Next Focus targets Golf

[Ford Jellymoulds]

The all-new Ford Focus will arrive in showrooms in early 2011 with the aim of finally dethroning the Volkswagen Golf as western Europe’s best-selling car, according to company sources.

The new Focus won’t just be 
a key player in Europe, either; it’s set to become a global car, to be sold in North America. The US version will be unveiled at the Detroit show in January, before the European car.

 

The new Focus will go on sale based on what Ford sources call “an all-new, global platform”. it is heading for the US.

 

Design sources say Ford is going to make the new Focus much sportier and more coupé-like than the current model.

“The hatchback Focus will be relatively lower and sportier than the C-Max you saw at the Frankfurt show,” said our insider. “The important point is that there will be much more differentiation in terms of the relative stance and the H-point between the hatches and C-Max than on the current models.”

The H-point is designer shorthand for the position of the driver’s hip point, which in practice means that the upcoming three and five-door Focus hatchbacks will have lower seating positions and markedly low-roofed styling.

The Focus’s chassis is also likely to be more sportily tuned than that of the C-Max, which is aimed at families and older drivers who appreciate the higher seating position.

 

 

The Focus will also get its own interior design theme, with the dash angled towards the driver to deliver more of a cockpit-like feel.

The new Focus will be powered by a new range of ‘Ecoboost’ downsized turbocharged petrol engines.

“The plan is for all our petrol cars to have smaller-capacity, direct-injection turbocharged engines,” said one source. “We especially have to meet the average CO2 target figure that has been set in the European Union, but downsized turbocharged engines are already proving popular in North America as well.”

 

Ford is working on a new range of super-frugal three-cylinder turbo petrol units, with capacities “much smaller than 1.6 litres”.

These engines are likely to be sized around 1.0 and 1.2 litres and are expected to become more popular when tough EU emissions rules make diesel engines increasingly expensive. A number of makers (including Renault and Nissan) are working on similar powerplants because the upcoming EU5 and EU6 emissions regs will force expensive de-pollution kit to be fitted to diesels.

This move will make small diesels too expensive to be fitted to superminis and many cheaper Focuses. Ford hopes that the three-pot petrol motors will offer the performance and fuel economy of a typical small diesel.

 

LINK

[battyr]

The VW Golf is a good target. It is the big seller in Europe. In the US much of the attention will be moved toward VW since both GM and Chrysler have downsized. Locally our Pontiac/Buick dealer was shut down and the owner was forced to become a VW and Kia dealer.

 

In the US the Focus was oriented to the low end. Now the Fiesta can take that market. I would think with Fords improved quality image and a slow recovery coming, people will demand small cars that have the qualities that they used to look for in a larger car. I would think Ford would have to move the Focus upmarket to cover the extra cost of European engineering and EcoBoost engines.

[rmc523]

I sure hope it doesn't just look like a bigger Fiesta like that rendering....

[rkisler]

The all-new Ford Focus will arrive in showrooms in early 2011 with the aim of finally dethroning the Volkswagen Golf as western Europe’s best-selling car, according to company sources. The new Focus won’t just be 
a key player in Europe, either; it’s set to become a global car, to be sold in North America. The US version will be unveiled at the Detroit show in January, before the European car.

 

The new Focus will go on sale based on what Ford sources call “an all-new, global platform”. it is heading for the US. Design sources say Ford is going to make the new Focus much sportier and more coupé-like than the current model. "The hatchback Focus will be relatively lower and sportier than the C-Max you saw at the Frankfurt show,” said our insider. “The important point is that there will be much more differentiation in terms of the relative stance and the H-point between the hatches and C-Max than on the current models.”

The H-point is designer shorthand for the position of the driver’s hip point, which in practice means that the upcoming three and five-door Focus hatchbacks will have lower seating positions and markedly low-roofed styling.

 

LINK

 

Jelly, thanks for posting.

 

I'm seeing a trend based on this article and what I have heard about the Fusion/Mondeo.

 

It looks like Ford will be going for very expressive, driver-oriented 4-door sedans (think VW CC). But expressive designs in 4-doors can often result in package compromises such as entry/egress in the back seat.

 

So Ford is going to be offering people carriers to fit that need for families and "older people". So if you're practical, you'll have to drive a mini minivan, and not a 4-door sedan?

 

Well, this will probably set Richard off.

 

The enthusiasts will certainly like this type of car better than today's (and so will I). But the heart of the market in the U.S. is rather stodgy, practical 4-door sedans, both in the c-segment and even more so in the c/d segment. And they are sold by the millions even though you can't tell them apart and they have all the personality of a refrigerator.

 

So if I'm right about the strategy, this is a big gamble. It will set Ford apart from the Japanese competition (and U.S. competition) which might be great. But when Consumer Reports (a magazine that thinks cardboard boxes represent great design) gets ahold of these cars we'll see what they have to say.

 

I should also point out that the companies that have "4-door coupes" also have a more traditional tophat available in the stable so the customer can choose.

 

Interesting times. But we don't have long to wait -- the Detroit Auto Show is in January.

[rmc523]

I can agree with what you're saying Austin, but I'm not thinking they're going as far as you think they are......we'll see though, January is only around the corner!

[Ford Jellymoulds]

I sure hope it doesn't just look like a bigger Fiesta like that rendering....

 

There are some more global Focus spy shots as well in the link.

[92merc]

Personally, I'm awaiting the new Focus. I think it'll be a hit. If it's styled like the Fiesta, it'll be a smash.

 

There are two things I'd like in a Focus, personally. Does anyone know if Ford will be offering AWD on the Focus? I'm taking in a "standard" Focus, not a "Subura WRX"-like rally sporty version. Personally, I'd like to get a small fuel efficient AWD four banger. But the Escape is it right now. It would be nice to have a AWD small car with the Ecoboost.

 

The other thing I'd like in a Focus is a "high trim" model. I don't want an Econo-box. I want HID's, Sync, nice stereo, and quiet. I guess it could be called near-luxury.

 

Now if the only way I could get the above 2 would be in a Lincoln MKC, I could live with that. Just my wish list in the Focus...

[ANTAUS]

"The H-point is designer shorthand for the position of the driver’s hip point, which in practice means that the upcoming three and five-door Focus hatchbacks will have lower seating positions and markedly low-roofed styling."

 

Hmmm, bad idea. They forget that int he US, the Focus sells well to older demographics because of it's relatively higher seating level.

[ausrutherford]

There are some more global Focus spy shots as well in the link.

 

Just a mule.

 

 

Golf is the right target. They need to make all the models they can to take that number...2,3,4,5, wagon and convertible.

[atvman]

Jelly, thanks for posting.

 

I'm seeing a trend based on this article and what I have heard about the Fusion/Mondeo.

 

It looks like Ford will be going for very expressive, driver-oriented 4-door sedans (think VW CC). But expressive designs in 4-doors can often result in package compromises such as entry/egress in the back seat.

 

So Ford is going to be offering people carriers to fit that need for families and "older people". So if you're practical, you'll have to drive a mini minivan, and not a 4-door sedan?

 

Well, this will probably set Richard off.

 

The enthusiasts will certainly like this type of car better than today's (and so will I). But the heart of the market in the U.S. is rather stodgy, practical 4-door sedans, both in the c-segment and even more so in the c/d segment. And they are sold by the millions even though you can't tell them apart and they have all the personality of a refrigerator.

 

So if I'm right about the strategy, this is a big gamble. It will set Ford apart from the Japanese competition (and U.S. competition) which might be great. But when Consumer Reports (a magazine that thinks cardboard boxes represent great design) gets ahold of these cars we'll see what they have to say.

 

I should also point out that the companies that have "4-door coupes" also have a more traditional tophat available in the stable so the customer can choose.

 

Interesting times. But we don't have long to wait -- the Detroit Auto Show is in January.

 

For the U.S., I think Mercury should get all the four-door coupes with Euro-spec interiors and Ford should be left with traditional sedan and hatchback body styles. This way Ford will still appeal to the mainstream while Mercury will become a VW competitor and be more differentiated from the Ford brand.

[Ford Jellymoulds]

Just a mule.

 

 

Golf is the right target. They need to make all the models they can to take that number...2,3,4,5, wagon and convertible.

 

VW's Golf has stolen a lot of the Focus class market share in Europe, and like JPD said a long time ago a lot of folk prefer the new Fiesta rather than a Focus, as folk downsize in the credit crunch look to make savings.

 

Ford of Europes market share and Ford model sales positions in their different classes.

 

1. VW Golf 21.8%

2. Ford Focus 12.3%

3. GM Astra 10.9%

 

1. Fiat Panda 16.6%

2. Fiat 500 10.2%

8. Ford Ka 5.7%

 

1. GM Meriva 17.1%

2. Honda Jazz 15.7%

5. Ford Fusion 11%

 

1. Nissan Qashqai 27%

2. VW Tiguan 17.1%

3. Ford Kuga 9.7%

 

1. Citroen C4 15.9%

2. Renault Scenic 14.4%

6. Ford C-Max 9.2%

 

1. VW Passat 15.9%

2. Skoda Octavia 14.9%

4. Mondeo 10.1%

9. Ford S max 3.7%

 

1. Ford Galaxy 26.9%

2. Renault Espace 16.4%

3. VW Sharan 13.4%

 

1. Ford Transit 12.6%

2. VW Ttansporter 10.9%

3. Fiat Ducato

 

1. Ford Fiesta 13.2%

2. Peugeot 207 10.5%

3. GM Corsa 9.9%

[rmc523]

There are some more global Focus spy shots as well in the link.

 

as the previous poster said, that's just a mule...doesn't tell me anything about the final design.

[ausrutherford]

VW's Golf has stolen a lot of the Focus class market share in Europe, and like JPD said a long time ago a lot of folk prefer the new Fiesta rather than a Focus, as folk downsize in the credit crunch look to make savings.

 

Ford of Europes market share and Ford model sales positions in their different classes.

 

1. VW Golf 21.8%

2. Ford Focus 12.3%

3. GM Astra 10.9%

 

Next one should help it rise

 

1. Fiat Panda 16.6%

2. Fiat 500 10.2%

8. Ford Ka 5.7%

 

Ka needs some help, Ford should go it alone next time and create many products off it like an MPV and crossover (think trax)

 

1. GM Meriva 17.1%

2. Honda Jazz 15.7%

5. Ford Fusion 11%

 

Im surprised its even that high with this old model. B-Max should do better.

 

1. Nissan Qashqai 27%

2. VW Tiguan 17.1%

3. Ford Kuga 9.7%

 

RS needs to get its hand on it.

 

1. Citroen C4 15.9%

2. Renault Scenic 14.4%

6. Ford C-Max 9.2%

 

New model coming with two body styles, that should help sales.

 

1. VW Passat 15.9%

2. Skoda Octavia 14.9%

4. Mondeo 10.1%

9. Ford S max 3.7%

 

Why is S-max in this?

Im guessing passat CC is included, another plus for a Mondeo CC.

 

1. Ford Galaxy 26.9%

2. Renault Espace 16.4%

3. VW Sharan 13.4%

 

Were #1!!

 

1. Ford Transit 12.6%

2. VW Ttansporter 10.9%

3. Fiat Ducato

 

#1 again!

 

1. Ford Fiesta 13.2%

2. Peugeot 207 10.5%

3. GM Corsa 9.9%

 

Whoot!

 

Reactions above

[battyr]

I sure hope it doesn't just look like a bigger Fiesta like that rendering....

 

Simply copying the Fiesta would be a mistake. But there is a lot to love in the Fiesta's styling. Expect it to take clues from the Fiesta styling. But also expect it to look, wider and more expensive.

 

Personally I like this rendering. I like the rendering of the next Mondeo even better. If they can make it look like that rendering of the Mondeo, great. They can make the Mondeo a cross of that rendering and the current Taurus.

[RichardJensen]

Well, this will probably set Richard off.

Not exactly.

 

I did see the part about the lower H point and shake my head. It is hard for me to believe that Ford has truly figured out some magical convergence between Europe and the US; rather these articles cause me to believe more and more that this is a major gamble on Ford's part.

 

BTW: cardboard boxes are excellent designs. over a hundred years and no substantial changes.

[battyr]

Personally, I'm awaiting the new Focus. I think it'll be a hit. If it's styled like the Fiesta, it'll be a smash.

 

There are two things I'd like in a Focus, personally. Does anyone know if Ford will be offering AWD on the Focus? I'm taking in a "standard" Focus, not a "Subura WRX"-like rally sporty version. Personally, I'd like to get a small fuel efficient AWD four banger. But the Escape is it right now. It would be nice to have a AWD small car with the Ecoboost.

 

The other thing I'd like in a Focus is a "high trim" model. I don't want an Econo-box. I want HID's, Sync, nice stereo, and quiet. I guess it could be called near-luxury.

 

Now if the only way I could get the above 2 would be in a Lincoln MKC, I could live with that. Just my wish list in the Focus...

 

I think Ford has proven that they can make an AWD system that is cheap and efficient. To add performance to such a system is just a matter of getting the electronics and software right. With the volume of selling the next Focus around the word, they should have enough sales to justify an AWD version. Considering they need AWD for the Kuga and it would be nice to have it in the C-Max, I would think AWD has a good chance.

 

Since Ford is getting ride of Volvo, it would be smart to move Ford up market and try to place themselves in between VW and Audi on some models. That is more luxury and performance than VW. But much cheaper than Audi.

[RichardJensen]

AWD Focus:

 

All depends on how much of the Focus floorpan will be shared with the Kuga/Escape & C-Max

[ausrutherford]

I think Ford has proven that they can make an AWD system that is cheap and efficient. To add performance to such a system is just a matter of getting the electronics and software right. With the volume of selling the next Focus around the word, they should have enough sales to justify an AWD version. Considering they need AWD for the Kuga and it would be nice to have it in the C-Max, I would think AWD has a good chance.

 

Since Ford is getting ride of Volvo, it would be smart to move Ford up market and try to place themselves in between VW and Audi on some models. That is more luxury and performance than VW. But much cheaper than Audi.

Are they...?

[battyr]

...

 

So Ford is going to be offering people carriers to fit that need for families and "older people". So if you're practical, you'll have to drive a mini minivan, and not a 4-door sedan?

 

...

 

Not necessarily.

 

You can't sell an old man's car to a young many, but you can sell a young mans car to an old man. In other wards the sedan has to look sporty. The Styling of the Fiesta has proven that you can make a car with good head room look sporty. Make the same car longer and wider and it will look even sportier. I think the Focus sedan can look like a coupe and still have reasonable head room. Then the C-max can have even more head room and easier accessibility. I also would not call the C-Max an ugly minivan. The new one looks a lot sportier than the old one. I don't think the fact that it has sliding doors is a negative on this size of a car.

 

Anyone who wants a roomier 4 door sedan should be buying a bigger car.

[RichardJensen]

You can't sell an old man's car to a young many, but you can sell a young mans car to an old man.

Thank you, John Z. DeLorean.

 

Fortunately for Ford, they've already lost the generation of oldsters that would little tolerate the sacrifices to their comfort demanded (apparently) by this new Focus.

 

Leave it to Toyota to cater to the increasingly tender joints of the baby boomers, with the plastic fantastic Camry and Corolla.

 

However, that tired old aphorism about young mans cars was suspect at the time it was uttered (cf stodgy Chevy's sales vs. DeLorean's Pontiac division), and it is even more so today.

[battyr]

Thank you, John Z. DeLorean.

 

Fortunately for Ford, they've already lost the generation of oldsters that would little tolerate the sacrifices to their comfort demanded (apparently) by this new Focus.

 

Leave it to Toyota to cater to the increasingly tender joints of the baby boomers, with the plastic fantastic Camry and Corolla.

 

However, that tired old aphorism about young mans cars was suspect at the time it was uttered (cf stodgy Chevy's sales vs. DeLorean's Pontiac division), and it is even more so today.

 

I thought the quote was from Iacocca? Iacocca likely stole it from DeLorean.

 

I see both the Ford 500 and the Freestyle being 100% oriented to old people. Comfortable seating position, easy entry and exit, big, conservative styling, etc. Since there really was nothing wrong with those cars, if figure they must have been something missing that was needed to make them more appealing.

 

Whether you like the aphorism or not, people will not buy boring cars unless they are recommended by Consumer Report and Old people want cars with sex appeal whether they need Viagra or not.

[OldZephyr]

"The H-point is designer shorthand for the position of the driver’s hip point, which in practice means that the upcoming three and five-door Focus hatchbacks will have lower seating positions and markedly low-roofed styling."

 

Hmmm, bad idea. They forget that int he US, the Focus sells well to older demographics because of it's relatively higher seating level.

 

 

Good point.

[RichardJensen]

Old people want cars with sex appeal whether they need Viagra or not.

See, that sort of hopelessly broad generalization has no place in the industry.

 

You can't sell an old man's car to a young man, but you can't sell a young man's car to an old man either-----with very limited exceptions.

 

---

 

And we're both wrong. That was a Bunkie Knudsen quote (which was, however, used to justify the Pontiac youth movement.

[BlackHorse]

A hatchback Focus? No way, it won't sell to car buyers in the US. I know this because Richard and a number of other experts around here said it wouldn't work. Not possible. Maybe that's why we all see that quite popular Mazda 3 everywhere.

 

What chassis is that Mazda 3 on again? Anyone?

 

LOL, Another blueovalnews fact proven to be more myth and hot air.

 

Personally I look forward to that hatcbhack Focus. With a good handling and performance package it might even be a tuff choice between the Focus and a Mustang.

[RichardJensen]

Maybe that's why we all see that quite popular Mazda 3 everywhere.

you seen a 3-door Mazda3 hatch?

because the 5 door Focus was axed in like 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And when did I ever say anything against a new Focus hatch?