@Ford: Ford Focus Popularity Hits 4-year High as Active X Vignale Model Introduced and EcoBoost Hybrid on the Way

  • Ford Focus year-to-date sales are at their strongest since 2015; 194,700 Focus sales up to the end of October is equivalent to one sale every 135 seconds
  • Focus offers broadest choice in its segment – now expanded with new high-specification Active X Vignale crossover. New Focus EcoBoost Hybrid powertrain coming next year
  • Customers highlight styling, technology and space as leading reasons for purchase

The most diverse Ford Focus line-up ever is out in force, boosting Ford’s share in the competitive compact car segment – up 1.8 per cent year over year.

Focus year-to-date sales in Ford’s 20 key European markets are at their strongest since 2015, with 194,700 vehicles sold as of the end of October – equivalent to one Focus sale every 135 seconds.1

Ford has now sold more than a quarter of a million new Focus cars since the model became available to order in June 2018.

“From the Focus five-door model to the wagon, from Active to ST, there is no wider choice offered to customers in the segment,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “And all models come with great design and technology.”

The comprehensive line-up of Focus variants, body styles and powertrains – broader than any other competitor offering – is further expanded with the introduction of the new Focus Active X Vignale model.

Combining the upscale specification of the Focus Vignale with the rugged exterior styling, raised ride height and a bespoke chassis configuration of the Focus Active, standard Focus Active X Vignale features include exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels, contrast black roof and door mirrors, LED headlamps, and Vignale leather seats and steering wheel. Sophisticated standard technologies include Active Park Assist and Focus’ segment-first head-up display.2

Ford will introduce a new EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain for Focus customers next year, tailored to enhance fuel efficiency while complementing Ford’s fun-to-drive experience with more powerful and responsive performance. It is one of 14 electrified models to be introduced in Europe by the company before the end of 2020, including eight this year.

Ford research shows almost 40 per cent of Focus customers consider the model’s exterior styling to be the main reason for purchase. A further 20 per cent are most attracted by the equipment offering that includes available Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring technologies for negotiating stop-start traffic.3

Focus’ roomy interior – especially in the rear – was also among the stand-out characteristics for customers. Class-leading rear knee-room is improved by 5 centimetres compared with the outgoing model.

The new Focus became available to order in June 2018, beginning with the stylish Titanium, sporty ST‑Line and upscale Vignale versions. The versatile and SUV-inspired Focus Active crossover also launched in late 2018.

Earlier this year, Ford introduced the Ford Performance-developed Focus ST – capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h (0‑62 mph) in 5.7 seconds equipped with Ford’s acclaimed 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivering 285 PS, and six-speed manual transmission. A 190 PS 2.0‑litre EcoBlue engine is also available – the most powerful diesel engine ever offered for a Ford Focus model.4

Even customers who do not need the full performance capability appreciate ST styling. Nearly a third of new Focus vehicles are ST-Line models, making it the most popular version among Focus customers. All Focus variants are offered in five-door and wagon body styles.

Ford has sold more than 7 million Focus cars in Europe since the first generation was introduced in 1998.

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1Ford of Europe reports sales for its 20 European traditional markets where it is represented through National Sales Companies: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland

2Driver-assist features are supplemental to and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle.

3Based on responses from 623 customers in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom

4Focus five-door CO2 emissions from 92 g/km, fuel efficiency from 3.5 l/100 km NEDC. Focus ST 2.3-litre EcoBoost five-door CO2 emissions from 179 g/km, fuel efficiency from 7.9 l/100 km NEDC. Focus ST 2.0‑litre EcoBlue five-door CO2 emissions from 125 g/km, fuel efficiency from 4.8 l/100 km NEDC

The declared fuel/energy consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car’s fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Since 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles are being type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) according to (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended, which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Since 1 September 2018 the WLTP has begun replacing the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the outgoing test procedure. During NEDC Phase-out, WLTP fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are being correlated back to NEDC. There will be some variance to the previous fuel economy and emissions as some elements of the tests have altered i.e., the same car might have different fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

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