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The third generation Ford Focus is here. At least, it is in Detroit, unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show.
See more pics of the new Focus
We won't see it on the road for a full year - the first new Focuses will arrive in Europe and North America in early 2011, says Ford - but hey, that just gives us plenty of time to get all excited about the car that Ford boss Alan Mullaly describes as his company's most important product in 25 years.
That's because the new Focus will be a properly global car: where previous versions have different significantly from market to market, Ford says the third-gen Focus will be virtually identical across the world.
It'll also provide the underpinnings for as many as 10 other C-segment Fords, including the new C-Max and Grand C-Max which arrive later this year.
The Focus has always been one of the best-handling cars in its class (perhaps the very best-handling, in fact) and Ford says the third generation will be even better: the multilink rear suspension and subframes have been redesigned, and there's a new variable power steering system which should provide more feedback at speed.
There'll be the usual huge array of engines, of course, the most interesting of which is a new 1.6-litre ‘EcoBoost' turbo petrol engine which, says Ford, will provide more power than the existing 2.0-litre petrol, but with hugely improved emissions and economy.
But all the talk, we suspect, will concern the styling of the new Focus. We've avoided talking about it so far because, well, you have eyes and you can decide for yourself. Do you reckon the Focus's global aspirations have dulled its styling to the point of anonymity, or are you a fan of its Fiesta-meets-Mondeo lines? Discuss...
Sam Philip
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
catalinuxg commented on this article
at 01:15 pm on 11 January 2010
It looks rather... flashy, but not like a Focus. It doesn't give you that "Hmm I'll buy one today" feeling and I suspect it won't turn a lot of heads. People that might look at it will think "What the ...???"... Let's hope it's cheaper :))
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normtiger commented on this article
at 01:19 pm on 11 January 2010
ford cannot be serious. it looks like just a facelift or is that all its meant to be? in todays market you need serious wow factor and this doesnt have it
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elron187 commented on this article
at 01:20 pm on 11 January 2010
I think Ford should thank KIA for designing the new Focus' entire front end when they designed the C'eed. And if the first thoughts on the new styling run towards KIA I'm afraid it's not going to be very "original"
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Afaque commented on this article
at 01:26 pm on 11 January 2010
Its a bit flashy but still looks alrite I guess... I like the Fiesta but that styling suits the small size of the car. Not too sure if it has worked on the bigger focus. Still its not too bad. Though I think the old one looks better.
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Da_Vincentius commented on this article
at 01:31 pm on 11 January 2010
I especially hate the interior, looks really ugly (korean or something like it). The outside isn't too bad because it looks a little like an RS. Old focusses (is it written like that?) looked better, sorry Ford.
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