Ford Focus Range gains Four New 1.0 EcoBoost PowerShift Automatic Models to Local Line-up

If you love the award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine but you’re shy of that manual transmission, here’s some good news for you: Four Focuses now gain the 1.0 EcoBoost engine and PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission-combo.

The PowerShift and EcoBoost pairing is available in both Ambiente and Trend specification levels for the Focus five-door hatch as well as the four-door sedan.

"The Focus is a stand-out model for Ford as it showcases our unsurpassed design, technology, safety and performance, all matched to outstanding value for money in the extremely competitive C-segment," says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.

"With the expanded line-up we combined the remarkable performance and fuel economy of the 1.0 EcoBoost engine with the outstanding responsiveness and driving dynamics of the high-tech dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission.

"By making the combination available on sedan and hatchback models, and in both Ambiente and Trend specification levels, these two great technologies are more accessible than ever. The Focus 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente, in particular, offers exceptional value for money for private, company and fleet buyers alike," Delate says.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is no stranger to accolades, with quite a few prestigious awards such as International Engine of the Year (for three consecutive years) under its 3-cylinder belt. The 1.0 EcoBoost offers 92kW and 170Nm of torque. Newly matched to the PowerShift automatic transmission, Ford says it will only use 5.5 litres of fuel per 100 km. Realistically, it will probably be closer to 7. Other  fuel-saving technologies include Auto-Start-Stop and the Active Grille Shutter to reduce CO2 emissions. Then there’s Ford's Smart Regenerative Charging system. How does it work? It selectively engages the alternator and charges the battery when the vehicle is coasting and braking, to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost - resulting in reduced engine load for lower fuel consumption. This technology is widely used in the more premium German sedans as well.

All Focuses come generously equipped.Standard features on the entry-level Ambiente model include remote central locking, front electric windows and mirrors, dual front and side airbags, electric power-assisted steering, a trip computer with EcoMode and temperature gauge, as well as manual air-conditioning.

On the multimedia front, the Focus boasts an audio system with six speakers, a 4.2-inch screen, Ford SYNC® with Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as two USB ports, an auxiliary input and dual 12-volt power sockets.

The safety features comprise all-disc ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control and Hill Launch Assist. Ford's second-generation MyKey system is also fitted as standard for programming selected driving and in-car entertainment features.

In Trend specification, the Focus 1.0 EcoBoost gains 16-inch dual-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps, cruise control with speed limiter, electric windows all round, curtain airbags and power-operated child-proof rear door locks.

The Focus is also available with a 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine that produces maximum power of 132kW and 240Nm of torque. All 1.5 models are supplied in Trend specification, and can be purchased with either a six-speed manual transmission or the conventional six-speed automatic gearbox with SelectShift manual control.

As for personalisation, buyers have the option of a Styling Pack on the five-door Trend models, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, privacy glass, automatic headlamps, adaptive bi-Xenon HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, as well as power-adjustable and heated folding side mirrors.

The available Driver Assistance Pack (which is optional on the Trend model, adds Ford's latest driver assistance features. These include Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Aid, Active Park Assist (with perpendicular and parallel parking), Pull-Out Assist, Active City Stop, rear-view camera, plus front and rear parking sensors.

This brings the total number of Focus models available in South Africa to 14, including the two range-topping Ford Focus ST’s.

Model range and Pricing (Including VAT and Emissions Tax):

Four-door sedan:
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente Manual	R228 900
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente PowerShift Automatic	R241 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend Manual	R250 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend PowerShift Automatic	R262 900
1.5 EcoBoost Trend Manual	R281 900
1.5 EcoBoost Trend Automatic	R299 900
Five-door hatch:
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente Manual	R233 900
1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente PowerShift Automatic	R246 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend Manual	R255 900
1.0 EcoBoost Trend PowerShift Automatic	R267 900
1.5 EcoBoost Trend Manual	R287 900
1.5 EcoBoost Trend Automatic	R304 900
ST Five-door hatch:
2.0 EcoBoost ST1 Manual	R403 900
2.0 EcoBoost ST3 Manual	R443 900

                                            
As part of Ford Protect, all models are sold with a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, four-year/80 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.