Ford celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Focus with a facelifted version of its second generation. New technologies, widely introduced into the updated car, allowed it to consolidate its leadership position in the mid-size car market. The third generation of the bestseller has appeared, but today it will not be the subject of our conversation, namely the Ford Focus 2, which was restyled in 2008.
Model popularity
Since the appearance of the first Focus, about 5 million copies have been sold in Europe alone. The car significantly influenced the worldview of car owners, and the title "Car of the Year" is proof of this. In Europe, the model has received more than 80 different awards. In addition, it has proven itself well in the American and Asian markets.
At the end of 2007, the Ford Focus 2 hatchback (three- and five-door) and station wagon began to go on sale. And at the beginning of 2008, the model range of the restyled version was replenished with a sedan, a convertible and a sports version with the ST index.
Kinetic design
The main innovations are related to the design Restyling touched not only the bumper and radiator grille (as the vast majority of manufacturers do), but also comprehensively changed the body. Thus, it turned out almost a new car. The design is based on the overarching trend of the company, which is called "kinetic design".
According to representatives of the automobile concern, they wanted the car, on the one hand, to be perceived as an update of the Focus, and on the other, as a bright representative of a new generation of Ford cars. The result is an imposing body with expressive lines that emphasize the dynamism of the Ford Focus 2. Restyling brought the model's exterior closer to the trends embodied in the then version of the Ford Mondeo and other members of the family.
Salon
In the restyling of the Focus salon in 2008, emphasis was placed on improving the quality of materials and the level of convenience. These changes are evident thanks to soft door panels, an updated instrument cluster, a modified B-pillar, and a regulator. High-end models also have high-quality leather, and blue-tinted windows are in the top-end.
The new center console, called Premium, received increased functionality and an interesting design. It is available for expensive models, and as an option for cheap ones. The console includes an armrest, a 4 liter glove compartment, two cup holders with a card holder and a coin box. Its rear part consists of a compartment for passengers' belongings and a 230-volt socket (as an option). It is suitable for devices with a maximum power of 150 watts. Since the beginning of 2008, the Ford Power button, located near the gearshift lever, has also entered the console. It allows you to start the car without a key.
The volume of the luggage compartment of our hero depends on the modification of the body. The smallest trunk received a convertible - only 248 liters. The cargo compartment of the hatchback has a little more volume - 282 liters. Well, the sedan and station wagon became the leaders in terms of trunk volume - 467 and 475 liters, respectively. Despite the small trunk, the Ford Focus 2 hatchback is still very popular and is often found in the city. Apparently, buyers are captivated by the interesting exterior of his stern. By the way, the sports version of "ST" is also carried out in such a body.
Technology
Ford Focus 2, the restyling of which was the subject of our conversation today, was produced in five versions: Ambiente, Trend, Ghia, Titanium and ST.
The facelift of the second generation Focus gave it many new features borrowed from the updated (at that time) Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX models. For example, this is the Ford Easyfuel system, which prevents the car from filling up with low-quality fuel.
You can connect various devices to your car audio system using the 3.5mm jack and USB port. In addition, the car has an SD card slot for playing MP3 files. The cabin also features voice control, Bluetooth connectivity and a 5-inch navigation system display. Even after 8 years, we can say that the equipment is quite good, so Ford Focus 2 tuning usually concerns only the exterior.
Safety
One of the main advantages of "Focus" and the whole company in general is an uncompromising approach to ensuring security. In our case, it involves the use of an intelligent protection system and at least six airbags. The standard version of the car includes an ESP stability system with traction control and automatic activation of the rear lights in the event of emergency braking. It also offers tire pressure monitoring. Among the safety systems saved from the previous version, one can single out: standard ABS, a reinforced safety capsule and emergency braking assistance. This kit helped the car win 5 stars in the EuroNCAP rating.
There are also several optional safety features: AFS which includes halogen headlights, a Quickclear function which heats the windshield quickly, and xenon headlights.
Technical and driving qualities
Like past versions, the 2008 Focus handles very well. The use of low-viscosity gear oil has significantly reduced the noise level in the cabin.
In this model, the efficiency and dynamics of a manual transmission are combined with the ease of use of an automatic transmission. The Ford transmission, which has been installed on the car since 2008, is an innovative automatic transmission with two clutches for five gears. It is offered in tandem with two 2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. The first develops 136 horsepower, and the second - 110.
Separately, it is worth mentioning another engine, the main task of which is low fuel consumption with good dynamics. Models with this engine are called Focus ECOnetic. The volume of the unit is 1.6 liters, power - 109 horsepower. Its design assumes the presence of a filter to retain soot particles. Such an engine consumes only 4.3 liters of fuel per 100 km, which equals 115 grams of carbon dioxide per 1 kilometer. And the 90-horsepower version of the ECOnetic throws out 114 g/km.