Ford Focus 2005 release date

curious

Have just seen the new Ford Focus 2005 preview at http://www.Fordvehicles.com/2005focus and it looks amazing... completely different from the old Sedan SE or ZX3 or ZX5. It looks like an Acura Integra or Acura RSX.

Does anyone know what date it will be released? All the site says is a vague "Spring 2004"... I was planning on buying a car in the next 2 weeks, but will wait if it's just a matter of a month to 6 weeks. Any ideas based on Ford's track record?

Also, any sneak previews on financial incentives for this new car?

badgerfan

Completely different? Your definition of completely different is sure a lot "different" than mine. All they have done is given the front end some tweaking and from the early pictures released, a new dash (not an improvement in my opinion) and I assume they have tweaked the rear end a bit too, though I have seen no pictures of the rear end, sedan or hatch. This categorizes as a "freshening", not a new design.

Not that that is all bad. The Focus is a good solid platform, generally regarded as best in its class, and now that its initial teething pains are taken care of, even Consumer Reports rates it best in class, since reliability has now improved to average. Makes sense for Ford not to mess with a good thing.

Unless you think this freshening is a must have for you, I doubt you will be unhappy with a 2004, and if you wait till the 2005's are introduced, you might even get a better bargain on a 2004.

bretaa

The rear design, oddly, looks somewhat like a Lincoln LS now, with narrow, truncated taillights.

Of course, we in Ford's home market apparently aren't sophisticated enough to appreciate the real, completely redone Focus that will be in Europe on the same platform that underpins the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40.

- Bret

nedc2

The big difference for 2005 is in the base engine, they've dropped the old SPFI 2.0 l Escort holdover, and the 2.0 l Zetec and replaced them with a new Mazda designed Duratec 2.0 l, fuel economy should be better with the new engine than with either of those. Now the bad news, the 2.3 l version is only available on the ZX4 ST however, I don't need the bigger engine myself, but it would be nice to have it as an option across the line. However, traction control is back as an option, and bigger front discs are standard. The new dash is less interesting but seems to 'feel' better and more substantial, should be less prone to rattles and squeaks. Overall the styling of the new sedan strikes me as looking like a mini Five Hundred, much more formal then the original version, maybe they were following demographics, because though Ford's advertising was trying to sell the Focus to twentysomethings, the car has been extremely popular with older people and retirees.

badgerfan

Yes, I think Ford is sharing some styling cues among their new models. Even the very slight freshening they did to the 2004 Taurus (which will see little more development as Futura and 500 take its place) has the grille shape and the layout below the bumper similar to the front end of the 2005 Focus. Sharing styling across models is a good thing for corporate identity, but could lead to too much homegeneity as well and get a bit boring.

seminole_kev

I like the new front clip, not wild about the rear (curious if there is any change to the hatches) and absolutely hate the interior. I really wish they had kept the orginal interior and just made it with nicer materials. This new interior just screams "rental car" to me despite the nicer materials. One of the things that I really liked about the Focus was the interior style.

New front clip looks nice though. Looks sharp. I'm not sure I understands Ford's decision to only offer the sport package on the sedan. Seems like the sporty segment would really prefer the hatches. (of course the car lover in me says that the sport package should be available on all the Focus models including the wagon, but what do I know?)

curious

Love all the feedback re-the changes but what I really want to know is approximately when it will be available?

Does Spring mean April/May? Or June?

nedc2

I've heard May. Just a rumour though. They have plenty of 2005s now in the lot at Wayne Assembly, but I think those are test builds.

curious

Love all the feedback re-the changes but what I really want to know is approximately when it will be available?

Does Spring mean April/May? Or June?

creakid1

So this feature really took care of post-'04 change? How about the SVT steering? Is that already std across the board?

The newer "Focus" -- Focus II, Mazda3 & S40 -- don't got no belt-driven hydraulic steering assist, so the old SVT steering is still the best.

Only the Beemer...
creakid1 "BMW 1-Series - 2005" Mar 27, 2004 2:33am

The last Euro-tuned-suspension Focus I drove was the Street Edition sedan/wagon in tacky yellow/blue/red choices. & its steering assist sucks -- just like the ordinary American Focus.

