. It is standard with the new EcoBoost SCTi and also available as an option with the 140 and 163 PS (103 and 120 kW) versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi.

New Features Further Enhance Safety and Comfort

From the outset the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy were designed and developed to offer customers a premium travelling experience and, to achieve this, an already compelling range of features in the previous models was updated and broadened for even greater safety and comfort.

Jörg Beyer, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Large and Luxury Vehicles said: “The sheer number of Ford milestones we have delivered with the new S-MAX and Galaxy, in terms of vehicle design, powertrain technology and features, is big enough to make you think they are all-new vehicles. Our European Ford flagships deserve this treatment – and we are convinced that our customers will certainly appreciate it.”

The new S-MAX and Galaxy are Ford of Europe’s first vehicles to feature the new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®). This radar-based facility encourages a driver to be even more conscientious in checking over their shoulder by warning of vehicles in their blind spot area. Also, the new Adjustable Speed Limiter Device (ASLD) is designed to help drivers set, and then not exceed, specific speed limits unintentionally – another first for Ford of Europe.

Taking full advantage of the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus electrical system capabilities, Ford is introducing an optional Rear Door Power Child Lock system with the new models. With this, the rear power window deactivation switch in the driver’s door panel also combines with rear door power lock activation.

High series versions of the new Ford S-MAX feature extensive applications of Light Emitting Diode technology, with LED daytime running lights as standard (optional on the Trend) and LED illumination inside. All versions fitted with the panorama roof also benefit.

High series versions of both the S-MAX and Galaxy are also equipped with powerful courtesy lights located on the lower inside corners of the tailgate to illuminate the load area and all versions of both S-MAX and Galaxy come with LED tail lights as standard.

Another new feature to contribute to ‘First Class’ travelling comfort is the Premium Sound System, which can be ordered for both Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy with High-Nav or Sony Audio system. DAB radio is also an optional feature.

The comfort of passengers in both vehicles was also paramount in enhancing the performance of the climate control system, which now features a new ventilated temperature and humidity sensor mounted in the steering column shroud for more sensitive control of the cabin air.

Additional trademark technologies already available on other Ford models are now being made available on S-MAX and Galaxy for the first time. These include the Rear View Camera, Ford Keyless System and the award-winning Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling system.

Sophisticated, Flexible Manufacturing

As with previous models, the new S-MAX and Galaxy share the same assembly line with the Mondeo at Ford of Europe’s Genk manufacturing facility in Belgium.

A highly sophisticated, flexible and lean manufacturing process allows Ford to adjust the sequence and production quantity of different vehicles within its large and luxury car range, ensuring that it can respond very quickly to changes in customer demand.

More than 12 million vehicles have been built at the Genk plant since it opened in 1964. The Belgian facility is one of the most modern vehicle assembly plants in Europe, and a cornerstone of Ford of Europe’s lean manufacturing strategy. It currently employs some 5,000 employees.

Pioneering New Technology

“S-MAX and Galaxy were the first Ford vehicles to include elements of our ‘kinetic design’ styling theme,” added John Fleming, “More importantly, they began to change the way that many people thought about the Ford brand.

“As they sit alongside Mondeo at the top of the Ford range in Europe, it is essential that we use these models again as pioneers for the introduction of new and innovative technologies that will characterise Ford’s ambitious product launch calendar for 2010,” said Mr Fleming.

The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.

Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Ford Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.

The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.

“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO.

“The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.

Simultaneous launch in Europe and North America

Production of the next-generation Ford Focus will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Launches in Asia, Africa and South America will follow. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.

The new Ford Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.

“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

“Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Ford Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge,” said Kuzak.

Engineered without compromise

The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford’s European small and medium vehicle center of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford’s technical center in Dunton, England. The vehicle has been engineered without compromise to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.

In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering center in Dearborn, Mich.

Ford’s global development and sourcing strategy made it possible to provide a level of performance and feature content that is unrivaled for this vehicle segment and surprising even to drivers of larger, more premium vehicles.

Taking kinetic design to the next level

The no-compromise approach to the new Ford Focus is immediately evident from the striking exterior design of the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models that take center stage at the 2010 NAIAS.

“The all-new Ford Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. “We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Ford Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”

The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language, which has contributed to the growing popularity of the company’s latest small and medium cars.

The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.

With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Ford Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.

This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Ford Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish center console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.

A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are traveling in a premium-class car.

