Ford Focus Euro NCAP 5 Stars
The Focus sets the benchmark and you're unlikely to find a better handling small saloon for your money.
There is a plethora of models and trim levels to choose from across the range of saloon, hatchback, cabriolet, estate and ST models. Engines range from the economical 1.4 all the way up to the high performance 2.5, with most available in both petrol and diesel
versions.
Trim levels start with the basic Studio and go upward Titanium, each offering a good range of equipment. As youd expect, the options list is extensive and features satellite navigation, rear mounted DVD player, electrically-adjustable front seats and pedals, rear sun-blinds and leather upholstery.
The saloon is only available in Focus's higher trim levels
The fast and sporty ST is the long-awaited successor to the Focus RS and latest in a long line of fast Fords that stretches back decades. The 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbocharged unit produces a top speed of 152mph and a scintillating 0 to 62 mph in a mere 6.8 seconds. Available in three and five-door configurations the ST is
offered in three separate trim levels ST1, ST2 and ST3.
All Focus Coupe Cabriolet models (available in CC-1, CC-2 and CC-3 trim levels) offer a good selection of standard kit, with adaptive headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, two grades of satellite navigation and
xenon headlamps available as optional extras.
The wallet conscious amongst us, or those concerned about preserving the planet for future generations, may wish to look at the 1.6 Duratorq TDCi which produces fantastic fuel consumption figures of 70.70mpg extra urban and 60.1mpg combined. Whats more with emissions of only 124g/km and a VED banding of C this
small family saloon is near the forefront of green technology for traditionally fuelled vehicles.
All models come well equipped with safety equipment as evidenced by the fact that the Focus received a top five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and a further four stars for child protection. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive headlights and a traction and stability control system. Anti-theft measures should be pretty good with all models getting an immobiliser and an alarm is fitted on higher spec models. The Coupe Cabriolet has not yet been rated but there is no reason why this should be rated any differently, especially given the high level of safety and security features included.
Every new Ford car sold is protected by a 3 year/60,000 miles Ford Protect Classic Plan Warranty. In addition, it will also come with Ford Assistance for 1 year, providing roadside assistance in the UK and throughout Europe.
About the manufacturer
Ford has been at the forefront of Alternative Fuel Vehicle research and technology for the past 40 years They market more vehicles that run on a wider range of alternative fuels (including Compressed Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, methanol, ethanol and electricity) than any other manufacturer.
As part of their environmental commitment, Ford have developed a complete vehicle recycling programme, encompassing design-for-recycling guidelines, increased use of recycled material, and reducing hazardous materials.
Since 2000 Ford have cut Co2 emissions at its plants and facilities by 15 percent and are targeting further reductions. At its main plant in Michigan they have built the world's largest ecologically inspired living roofabout 500,000 square feet!
Fords hybrid vehicles help save money, fuel and of course the environment. Ford does however accept that emissions are still released when hybrids are built. So, in 2007 they are going a step further by piloting a carbon offset program for hybrids. This program will fund clean-energy projects, such as wind energy, to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the same amount required to build its hybrids.
Ford Motor Company's Onboard Reductant Delivery system received an R&D 100 Award (an Oscar for Inventions" - from R&D Magazine) which recognizes the top new inventions in the US. Past winners include such items as the ATM, anti-lock braking systems, and the fax machine. The ORD system enables exhaust treatment systems to help meet stringent future diesel
emissions standards worldwide, including European Stage IV and V limits for smog-forming emissions. The ORD system can be easily retrofitted onto existing diesel vehicles for approximately one-tenth of the cost of existing retrofit systems.
Ford is investing billions to develop technologies to reduce Co2 emissions from new cars and trucks. It is also committed, amongst other things, to recycling more vehicle components, using more green materials and effectively managing waste to benefit the planet. However it doesnt stop there the company also supports a number of indirect initiatives;
The Wildlife Habitat Council and Ford Motor Company have created "Wildlife at Work" at Ford facilities in the US, England, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico, which encourages communities to create wildlife sites and educational programs on the importance of preserving endangered species.
Conservation International is a field-based, non-profit
organization that protects those spectacular areas in which life is most abundant, and helps the people who live there improve their quality of life. Ford has committed over $5 million to CI's conservation efforts in Mexico and Brazil.
Through its Greener Miles Program Ford have developed a partnership with TerraPass, under which you can calculate the amount of CO2 your vehicle emits, then purchase a TerraPass that funds projects to reduce CO2 emissions elsewhere by the same amount. Know as Carbon offsets these projects include
development of cleaner renewable energy sources such as wind energy or making power from dairy farm manure.