The compact compact passenger car Focus is a modification of the Ford model, which, due to its design, technical specifications, cost and a whole range of advantages, is one of the best-selling small cars in the world.
Formation of the Ford Company
Ford Automotive Company was founded in 1903 by engineer and entrepreneur Henry Ford. It became the third enterprise organized by G. Ford, the other two did not bring commercial success and were closed. The first cars produced by the new company were not very popular, as they were unreliable and had a fairly high cost. The relative failure forced G. Ford to reconsider the strategy of his company. It was decided to focus on the production of low-cost cars, while trying to minimize production costs and increase labor productivity. All this was achieved by creating the world's first automobile manufacturing conveyor, in which a worker performing one assembly operation remained in place.
Start of conveyor production of cars
The new production method has allowed a sharp increase in volumes and lower cost of cars. So, the first Ford T conveyor car was produced from 1908 to 1927, was manufactured in the amount of 15 million copies, while the initial cost fell from $ 850 to $ 360.
In the future, companies continued to increase the model range and the number of cars produced. In the early thirties, Ford provided great assistance in the construction and organization of production at the Gorky Automobile Plant. The first cars produced by the plant were the redesigned Ford A and AA, which went under the corresponding names GAZ A and GAZ AA.
In the eighties, the company actively acquired other car manufacturers (Aston Martin, Jaguar). In the 90s, Ford cars began to be sold in Russia. Currently, Ford is the third global company manufacturing buses, cars and commercial vehicles.
Model creation
The company introduced the compact Ford Focus C-class car in 1995, and production began in 1998. The first hatchback (five-door) modification was released, then the Ford Focus sedan, then a station wagon, a three-door hatchback and a convertible. The car replaced the Escort model and immediately gained popularity, confidently entered the list of ten best-selling cars in Europe, and in 2012 became the best-selling car in the world.
Currently, the third generation of the model is being produced, and the Ford Focus is very popular due to the fact that the passenger car is produced at eight enterprises of the company in different countries of the world. An important factor in the popularity of the car is the large number of various power units that the model is equipped with: nine gasoline engines and five diesel engines, as well as a significant number of configuration options. Other advantages of the model include:
- recognizable design;
- high security (five stars Euro NCAP);
- affordable cost;
- overall reliability.
In Russia, production of the Ford Focus sedan began in 2002 at the company's new plant in the Leningrad Region.
Appearance
The design of the third generation car can be called solid with sporting features. Designers managed to form such an interesting appearance of the Ford Focus sedan through careful study of all body elements, as well as using the following solutions:
- large slope of the hood with powerful stamping lines;
- narrowed head optics;
- multi-tiered device of the front bumper with a wide lower air intake and side niches with fog lights;
- aerodynamic mirrors;
- high line of side windows;
- round wheel arches;
- smooth transition of the roof to the stern of the car;
- wide combined rear lights, passing from the trunk to the wings;
- dark bottom bumper.
The resulting appearance of the car looks quite modern and corresponds to the current automotive fashion.
Interior
The decisions made in the Ford Focus Saloon are aimed at creating high ergonomics for the driver and passenger comfort. For this purpose, the following are applied in the car:
- three-spoke multifunction steering wheel;
- informative dashboard with deep wells of instrument scales and an on-board computer monitor;
- wide insert on the center console with an infotainment display, deflectors and numerous transmission controls and car systems;
- comfortable seats with a lot of settings;
- side armrests with control keys;
- the back row of seats with head restraints is comfortable for three people.
The decoration of the basic version used fabric, plastic. On more expensive versions of the interior, leather, chrome trim, wood inserts and two-tone performance are used.
Technical specifications
The cars currently produced for the domestic market are equipped with four power units with a capacity of 85, 105, 125 and 150 hp. For front-wheel drive transmission, it is possible to install a five-speed manual or six-band automatic. The main technical characteristics of the Ford Focus sedan with the EcoBoost engine:
- number of doors - 4;
- number of seats - 5;
- wheelbase - 2.65 m;
- length - 4.53 m;
- height - 1.48 m;
- width - 1.82 m;
- own / permissible weight - 1.26 / 1.83 t;
- turning size - 11.0 m;
- engine type - gasoline, four-cylinder;
- power - 150 hp;
- volume - 1.6 l;
- acceleration - 8.7 seconds (up to 100 km / h);
- maximum speed - 212 km / h;
- fuel consumption (city) - 7.7 l / 100 km;
- gas tank capacity - 55 l;
- trunk size - 440 l;
- tire size - 215 / 55R16.
The parameters for speed and fuel consumption can vary depending on the power unit installed on the car.
Sedan equipment
Despite the fact that the price of “Ford Focus” allows us to consider the sedan a budget class, the model has three trim levels and fairly good lighting. Among the most interesting systems and equipment can be noted:
- six airbags;
- emergency braking alarm;
- ABS
- EBD
- traction control system;
- exchange rate stability mechanism;
- assistant at the beginning of the movement on the rise;
- Cruise control;
- alloy 16-inch wheels;
- exterior mirrors with electric heating, electrically adjustable and repeaters;
- headlight shutdown delay;
- steering column adjustable for reach and tilt;
- power steering;
- rain and light controllers;
- blind spot control;
- power windows;
- Heated windshield, side mirrors, front seats and steering wheel;
- dual-zone climate control;
- immobilizer;
- infotainment complex;
- navigation system.
Such vehicle equipment provides high comfort and safe operation. The Ford Focus sedan with a submachine gun and an EcoBoost engine with a capacity of 150 hp has the most complete equipment.
Model update
To maintain high customer demand, the car underwent scheduled updates. Restyling of the first-generation Ford Focus sedan was made in 2012. As a result of the changes made, the car received the following new elements:
- combined head optics;
- front bumper;
- lower air intake;
- digital climate control;
- grille;
- navigation system;
- Center console
- all chairs;
- dashboard.
For the second generation model, restyling was performed in 2008. Results of the changes made:
- front stamping line;
- updated rear bumper;
- new spoiler;
- installation of new side mirrors;
- completely replaced headlights;
- the appearance of a raised hood;
- expansion of wheel arches;
- the interior uses chrome inserts and new climate control elements.
Additionally, in the Ford Focus sedan, the trunk lock received an electric drive. It should be noted that after the updates have been made, the car’s power units and gearbox options have not changed.
Car reviews
Due to the long period of production and the significant number of cars produced in various specialized publications, you can find a large number of owners' feedback on operating experience. Among the main advantages, in addition to the affordable Ford Focus price, the following are noted:
- design;
- comfort;
- controllability;
- profitability;
- suspension work.
Deficiencies in noise isolation and low ground clearance are most often referred to certain disadvantages.
The most reliable engine for the Ford Focus sedan is considered a power unit with a capacity of 105 liters. from. and a volume of 1.6 liters. This is confirmed in numerous reviews by the owners of this model.
Sedan "Ford Focus" due to its advantages, high-quality technical parameters enjoys well-deserved popularity.