Unmatched driving quality

When it was introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the C-segment. The all-new Ford Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.

To deliver this performance, engineers have updated the innovative suspension concepts from prior models, developing optimized new designs for the “control blade” multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front and rear subframes.

The chassis design is complemented by a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system, which has been carefully tuned to deliver pure and precise responses at high speed while remaining light and maneuverable for parking.

Ford’s European driving dynamics specialists have also enhanced cornering stability and agility with the introduction of an advanced Dynamic Cornering Control system, which uses “torque vectoring” techniques to transfer power between the drive wheels to deliver reduced understeer, improved traction and better turn-in.

All global customers will benefit from the same quality of dynamic performance in the new Focus. Identical chassis and suspension architecture is being used for all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences, such as local tire specifications.

Efficient powertrains deliver performance with outstanding economy

The engaging driver appeal of the new Ford Focus is magnified by a powertrain range that delivers spirited performance and targets outstanding levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The global powertrain lineup for the new Ford Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art Ford EcoBoost™ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-liter unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 percent compared to the outgoing models.

For the NAIAS preview, Ford is showing a completely new 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the North American market that features DI and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The new 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 horsepower more powerful than the current 2.0 Duratec I-4 unit while contributing to projected fuel economy gains of more than 10 percent.

To maximize the performance and economy advantage enjoyed by the new Ford Focus, the 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is mated with the latest dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. This transmission uses an advanced dual-clutch design, which alone can help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to a traditional four-speed automatic.

The dry-clutch PowerShift transmission is based on more efficient manual gearbox technology, and does not require the additional weight and complexity of torque converters, planetary gears and oil pumps used in conventional automatics. Electronically controlled twin clutches shift gears quickly and smoothly, providing the seamless flow of torque plus the refinement and ease of operation customers expect from a premium automatic transmission.

Ford also has confirmed plans to begin building a full, battery electric vehicle in 2011 at its Michigan Assembly Complex, for sales in North America. It will be the company’s first battery electric passenger vehicle.

Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety

The next-generation Ford Focus will bring C-segment customers around the world an exciting array of advanced technologies generally found in larger, more premium vehicles. The global scale of Ford’s C-car program makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before for cars in this segment.

The technology package of the new Ford Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising.

The new technologies have been designed to be simple and highly intuitive to use, while enhancing both convenience and safety for the vehicle occupants.

Within the cockpit, the most significant innovation is the company’s next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wide range of functions via a clear and intuitive color display.

MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.

Other available safety and convenience technologies include keyless entry and “Ford Power” start button, a rearview camera and a semi-automatic parallel parking system that automatically steers the vehicle into a parking spot.

Strength and safety

The Ford Focus platform provides an incredibly strong and stiff structure, which not only benefits vehicle dynamics and refinement but also provides the basis for enhanced crash performance.

High-strength steels are used extensively in the next-generation Ford Focus body shell. High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and more than 26 percent of the vehicle’s structure is formed from ultra-high-strength and Boron steels – significantly more than any other Ford product. These advanced materials help the structure meet the most stringent crash legislation across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight.

The structural integrity of the body shell is also reflected in its torsional rigidity, which is 25 percent greater than the previous North American Ford Focus.

Quality and craftsmanship in every detail

With global customers now demanding a more premium experience from small- and medium-sized vehicles, achieving outstanding levels of quality and craftsmanship was a primary objective for the new Focus.

The new Ford Focus will make significant strides in reducing cabin noise, promising a quiet cabin environment. This refinement complements the fresh new interior design and higher craftsmanship levels to create a premium feel akin to larger vehicles.

Each component in the vehicle that the customer will touch, see, hear or even smell has been subjected to rigorous analysis to ensure that it will exceed an owner’s expectations. Particular attention has been given to the quality of interior trim materials, and the color matching, gaps, flushness and tolerances where one part meets another.

Across the majority of vehicle attributes, Ford has developed a global DNA standard that defines the exact attributes a part should have to meet the quality requirements of the brand. Examples include the sound the door makes when it is closed, requiring special attention to the door structure and latch mechanism, and the design of a steering wheel, right down to the thickness of padding and size of stitching on the rim.

This meticulous attention to detail is also reflected in Ford’s global manufacturing strategy for the Ford Focus, with consistent standards and processes being applied in every one of the assembly plants, wherever they are located in the world.

“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing. “The Ford Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”