The new taillights make the shape of the whole car looking kind of awkward. Besides, it's so Tercel/Accent/Accord from the mid '90's.

Today, I was in Mexico & saw the Mondeo w/ nearly identical front end as this '05 American Focus. I can probably own one here in S. California & be as unique as can be, but do have to cross the border for service though.

nedc2

Per Ford's own website, May 2004:

http://www.fordvehicles.com/americanidol3/index.asp?bhcp=1

Whether that's early or late may I don't know. I was told May was the anticipated launch at the Detroit show too.

seminole_kev

interesting as the (normal U.S.) Focus is pretty much universally praised for its steering feel. In my personally experience it is one of the best feeling power steering equiped cars I've ever driven. I still prefer the feel of a non-boosted unit, but good luck finding a new car so equipped in the US these days.

Not sure creakid what you're talking about in regards to the Focus's steering.

creakid1

& that's how I felt when I drove my '98 Corolla LE to a Ford dealer for a test drive, but when I showed up again in my '90 Protege LX, the Focus's steering no longer felt so impressive.

The N.A.-spec non-SVT Focus has a stronger steering boost than the Euro spec, but the SVT has less assist along w/ a quicker rack. C&D couldn't stand the N.A. non-SVT Focus's nervous steering when going in a straight line if the car is equipped w/ 16"s.

Ford claimed a re-tuning in the steering for '04(?), so I wonder if it's now similar to the SVT's setting.

vibsr

Hey curious#1:
I'll admit that the '05 Focus is one good lookin' piece of work.
However, that front end has that Ford signature all over it. Looks like an Integra?? ahhh....NO. Taurus/Mondeo/500....Yeah.
Those taillights, as clean as they are (the shape), should have amber turn-signal sections. In my opinion, it takes another step
toward eliminating confusion in heavy traffic.

One thing for certain....FoMoCo is gonna throw those incentives out there, along with those rental-fleet sales like always. The result: easy to focus on a Focus. Low prices all-the-way!

revdrluv

The REAL next Focus better come out as soon as the hype from the new Mustang dies down.

It just seems pathetic on Fords part to make such a big deal about a new nose. And how is a 150hp ST edition supposed to make up for the loss of the SVT?!?!? It has to cost a similar amount as the SVT, and that makes it the lame duck of it's segment.

mindaugus

I believe its out now but I haven't been to a dealership. I'm not sure why they couldn't drop in the same engine as the mazda 3i. Why not give it SV-T and boost the HP, or give it more fuel economy. Again they compromise in their cost benefit ratio and we get screwed. Heard they might go for a 2006 or 2007 common-rail diesel, when low sulfur diesel is out. Now thats the way to go!

nedc2

It's the same base engine as the 3i, but with different heads, it supposedly has a broader torque curve and is better mated to an automatic transmission, which is the way most Foci are sold. I thought the power an the former engine was acceptable for day to day driving and the new one's better. I too hope we get the common-rail diesel. and the C-1 platform. It wouldn't make sense to switch it until next year at the earliest in NA, because they're consolidating all production at Wayne, and converting Hermosillo to production of the Car-formerly-known-as-the-Futura in 2005. I haven't heard definitely one way or the other whether they will be switching paltforms here, but the restyle sure resembles the C-1 Focus in its nose and its interior.

mindaugus

Very interesting about the heads. Where could I find more info on that? I don't understand why people don't wanna shift gears, and was hoping the ford focus would have the same power and efficiency as the Mazda 3 thats been getting rave reviews, without its strange gage cluster. So how does this engine compare with the competitors? By the numbers, the only resources I know, the engine has the same HP but less efficiency as the Corolla. Of course you can get the PZEV, too on the focus. What advantage does the manual focus have to a manual Corolla besides price and less snobby dealers?

nedc2

More info can be found at:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13626

As for why some people wouldn't want to drive a amnual transmission, I can't speak for everyone but from personal experience I can give a few reasons why I'm still undecided whether or not my next vehicle will come with an auto or a manual tranny:

Ever try to use a clutch when your left great toe was broken?

