Technology Features: 2017 Ford Focus

By Farzana Chaumoo

New technology systems on the 2017 Ford Focus.

While some come standard and others are optional, depending on the trim level, these are the new technology systems that can be found on the 2017 Ford Focus.

Active Park Assist

With Active Park Assist, the car can steer you into a parallel or perpendicular parking space that’s just 20% longer or wider than the car.

This happens by the simple push of a button and the innovative sensors on the car will locate a suitable space as you drive past. The car will then automatically steer itself into the space while giving the driver on-screen instructions and audible signals to accelerate and brake.

Park-Out Assist

Similar to Active Park Assist, Park-Out Assist works in reverse. The system assists the driver in manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space. While the driver controls the acceleration and braking, the system will steer itself. Once the car is out of the parking space, a ‘Take control of steering’ message will pop-up on the driver’s cluster.

Rear-view Camera

When the car is put into the reverse gear, the rear-view camera will automatically come on, on the infotainment screen. It allows the driver to see all obstructions behind the car while also displaying special guidance graphics that indicate the width and centre line of the car based on the steering angle.

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Departure Warning is activated when closely approaching the lane road markings without using the indicator. It alerts the driver by means of vibrations through the steering wheel and has also been designed to apply steering torque back towards the lane you were in. This is done in order for the driver to recognise that corrective action is required. This system only works on roads that have clearly visible lane markings and operates at speeds over 65 km/h.

Driver Alert

This system monitors driving behaviour and activates if it senses the driver is experiencing a drop in alertness levels. Initially, a warning icon will pop up on the instrument cluster suggesting the driver to take a break. If driving alertness seems to be dropping further then the message will be repeated and combined with a chime.

Adaptive Bi-xenon headlamps

Newer Ford Focus models are fitted with bi-xenon headlamps that were designed to not only be beautiful but also functional. The intelligent headlamp system will detect different road conditions and automatically select the appropriate beam pattern for enhanced illumination. Better yet, when going through tight bends, the static cornering headlamp feature illuminates the inside of a corner when you turn the steering wheel into the direction of turn.

Active City Stop

The Active City Stop system monitors the road ahead. If a potential collision is detected, the system will automatically apply brakes to help avoid or minimise the impact. The system will help avoid or minimise the impact of a collision between speeds of 3.6 and 30 km/h. The system may not work in some driving and road conditions, or in adverse weather.