Review: Ford Mk.2 Focus (2005-11)

Review: Ford LS Focus (2005-07)

Overview

Released in June 2005, the Ford LS Focus was available as a sedan or five-door hatchback. Manufactured in South Africa, the front-wheel drive LS Focus range initially consisted of the CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia variants and were all powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that was engine mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Please note that the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and developments

The Ford Mk.2 Focus was based on Ford’s C1 platform which also underpinned the Mazda BK Mazda3 . Compared to its Mk.1 Focus predecessor, however, the five-door Mk.2 Focus hatchback was 189 mm longer (at 4341 mm), 141 mm wider (1840 mm), 13 mm taller (1443 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2640 mm). Compared to its hatchback counterpart, the Mk.2 Focus sedan was 147 mm longer (at 4488 mm), though the other dimensions were unchanged.

Relative to its predecessor, the Mk.2 Focus achieved greater refinement through thicker front door glass, double door seals and a semi-isolated front subframe. The bodyshell also achieved an eight per cent increase in torsional stiffness.

Suspension and steering

The Ford Mk.2 Focus had MacPherson strut front suspension and ‘Control Blade’ multi-link rear suspension. The Mk.2 Focus also introduced a new electro-hydraulic speed-sensitive steering system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the LS Focus included dual front airbags, anti-submarining front seat ramps and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Focus LX, Zetec and Ghia were also equipped with front seat-mounted side (thorax) airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 Ford Mk.2 Focus hatchback that was fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags received a five star adult occupant safety rating with a score of 35.46 out of 37. This result, however, included two points for driver and passenger seatbelt reminders – in Australia, a driver’s seatbelt reminder was not fitted until May 2008.

Features: Focus CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia

Standard features for the Focus CL included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, front power windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser

The Focus LX was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lamps, power mirrors, rear power windows and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The Zetec was similarly equipped, but distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with stiffer springs and dampers (and 10 mm lower).

The Focus Ghia featured 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

Focus CL: Smooth and Safety packs

On release, the CL was also offered with two option packs: the Smooth Pack and Safety Pack. The Smooth Pack added alloy wheels, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured power mirrors; the Safety Pack added front side airbags, ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

Related links

• Specifications: Ford LS Focus (April 2006)

Review: Ford LT Focus (2007-09)

Overview

Released in June 2007, the Ford LT Focus introduced a revised line-up, updated styling and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (the ‘TDCi’ variant). The range was also expanded with the introduction of a Zetec sedan and Ghia hatch.

Visually, the LT Focus could be identified by its revised front bumper with expanded air intakes, door mirrors with repositioned indicators and the removal of body-side mouldings. Inside, there was a new audio unit and different instrument lighting for certain variants.

Safety equipment

Compared to its LS predecessor, standard safety equipment for the LT Focus was extended to include ABS and electronic brake force distribution fitted. Furthermore, from May 2008, the entry-level CL was also fitted with front seat-mounted side (thorax) airbags. Full-length curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist were also made available as options on the CL, LX, Zetec and Ghia models.

Features

Standard features were substantially unchanged, though the new audio unit had auxiliary inputs. The newly introduced Focus TDCi was similarly equipped to the LX variant.

Related links

• Brochure: Ford LT Focus (May 2007)
• Specifications: Ford LT Focus (June 2007)

Review: Ford LV Focus (2009-11)

Overview

Released in May 2009, the Ford LV Focus introduced updated styling and a revised line-up as the Ghia was discontinued. Visually, the LV Focus could be identified by its new ‘kinetic’ design language, with an enlarged lower grille, extended headlights and contoured bonnet. At the rear, there were revised tail-lights, bumpers and repositioned badges; the hatchback’s rear window was also modified. Inside, there was a restyled central dashboard fascia and instruments.

For the Focus TDCi, a six-speed double clutch transmission was introduced (Ford’s ‘Powershift’); produced by Getrag Ford Transmissions, this transmission had wet clutches and hydraulic actuation.

Safety equipment

Compared to its LT predecessor, safety equipment for the LV Focus was enhanced, with the LX, TDCi and Zetec variants fitted with full-length curtain airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control as standard.

Features

Features were substantially the same as the LT Focus, though the Focus LX and TDCi gained with front fog lamps and the Zetec was further equipped with a six-stack CD player with USB port for iPod integration and footwell illumination.

Brochures

• Brochure: Ford LV Focus (March 2009)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ford Mk.2 Focus