Ever try driving a manual with an arm in a sling?

Dealing with 3 pedals in a narrow footwell while wearing size 12B insulated workboots during a lovely Northern Michigan winter is quite interesting.

Short, and very steep hills, especially when you've parallell parked on them, Ann Arbor has lots of those.

I still like manuals, especially with small engines cars, but there are some legitimate reasons to choose an auto, though I would really rather have a manual with an automatic clutch, Ford offers that option on some euro models, and get the best of both worlds.
The 2.3l PZEV is gone for 2005, replaces by the Duratec 20e on CA, NY,NH etc. cars, it's slightly less powerful than the standard Duratec 20 but a little cleaner. The engines are about the same in pwer/displacement ratio as most other Japanese and European engines, except for some high output units like some Honda VTECs and the Yamaha built engine in the Toyota Matrix and Corolla. The Duatec 20 puts out 136 HP and 133 lb-ft of torque v. the Corolla's 1.8l putting out 130 HP and 123 lb-ft, mileage is 26/35 v. 32/40 with manuals respectively. The Toyota may have some advantage in efficiency, but Foci are a bit larger and heavier. The Focus is significantly roomier, especially in the rear seat and luggage area, and comes in a variety of body styles. Pick what fits you best.

mike91326

I was at my local Ford dealer last week and the sales manager told me that they would most likely be selling the Focus diesel in late 2006. He said that Ford is waiting for ULSD and wants to be able to sell it in all 50 states. He said the specs, based on the Euro Focus diesel, shows it getting 45 to 50 MPG. I would give almost anything for a car that got 50 MPG right about now.

jchan2

pay $22,500 for a Hybrid Focus, $19,500 for a diesel Focus and $3000 under sticker for a Focus PZEV.

creakid1

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/*tag*_news_story.php?id=47433

jchan2

they get a coupe-cabriolet (at bottom of the article) later on. Why can't we get it? Along with the new Focus!

mpgman

I know that the 05 4 door sedan sport model has them. Any other 05s? Is this tied to a cold weather package?

Thanks.

creakid1

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- - - - dir_30/car_portal_pic_15159.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- - - - dir_30/car_portal_pic_15160.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_30/car_portal_pic_15157.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_30/car_portal_pic_15158.jpg

f111d

I'll take a diesel wagon please. ATX also, getting lazy and traffic jams are hard on clutches & legs. Also Neds experience reminder me of my first car 59 Karman Ghia, ran into dad's in the drive winter boots covered all three pedals. The Old marine was NOT happy! Guess I'm going to have to bone up on the Focus the 2.3 gone for 2005 and the 2.0 is back but not the old Zetec 2.0 I hope? Duratec 20?
Paul

andyman73

Now that looks totally sweet! Maybe they can send that our way in a few years. You know, like every other model, we get it second. Looks like it is ready to run a FIA WRC tarmac event. I'll buy that for a dollar!

mpgman

I see where the Mazda 3 is the forerunner to the next generation Focus. When will the new Focus be here? 06? Thanks.

creakid1

"When will the new Focus be here? 06?"

Maybe around '08, when the facelift Focus II or the Focus III comes out.

Anyway, Volvo's 5-cyl turbo engine will be available on the Focus II.

Also, I hope the DSG transmission similar to Audi TT's will be available w/ various engine choices.

f111d

Cost, potential quality glitches are behind decision
Although Ford Motor Co. wants to develop more cars and trucks from global platforms, it’s making an exception for the next-generation Ford Focus. When the re-engineered Focus is introduced to the United States in 2007, it will not share mechanicals with the C1 version of the Focus sold in Europe.

