2008 Ford Focus
By Larry Edsall
On Sale: Fall 2007
Expected Pricing: $15,000-$18,000
The four-door compact may not look special on the outside, but the 2008 Ford Focus will launch new features inside when it goes on sale in late summer/early fall 2007.
Most noteworthy will be Sync, a joint technology venture between Ford and Microsoft. Though Sync will be offered on many Ford vehicles, it will first come to the road in the 2008 Focus.
Ford realizes that most people who have the Focus on their shopping lists grew up online and that they want to stay connected whether they're at home, work or somewhere in between. Sync is an in-car communications and entertainment system that provides access to cell phone or digital music player via spoken commands. It automatically transfers contact information from a cell phone address book to the vehicle's on-board system and can convert incoming text messages into audio so the driver can hear the message without having to read a screen. Further, the driver is able to reply using any of 20 predefined responses.
Also being introduced in the 2008 Ford Focus is a new LED-based ambient lighting system that illuminates front and rear cup holders and foot wells, with the driver able to select from any of seven colors via a dash-mounted control.
Ford says the styling of the new Focus models was inspired by the midsize Ford Fusion. That relationship seems most visible in aspects of the horizontally barred grille. One styling feature that does bring the Focus into focus is the gill-like decoration located on the front fenders just behind the front wheel arches.
A sporty new two-door coupe will join the lineup. Unlike the previous-generation of Focus, there will be no hatchback for 2008. While the sedan appears generic, the coupe does offer some flash in its design.
In addition to Sync and ambient lighting, the Focus interior features silver-metallic finishes. Ford promises the interior of the new Focus will be a quieter place, thanks to additional sound-deadening materials, thicker side windows and a new acoustic windshield.
The Focus will feature Ford's new top-of-dash display with important information higher on the center stack so the driver doesn't need to divert eyes from the road. The center stack has been redesigned with new audio and climate controls, and an auxiliary audio input jack and two power points have been added.
Ford's Personal Safety System is standard equipment and includes side air bags and side-curtain airbags as well as the mandatory front airbags. Surrounding the interior is a stiffer new body, but while the 2008 Focus is stronger, it also is lighter, by some 60 pounds.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which for the 2007 model year is rated at 136 horsepower.
1-800-392-3673
www.fordvehicles.com
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