2005 Ford Focus Review

Specifications

Will a Facelift Be Enough to Spur on Sales Against Tough Competition?

To be honest, this one caught me off guard. You see, Ive been expecting Ford to introduce a completely revised second-generation Focus for a while now. After all, there were several clues which Id taken as a good indication something completely new was on the way, namely the introduction of the worldwide global C1 compact platform that is the basis for Volvos upcoming S40/V50 and the new Mazda3 thats already in showrooms, plus the addition of the European Focus C-Max.

Next in line to receive the C1 treatment would expectedly be the blue ovals bread and butter Focus. No doubt it will come, but only after a “mid-cycle” facelift tries to lure buyers back into the brands dealerships. Will the changes be enough to combat Volkswagens completely redesigned Golf Mk V?

No doubt purveyors of the domestic brand will be chuckling to themselves as they read reports of Volkswagens inability to bring the flashy new Golf replacement to its European market without serious problems, most of which revolve around a lack of consumer demand that could be resultant of reported technical glitches. But the majority of these challenges should have been resolved by the time the Golf hits America, which means sales of the European-designed Focus will be under threat.

With this in mind the most noticeable change to Fords compact is a visual makeover for the exterior. For those who are familiar with the brands European midsize Mondeo, the 2005 Focus face will seem familiar. Gone are the once controversial triangular shaped headlamps with grille-mounted turn-signal indicators, in favor of Mondeo-esque rounded four-sided headlamps with crystal-clear lens covers and a more distinctive mesh grille. These updates, along with a revised front air dam and bumper, give the Focus a handsome and sophisticated look.

Its tail has also been modified, with European-style taillights and a cleaner trunk lid. Ford hasnt touched the cars trademark flared fenders. Altogether it is still recognizable as a Focus despite the update, but now Fords compact model is effectively brought up to date, keeping it fresh and very stylish.

Under the shiny finish the Focus makes use of a harder alloy metal to resist dings and dents, ensuring that its sharp lines will remain that way, while making its structure stiffer benefiting everything from handling to crash safety.

Another key area which Ford focused on in the revision of the Focus was the engine lineup. Two new engines will step in and take the place of three older engines, promising to be cleaner, greener and meaner. Basic Foci (plural for focus) will receive an update of the workhorse Duratec 2.0 liter inline four. Featuring dual overhead camshafts, and sixteen valves, it creates a competitive 136 horsepower. This engine claims an impressive 32 percent reduction in smog-forming pollutants, and even better fuel economy.

While 136 horsepower is plenty to move a compact vehicle around, there will be a segment of enthusiasts who will simply crave more. Fitted to the top of the line ZX4 ST sedan, will be an all-new 2.3 liter Duratec engine. Under the same name as its hot European sibling, the ST model yields 150 free-revving horsepower. Essentially Ford has taken the solid Duratec 2.0 and revamped it with performance parts from Fords SVT division, plus pumped up the displacement and tuned the exhaust to help the engine generate a 10 percent increase in power and 16 percent torque boost.

While an increase in power for the Focus sedan has been announced, I cant help but feel a loss for the current performance model, the Focus SVT. As for now it will be put to rest, however, it is expected that a new high-performance variant will be released to strike back at rivals in the compact performance market.

An area, which the Focus has always excelled in, is ride and handling. Lauded by magazines worldwide for impressive road-holding, agility and just overall enjoyment, the Focus has been further improved to maintain top ratings among emerging competition. Its front strut and rear multi-link suspension layout, along with its ingenious Control-Blade setup, has been kept intact, with the addition of a larger anti-roll bar. At 21 mm (0.83 inches) up front and 20 mm (0.79 inches) in back, the larger bar will improve turn-in feel while reducing lateral movement and body roll.

Larger wheels and tires have been fitted across the range, topping out with optional 205/50R16 Pirelli performance tires wrapped in beautiful 16-inch alloys. On basic models, the spring rates have been softened slightly to improve comfort, reportedly without compromising handling and ride. The performance ST model will utilize the same springs and dampers as the European Focus ST170, which equates to a ride that is 50 percent stiffer than SE and SES models. Ford has also added larger brakes to improve stopping performance.

Another noticeable area of improvement is the Focus interior. Addressing quality and design issues, Ford has given the Focus a new dashboard, enhanced color themes and higher quality materials. A simpler symmetrical dashboard has been fitted, which is easier on the eyes than that in the current model. Revisions to the heating, ventilation and stereo controls will make for better navigation as well as a look thats less cluttered. Two-tone beige or gray color schemes added to the seats, fascia and door panels, create a lighter, airier ambiance. On the ZX4 ST, Ford has created a sportier atmosphere with aluminum-look trim on the instrumentation plus leather seating surfaces with perforated suede inserts. Molded cupholders, pockets and cubbyholes have been scattered throughout for easy storage.

When can you get one? Ford has already started production of the 05 model Focus, with expected dealership arrival to take place in spring of 2004. It will be offered in the same configurations as the current model, namely three door hatchback, five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and wagon, however final assembly has changed. All models as of 2005 will be produced in the Wayne, Michigan plant as opposed to the Hermosillo, Mexico assembly facility.

Over the past four years, albeit plagued with recalls, the Focus has racked up awards for initial quality from J.D. Power & Associates as well as dedicated car magazines such as Car & Driver. These new changes will ensure that Fords compact entry stays at the top of its class. Prices have not been announced as of yet, but expect them to be competitive with the current market.