Headline on Article today from Automotive News, however paid subscribtion required to read. Not in ORF's budget! I just wonder if this means no CR diesel, hope not Ford that would be a bad move. I'm amazed and glad with the amount of people that are warming up to CR diesel benefits. Good for the US economy, more importantly their personal budget.
Paul

nedc2

The current North American Foci have the same gas engines that will be available on the C1 Focus when it come out in Europe later this year, so this wouldn't necessarily rule out a common rail diesel for the US focus once low sulfur diesel becomes avilaable nationwide. Other factors might though e.g. production capacity for diesels in europe, federal or state emissions regs in the US, etc.
What I don't understand is that since the C1 Focus is already derived from the C170 platform, but with a number of enhancements,e.g. AWD capability, improved crashworthiness, especially for side impacts, and the next NA Focus redesign will have to accomadate new side impact standards, would it really cost that much more to use the C1 platform than to engineer a separate update of the the C170 platform? I wonder what's really behind this decision.

f111d

Thanks for the info! Too bad I couldn't get to read the the whole article, that may have answered your questions and others I'm sure. Management decisions are defnitlely not my thing and don't care too either!
Paul

creakid1

The redesign was still based on the '90 Protege, just like the'91 Escort/Tracer. Why? The newer '95 Protege was too expensive to build, I guess.

creakid1

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49309

"The 217bhp 2.5-litre V6 powerplant, sourced from the Mondeo, will appear in a hot ST, but this model is likely to be offered in hatchback form only when it joins the line-up late next year."

f111d

Darn why does everything have be glitz and glitter when a performance power plant is added? Functional brakes, suspension/etc. for the added power fine! What happened to the sleeper model. I know it won't sell, got to impress someone. Shame the vanity in this country.
Paul

creakid1

"So how has the outgoing version managed to maintain its position at the top of the sales charts, despite its dated interior? It's all down to the astounding driving experience, even on the most basic models - and insiders are confident that the next-generation Focus will be even more capable.

A spokeswoman explained: "The new car takes another step forward in terms of driving dynamics." As it uses the same platform as the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40, we've already had a glimpse of what to expect from behind the wheel - but engineers have carried out extensive development work to ensure class-leading handling and even better refinement."
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49690

So the future is here. Well, not really.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- - - - - - - - dir_32/car_portal_pic_16282.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_32/car_portal_pic_16294.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_32/car_portal_pic_16294.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_32/car_portal_pic_16317.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49717

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49712

creakid1

"So how has the outgoing version managed to maintain its position at the top of the sales charts, despite its dated interior? It's all down to the astounding driving experience, even on the most basic models - and insiders are confident that the next-generation Focus will be even more capable.

A spokeswoman explained: "The new car takes another step forward in terms of driving dynamics." As it uses the same platform as the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40, we've already had a glimpse of what to expect from behind the wheel - but engineers have carried out extensive development work to ensure class-leading handling and even better refinement."

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49690

So the future is here. Well, not really.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- - - - - - - - - - - - - dir_32/car_portal_pic_16282.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_32/car_portal_pic_16294.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_32/car_portal_pic_16280.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/openpic.php?name=../picture_library/- dir_32/car_portal_pic_16317.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49717

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49712

creakid1

http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evo_news_story.php?id=49583

creakid1

"...with test drivers and engineers keen to ensure the hot Golf won't have the edge on the road."
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=49863

dudleyr

I look forward to the new Focus. I like the current one a lot, but it just has a few details that bug me. No rear headrests, and a little bit chintzy inside (reminds me too much of an old Taurus I had that kept having switches and dials break). I hope Ford takes a little from Mazda and fixes these items - no gaudy silver or other colors of the minute please.

I think the handling is class leading and the wagon is especially usefull. Best feature is how you can order it the way you want, and not be forced into packages. I don't like sunroofs, and so many cars force them on you these days along with other options that you do want.

vibsr

Well, the pictures of the interior on previous postings look OK, I suppose. BUT...Check out the exterior view of the Euro-spec Focus. In my opinion, this looks better than what our friendly neighborhood Ford dealership is trying to sell in the US.

http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/story.jsp?autoshow=Pari- s&autoshowyear=2004&story=coverage_09_23_04&aff=natio- nal

creakid1

http://www.wintonsworld.com/cars/a-cars-2004/ford-focus-ll.html
"Comfort and refinement are marginally better, which is saying something given the high quality of the old model. Handling – the steering is now electro-hydraulic - seems to be just as agile and rewarding as the outgoing Focus."

creakid1

Even w/ electro-hydraulic power steering?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3054033a30,00.html
"Concerned that electric power assistance could blunt the steering's communication and responsiveness, Ford bit the bullet and used a more complex and expensive electro-hydraulic system. There's no doubt that Ford got it right, for the steering is undoubtedly best in class, with a well-weighted, incisive feel from straight ahead to full lock, and no dead spot, just pure and linear tactility.

