DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is aiming for a more upscale and substantial look inside and out with its redesigned Focus, which will hit showrooms in fall 2007.
The Dearborn automaker has also scratched the Focus hatchback and wagon from the lineup for 2008.
A major change is the car's headlight design. The headlights are now connected with a grille line. The sheet metal was redone and the beltline was raised to "give Focus more modern proportions," said Lon Zaback, Focus chief designer.
The interior now includes an optional ambient lighting system that can change the color of the lighting in the cupholders and front and rear footwells. The LEDs can highlight the cabin in seven different colors and are controlled by a dash-mounted switch. Ford said the features will make their way into other Ford and Mercury products.
The 2008 Focus features a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that will deliver an estimated 136 horses. The engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The re-engineered suspension on the Focus includes new shock absorbers, different spring rates, and new antiroll bars and bushings.
What this means to you: It's a significant new look for the Focus, a critical small vehicle for Ford that is pitted against such Japanese hot shots as the Nissan Versa.
The Dearborn automaker has also scratched the Focus hatchback and wagon from the lineup for 2008.
A major change is the car's headlight design. The headlights are now connected with a grille line. The sheet metal was redone and the beltline was raised to "give Focus more modern proportions," said Lon Zaback, Focus chief designer.
The interior now includes an optional ambient lighting system that can change the color of the lighting in the cupholders and front and rear footwells. The LEDs can highlight the cabin in seven different colors and are controlled by a dash-mounted switch. Ford said the features will make their way into other Ford and Mercury products.
The 2008 Focus features a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that will deliver an estimated 136 horses. The engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The re-engineered suspension on the Focus includes new shock absorbers, different spring rates, and new antiroll bars and bushings.
What this means to you: It's a significant new look for the Focus, a critical small vehicle for Ford that is pitted against such Japanese hot shots as the Nissan Versa.
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