Ford Focus: Intelligent Protection System (IPS)

By Farzana Chaumoo

A breakdown of Ford’s Intelligent Protection System (IPS).

The Ford Focus has an advanced safety system called the Intelligent Protection System (IPS). This system uses an array of state-of-the-art technologies that were designed to keep its occupants protected. Aside from the usual Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), the Focus is fitted with front and curtain airbags and is encapsulated in an ultrahigh-strength steel safety cage.

These are all the safety features that form part of the Intelligent Protection System (IPS):

Airbags

• Driver and front-passenger airbags
• Driver and front-passenger side-impact airbags
• Side-curtain airbags for front and rear seats

Structure

• Collapsible steering column and pedals for optimised protection of driver’s legs and feet
• Robust, computer-optimised body structure with ultra-rigid safety cell and crumple zones
• Pre-tensioners, load-limiting retractors and height-adjustable mounts on front seatbelts
• Anti-submarining seat bases
• I-size with ISOFIX compatible with outer rear seats

Systems

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Emergency brake warning