2008 Ford Focus
FRANKFURT, Germany — So you saw the redesigned U.S.-spec Ford Focus earlier this year at Detroit's auto show and were more than slightly underwhelmed by the 2008 face-lift. U.S. fans of the Blue Oval may be even more discouraged now that Ford of Europe has released its own makeover for the sister Focus at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The European Focus has received an extensive update, thanks to design boss Martin Smith and his team. The result is a fresh, modern look that borrows styling inspiration from the Mondeo. It's a far cry from the sad, dated look of the 2008 Ford Focus for the States.
There's new hardware, too, including a PowerShift six-speed double-clutch automated gearbox co-developed with Getrag, as well as LED taillamps, a capless fuel tank (a feature that first debuted on the Ford GT supercar) and a redesigned instrument panel.
A new Focus ECOnetic edition features a 109-horsepower 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with particulate filter that has ultralow CO2 emissions and returns 54 mpg. The European Focus also can be ordered with a variety of gas and diesel engines.
In Europe, the Focus once again will be offered in a wide variety of body styles, including three- and five-door hatchbacks, four-door sedan, four-door wagon and coupe-cabriolet, as well as a performance-oriented ST variant.
What this means to you: If we only had Martin Smith and his European team designing the U.S. Focus.
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Print | posted on Friday, September 14, 2007 5:23 PM