Indeed, compared to the “faceted” concept of the first Ford Focus, which was revolutionary at that time, both the sedan and the Ford Focus 2 hatchback differed from their predecessors in more calm and confident, classic forms. But, apparently, the Ford designers were ready for such questions and readily answered that the Ford Focus I was a kind of revolutionary step towards the implementation of the company's new strategy to get rid of the Escort stereotype and win the hearts of car enthusiasts and their commitment to the new model.
They did not invent anything of their own, everything in the world develops along this path - from revolutionary to evolutionary. Some time passed, and the Ford Focus I completed the task, the popularity of the Focus model was constantly increasing, so it's time to move on to the evolutionary development of a new direction. "The king is dead! Long live the king!" The main role in the next segment of the journey was already assigned to the Ford Focus 2 sedan. He has very different goals. Ford Focus 2 should become the standard of an impeccable car in its class.
However, as many auto experts noted at that time, the “trick” did not work right away. A solid car met all the modern requirements of the C-class, but something was missing. And only after restyling in 2008, the cars of the Focus model with the usual blue oval, along with solidity, acquired refinement, spaciousness, comfort, became more reliable and safe. The model range expanded and next to the sedan appeared the Ford Focus 2 hatchback and station wagon.
Ford Focus 2: “the main thing is that the suit fits…”
The focus of the second modification was first shown to the general public at the auto show in Paris in 2004. The first production cars immediately gained immense popularity, but the company decided to restyle just four years later, not waiting for the rush demand for this model to decline. Ford Focus 2 "dressed in a new suit", and, according to many motorists, the "outfit" fit. Only the exterior has changed, as well as the interior of the second Focus, while the designers did not dare to change the technical specifications.
The updated Focus received a new grille, lighting equipment and bumpers. On the large front bumper there is a huge “mouth” of an additional air intake and fog lights. The kinetic full face is successfully complemented by embossed sidewalls, however, the rear pillars of the Ford Focus 2 hatchback somehow do not fit into the overall harmony. A slightly larger slope turned the stern lights into a less expressive exterior detail. Stylish and harmonious profile, soft and at the same time impetuous lines give the appearance of the car a special solidity and confidence. For every design element, practical Americans have found their way. The carefully shaped exterior mirrors significantly reduce ambient noise, while the tailgate spoiler optimizes airflow.
With all this, the overall dimensions remained the same. The dimensions of the Ford Focus 2 sedan are (length x width x height): 4481 x 2020 x 1497 millimeters, the dimensions of the hatchback (length x width x height): 4337 x 2020 x 1497 millimeters, and the station wagon (length x width x height) - 4468 x 2020 x 1503 mm. Compared to the first Focus, the length of the sedan has increased by only 50 millimeters, but visually Focus 2 looks larger. The harmony of the Ford Focus 2 completely supplanted the revolutionary motives in the design of the Ford Focus I. To the credit of the Ford designers, they managed to realize their "evolutionary" ideas, which is why the new Focus is easily identified and confirms with all its appearance that it is a more solid car.
Ford Focus 2: interior evolution
Evolution is noticeable not only in appearance. The interior has also become more solid. Even sitting in the driver's seat for the first time, you feel familiar, as if you had spent half your life here. The layout of the controls is thought out, all the buttons, switches, switches are in their places, everything is at hand. Everything is familiar and understandable, well and thoroughly tailored, soundly and modern. The combined color scheme of the interior with a light bottom, high-quality finishing materials, soft plastic that is pleasant to the touch, ... The most minimal configuration of the Ford Focus 2 sedan looks clearly more expensive than its cost.
The steering wheel is traditionally adjustable, and the pedal assembly can also be adjusted. The company's engineers have proposed adjustable pedals that can be moved to the driver's seat by 50 millimeters. In a word, ergonomics at the highest level. True, there are a few unusual ideas that will take some getting used to. The odometer numbers are somewhat smallish, they are poorly readable in poor lighting conditions. The designers placed the control of the electric booster and on-board computer modes on the turn switch lever. Information from other devices with a reddish backlight is read quite easily.
Availability of additional features depends on the equipment level. Four configuration options are offered on the Russian market: Ambiente, Comfort, Ghia and Titanium. In the Ambiente configuration, the manufacturer placed a steering column adjustable in tilt and reach, an immobilizer, central locking, front power windows, and one airbag. The front seat belts are equipped with pretensioners. The Comfort package additionally received air conditioning, interior door handles trimmed with aluminum, exterior handles and side moldings acquired body color.
The Ghia's trim looks richer, starting with the use of wood trim, a different seat profile, a driver's armrest and a cooled glove box. Self-dimming rear view mirror installed. Power windows are installed on all doors, central locking is equipped with remote control, light and rain sensors, electric exterior mirrors.
Rear row passengers received additional lighting. The headlights will turn off with a delay for the time you leave the passenger compartment. In addition to the front cabin is equipped with two side airbags. The Titanium package offered only some minor interior changes. For those wishing to get an even wider range of possibilities, the company offers ABS systems with EBD, ESP, xenon lamps in head optics, separate climate control, parking sensors, voice control of a mobile phone, and several options for alloy wheels. Accordingly, such a Ford Focus 2 has a slightly higher price.
Ford Focus 2: specifications
Apparently, the designers considered that the technical characteristics of the Ford Focus 2 fully meet modern requirements, therefore, during restyling, no changes were made to the technical equipment. According to the company's specialists, Ford Focus 2 is the undisputed leader in its class in terms of its technical characteristics. There is an opinion that in terms of handling and dynamics, this version of the Focus is superior to the Mazda 3 and Volvo 40, which are built on an identical Ford C1 platform. Therefore, do not give up what can serve for a long time.
The second focus is equipped with a fairly wide range of Duratec power units from 1.4 to 2.0 liters. Along with gasoline engines, the Russian automotive market also offers a 1.8-liter Duatorq TDCi diesel engine. The maximum power of the power units is: 1.4 Duratec - 80 hp, 1.6 Duratec - 100 hp, 1.8 Duratec - 125 hp, 2.0 Duratec - 145 hp. The power of diesel engines is 115 horsepower. The range of maximum speeds depending on the type of power unit is quite wide. Engine 1.4 Duratec can accelerate to a maximum of 164 kilometers per hour, 2.0 Duratec - up to 195 km / h. Diesel engines allow you to reach 190 km / h. Acceleration dynamics from 9.3 seconds from zero to one hundred kilometers (2.0 Duratec) to 14.2 seconds - 1.4 Duratec.
Paired with gasoline engines, both five-speed manual transmissions and four-speed automatic transmissions (starting with 1.6 Duratec) can be offered. For diesel powertrains, only a five-speed manual transmission is offered.
Indeed, such specifications and reasonable price will allow the Focus to stay afloat for as long as the developer wishes.