When it makes its debut next year, the MkIII Focus family will offer something for everyone ? from a stylish five-door hatchback to a head-turning SUV, as well as a stunning RS super-hatch.
And it?s no surprise that Ford is pulling out all the stops. Not only has the new Focus got to take on VW?s Golf and the Vauxhall Astra, it also has to attract a worldwide audience. As with the Fiesta supermini, the car is a true global product.
Taking its inspiration from the Iosis Max concept seen at March?s Geneva Motor Show, the styling of the new Focus will be more edgy than rivals, but retains its mass-market appeal. Under the skin is Ford?s latest C-segment platform. This is essentially a reworked version of the current model?s underpinnings, but should ensure the Focus stays at the top of the class for handling.
A new range of EcoBoost turbo petrol engines will be available, as will updated TDCi diesels. The former includes 89bhp or 108bhp 1.0-litre units and a 170bhp 1.6. Diesel fans can choose from a 128bhp 1.6 or a 2.0-litre with 168bhp or 197bhp.
Taking its position at the head of the pack will be an all-new Focus RS. To keep weight and costs down without affecting performance, Ford engineers will carry over the existing model?s front-wheel-drive layout.
However, the thirsty 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo unit is to be dropped in favour of a more efficient 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo. This should deliver more than the current 301bhp.
If style is a greater priority than speed, there?s also a pair of trendy Focus-based models. Using the three-door, due early in 2011, as a starting point, the new four-seat Focus CC will stick with a folding hard-top and take the fight to established rivals such as the Peugeot 308 CC and VW Eos when it arrives late that year.
Ford is even cranking up the style on the Kuga. A five-door successor to the current compact SUV arrives in 2011, but it will be joined by a more elegant three-door variant.
This gets muscular proportions reminiscent of the Iosis X concept displayed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and will be offered with a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The same line-up of EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel units will be available in both versions of the Kuga, but in a first for the SUV range they will be hooked up to Ford?s Powershift twin-clutch transmission.
Completing the new Focus line-up will be a cavernous estate, a stylish saloon and the C-MAX compact MPV. The latter will be the first model in the range to arrive, and is one of the most eagerly awaited new car launches of 2010. It promises a versatile interior, with a premium-quality feel, a raft of hi-tech kit and a wraparound layout.
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