The steering wheel imparts the state of the road surface and the level of traction and purchase back to the driver with almost telegraphic detail. It works in that sweetspot where there's lots of feedback and responsiveness, but not a skerrick of kick-back or over-reaction. In the history of front-drive cars, the Focus's steering can find itself in regal company, with that of the Alfa Sud, Golf GTi series I and the Peugeot 306 – few others come close."

creakid1

"The Golf we should have brought along for this comparison is the MkI GTI. The first high-performance front-wheel-drive Volkswagen was light and chuckable, all verve and poise, with intuitive controls that needed no electronic assistance.
  But we can't turn the clock back to this glorified, rose-tinted past."(p76, "BMW 120i vs VW Golf(series V)", August 2004, CAR)

creakid1

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2004- /09/10/emford11.xml

creakid1

http://www.autoindex.org/news.plt?no=909

http://www.thisisyork.co.uk/york/marketplace/YORK_MARKETPLACE_FIS- - HCARS2.html
"Most models will get electric-hydraulic power steering, producing a better response to input, because, unlike traditional hydraulic systems, the assistance is not dependent on engine speed."

So e.h. is better than h. as long as the e.h. is so well tuned to not lose any steering feel.

creakid1

http://www.newstreet.it/home/foto.asp?img=/img/magazine/677/Ford-- - - Focus-13.jpg&[non-permissible content removed]=Ford%20Focus%2013
Nice, eh! More cool than 3-series' 2-tone Natural Brown Leather.

http://www.newstreet.it/home/foto.asp?img=/img/magazine/677/Ford-- Focus-12.jpg&[non-permissible content removed]=Ford%20Focus%2012

http://www.newstreet.it/home/article_id_677.html

creakid1

This one is probably the more accurate production model, as the shifter section isn't separated from aft portion of the console:
http://www.infomotori.com/a_18_IT_3272_9.html

http://www.infomotori.com/a_18_IT_3272_2.html

creakid1

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/previews/previews_story.php?id=50735
"Ford's all-new 113bhp 1.6 Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) petrol engine, which replaces the current 1.8. Easily the most advanced petrol unit in the range, the four-cylinder motor boasts 14bhp more than the conventional 1.6, but is claimed to return a five per cent improvement in fuel economy, resulting in 43.8mpg in the combined cycle - although we only managed 32.7mpg. Our only complaint with the new powerplant is its lacklustre performance at low revs. With the peak torque of 155Nm not arriving until 4,150rpm, the engine needs revving to get the best from it. Ford's official figures suggest 0-62mph takes 10.8 seconds, and the unit felt every bit as quick as that on a private test track."

"The good news is that despite the extra challenges presented by the UK's winding, potholed tarmac, Ford's high dynamic standards have been maintained. With immense front-end grip, the Focus is capable of carrying plenty of speed through corners, and has a superbly balanced chassis. Diehard fans will miss the pin-sharp steering and lively characteristics of the outgoing version, but the extra maturity and composure offered by the new model make this Focus a more complete package."

creakid1

http://www.myfocus.com.tw/event/presale/flash.htm

& being produced. That colored deep chin makes the car look Great-Wall tall:
http://220.134.86.68/focus.htm

creakid1

http://www.topgear.com/jsp/individualRoadTest.jsp?&carType=ne- - - w&mCode=B4&rCode=B9&mDesc=Ford&rDesc=Focus&ro- - - adTestNumber=31.html

"There's better suspension isolation and rebound - it doesn't thump over my test route like the Mazda 3 does and that's on the same chassis - and the really stratospheric sixth means that you can cruise quite comfortably at 80mph."