New Ford Focus now on high tech

If you opt for the Trend Driver Assistance Pack, the new Focus offers perpendicular parking – a hands-free parking technology that helps drivers reverse into spaces alongside other cars. In addition there is the parallel parking aid active park assist which, at the push of a button, uses ultrasonic sensors to locate parallel parking spaces and steer the vehicle while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. The addition of two new sensors to the rear of the new Focus enables perpendicular parking to operate in the same way.

The extra sensors also enable Ford to offer technologies that help drivers as they manoeuvre out of parking spaces.

Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Operating with radar at a range of up to 40 metres, the system will issue three distinct warning signals if it detects a vehicle approaching from either side.

Park-Out Assist helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space. After the driver has chosen either the left or right hand side, the system operates the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake.

Ford also has improved its active city stop collision avoidance system, which uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions. Active city stop now operates for the new Focus at speeds of up to 50km/h, increased from 30km/h.

In the case of moving objects, active braking works in a similar way to active city stop but with a vehicle detection range of between 8km/h and 180km/h. It supports drivers at higher speeds, for example on a highway, by issuing warnings and applying braking as required.

The New Ford Focus. Picture: Supplied

Existing adaptive cruise control technology enables Focus drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even when that vehicle is travelling slower than the cruise speed.

For occasions when adaptive cruise control is not active, Ford is now introducing distance indication, which enables drivers to set a preferred distance they would like to maintain from the vehicle ahead. Should the driver get any closer, the system issues a three-stage dashboard display warning – from grey to yellow to red.

New Focus also will be equipped for the first time with Ford’s MyKey technology. MyKey enables owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and can disable it altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts. The system can prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies.

The lineup includes six models at launch, comprising two body styles and two equipment levels. New SelectShift six-speed automatic derivatives will be added later this year, including the 1.5 EcoBoost Auto and the 1.0 EcoBoost Auto.

The entry point into the new Focus range is the 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente, replacing the 1.6-litre normally aspirated engine used previously. Despite the smaller capacity, the 1.0 EcoBoost produces an identical 92kW, while torque jumps from 159 to 170Nm.

The Ambiente offers features such as remote central locking, electric front windows, electric power assisted steering, a trip computer with eco mode and temperature gauge, and manual air-conditioning as part of the standard equipment.

On the multimedia front, the Focus boasts a fully-featured audio system with six speakers, a 4.2-inch screen, Ford SYNC with Bluetooth and voice control, as well as a 12-volt power point. The driver can also access the full range of features via the new audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.

A four-way adjustable driver’s seat is provided, while the rear seats in both the sedan and hatchback can be folded completely flat for additional loading capacity.

The built-in safety equipment includes ABS brakes with EBD and EBA. There is also ESP with traction control.

Dual front and passenger airbags are standard, as are side-impact airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors on the two outboard rear seats.

The 1.0 EcoBoost Trend is differentiated externally by the new 16-inch dual-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps housed in an attractive high-gloss black bezel, and colour-coded door handles.

The 1.5 EcoBoost Trend adds the special acoustic laminated windscreen that is fitted to further reduce noise levels.

The 1.5 produces 132kW and 240Nm, and all models use a six-speed manual transmission.