As it is the world's best selling model, people looking at the latest car deals will no doubt stop and think about the Ford Focus. However, there is now more to consider as the automaker has announced it is looking to bring major improvements to the range.
The redesign affects all areas of the car's appeal, with Ford stating it will have bolder exterior aesthetics, a high-end and intuitive interior, a host of new driving technologies and major sustainability and economy improvements.
It will be available to buy in the second half of 2014, but will be unveiled next week at the Geneva Motor Show.
"We weren't satisfied with being No. 1; we wanted to blow people away with a stunning new version of the Focus," said Stephen Odell, president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.
"[The] new Focus marries modern design, advanced technology and leading fuel efficiency with the fun-to-drive DNA for which Focus is rightly acclaimed."
Part of that fun ethos means the Focus incorporates a more sophisticated and advanced design that is in keeping with the One Ford global language and is similar to that seen in the new Mondeo and Fiesta. The car will be available in new colours and is characterised by a lower, wider stance, with a new bonnet, front fascia and grille.
The bonnet is sculpted to deliver a strong, proud look and one that hides efficient new engines. Ford believes the most improved diesel option offers a 19 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, while petrol models will get a 17 per cent economy boost.
Car buyers will also be able to choose a new version of the 99 g/km CO2 1.0-litre EcoBoost, which was the first non-hybrid petrol engine in Europe to offer sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions.
The Focus was first launched in 1998 and over the last decade and a half, Ford has sold more than 12 million models.
Posted by Fred Mason