For years, the automotive press has been whining about how great the European Focus is compared to the one we get in North America. The complaints will now come to an end, as the 2012 Focus has become a global car.
The new Focus has just been unveiled in Los Angeles, a great venue for environmentally-friendly vehicle launches. Today also marks the return of the hatchback model on our continent, another source of dispute since it was retired after the 2007 model year.
Like the Fiesta, the compact Focus will be offered in sedan and 5-door body styles. In Canada, four trim levels will be available, including S (sedan only), SE, SEL and Titanium.
Every Focus will initially be equipped with a direct-injected, 2.0-litre inline-4 that develops 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, connected to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
We say initially, because in 2012, a Focus ST powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine will make its way into showrooms. It will also feature a 6-speed manual, a lowered chassis as well as sport-oriented suspension and brakes.
An Electric Focus will be launched in North America next year as well.
Also in display at Ford’s stand are several other variants of the Focus, including the Focus Race Car Concept and three Tuner Cars: the Focus by FSWerks, the Focus by 3dCarbon and the Focus by Ford Vehicle Personalization.
With all these versions of the new Focus, it will probably be a while before we start whining again.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
The new Focus has just been unveiled in Los Angeles, a great venue for environmentally-friendly vehicle launches. Today also marks the return of the hatchback model on our continent, another source of dispute since it was retired after the 2007 model year.
Like the Fiesta, the compact Focus will be offered in sedan and 5-door body styles. In Canada, four trim levels will be available, including S (sedan only), SE, SEL and Titanium.
Every Focus will initially be equipped with a direct-injected, 2.0-litre inline-4 that develops 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, connected to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
We say initially, because in 2012, a Focus ST powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine will make its way into showrooms. It will also feature a 6-speed manual, a lowered chassis as well as sport-oriented suspension and brakes.
An Electric Focus will be launched in North America next year as well.
Also in display at Ford’s stand are several other variants of the Focus, including the Focus Race Car Concept and three Tuner Cars: the Focus by FSWerks, the Focus by 3dCarbon and the Focus by Ford Vehicle Personalization.
With all these versions of the new Focus, it will probably be a while before we start whining again.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |