The New Focus Arrives in Japan in 2013 | Ford
CAR / NEWS
January 26, 2015

The New Focus Arrives in Japan in 2013 | Ford


Ford Focus



Ford to Introduce Focus in Japan



Ford Japan announced that the new Focus, a compact car that Ford is rolling out globally, will be introduced to Japan in the first half of 2013.




Text by SAKURAI Kenichi





The Latest European Ford Masterpiece, Following the Kuga SUV



Since the first model was released in 1998, the Focus has been a flagship model for Ford, selling over 10 million units worldwide. The new Focus, now in its third generation, is a global product manufactured in seven countries and is slated for sale in over 120 countries, including Japan.



The new Focus shares its design concept with the SUVKugafamiliar from the Kuga, it features an appearance that incorporates the distinctive design concept common to other European Ford vehicles, known as "Kinetic Design." The exterior design, with Ford's historic "Oval Emblem" on the front grille, expresses dynamism and sportiness. The new Focus is notable for its powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain, as well as its sporty chassis performance that delivers renowned handling.



The model planned for introduction in Japan is the five-door hatchback. Striking features include the boldly designed radiator grille below the front grille, and a silhouette that flows dynamically from front to rear, reminiscent of the first-generation Focus, with emphasized fender press lines.



The interior also reflects the Kinetic Design concept from the exterior, creating an advanced and unique space. Ford's proprietary driver connectivity technology, "SYNC," developed jointly with Microsoft, is adopted. By connecting smartphones or mobile phones to SYNC, users can play stored music and control phone functions smartly via voice commands (in English).


Ford Focus

Ford Focus


The engine is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder direct-injection unit producing a maximum output of 126.8 kW (170 ps) and a maximum torque of 202 Nm (20.6 kgm), paired with a 6-speed PowerShift (dual-clutch transmission). This engine incorporates technologies such as Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) and ADFSO (Alternator Decoupling Fuel Shut-off) to improve combustion efficiency. Additionally, the active grille shutter mounted on the radiator grille reduces air resistance. The EPAS (Electric Power-Assisted Steering) system, which reduces engine load, is also employed, achieving excellent fuel economy.



This active grille shutter is a device that automatically opens and closes the shutters mounted on the radiator grille according to engine conditions. It opens and closes based on cooling needs, reducing air resistance during driving. Furthermore, by closing the shutters when the engine is cold to promote warming up, it achieves low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. It is an environmentally conscious system with advanced functionality.



Moreover, the driving performance, which has been a hallmark of the Focus, is further enhanced with the inclusion of Torque Vectoring Control. This system actively controls the torque distribution to the drive wheels, suppressing understeer and improving cornering maneuverability and agility.