Overview of the first and second generation of the Ford Focus

Ford Focus is a compact car of the American company Ford. Since 1999, about 500,000 vehicles have been produced and sold in Russia. As of 2010, the car has become the best-selling foreign vehicle in Russia. In European countries, the model is regularly included in the top ten most purchased cars.

The family S-class car has become the most popular model for Russian drivers. It has changed the already outdated version of the Escort, which desperately asked for a pension. Initially, the new Focus was supposed to become a bestseller and became it almost immediately after its appearance on the automotive market. In this article you will find an overview and description of the first and second generation of the Ford Focus. The whole model range is Ford.

First generation (1998-2005)

The origin of the Focus is considered by many to be the appearance at the Geneva premiere of the coceptual version of the Ghia concept machine, held in 1992. The “trolley” under the name CW170 was kept secret for a long time. A considerable number of foreign car journalists believed that it would become the basis for the “Fiesta”, but they were wrong. The American company has prepared a base for a completely different car – “Focus”.

It is no secret that most of the “photo-hunters” were spying on the novelty, so their works appeared in 1995. Of course, at that time it was not easy to talk about the details of the upcoming car, but any of its lines spoke about the irresistible trend of cardinal changes.

The newest philosophy of designer design was initially “registered” in an official manner at the modest Ka (1996), then at Cougar (1998) and as a result what many people expected happened! Ford Focus was officially introduced.

Interestingly, the name of the machine was approved only in the first part of 1998 – almost before the presentation of the novelty. The company’s management long doubted whether to leave the new model’s name Escort or to change the name, which would correspond to the modern changes in appearance. It is easy to guess what the Americans chose.

Cardinal changes have affected not only the appearance, but also the interior of the vehicle. Graceful and free lines made us remember Mondeo a little, though, on the other hand, they were intertwined with a small Ka. Heavy, fully independent rear suspension Control Blade, which was so proud of “older brother”, became a road for “Focus”.

On this basis, it was decided to make it according to the type of pressed metal. It is necessary to remind that by that time the most part of C-class vehicles had a rear semi-independent suspension. Auto journalists greeted the car loudly and with pathos.

The level of comfort and control was appreciated at its true value. If to compare the car with competitors (Opel Astra and Volkswagen Golf 4), it was obviously better. From appreciable “trumps” the American novelty has received rather democratic price.

Restyling 2002

The debut Ford Focus 1 family went with four bodywork options – a 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon. If we compare the car with the debut generation, the updated model really differed by the presence of innovations.

The restyling machine had modified headlights with built-in indicators and separated parts. The bumper installed in front had no indicators, but received an additional plastic lining. The radiator grille was installed lower, and the “foggers” decided to move.

Optionally, the new product could have a xenon, audio system with changer, navigation system and climate control. They also decided to change the console placed in the center – apart from the shape, they changed the color color color, making a choice of several new colors.

The armchairs were changed a little bit, other colors of body painting were introduced. In addition, there is a new diesel engine based on the European modification Zetec 1.6.

Specifications

Engine

Speaking of power units, the American company has equipped Focus with an extensive list of engines. From the older model (Mondeo) the car got good Zetec-E engines with a volume of 1.8 and 2.0 liters. From Fiesta – engines with low fuel consumption Zetec-SE 1.4 and 1.6 liters.

From the beginning, the only engine on the engine list was the Endura TDDI, which was the prototype of the Deutz concept version that the company used on its 1980s machines. Later, in 2002, it was replaced by the improved Ford Focus 1 Duratorq TDCI engine.

Together with the power units worked 4 transmissions to choose from. This could be a 5-speed MTX-75 on “mechanics” (synchronized with 2.0, RS, 1.8 TDCi and 1.8 TDDi), 5-speed IB5 on “mechanics” (worked with 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines), 6-speed Getrag 285 also on the “mechanics” and 4-speed 4F27E on the “machine” (put on the “engines” volume of 1.6 and 2.0 liters).

In addition, Ford has prepared for its own customers a version with a sports bias. For 1 family it was 2 charged versions: ST170 and RS.

Safety

In addition to the main consumer advantages, the car pretty well presented itself during the crash-tests. Ford Focus 1 generation received from EuroNCAP 4 stars out of 5 possible to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, as well as 2 out of 4 stars in the degree of pedestrian safety assessment. The European company tested a five-door 1.6-liter modification.

1st Generation Sports Versions

ST170

The model was released under the auspices of Ford in 2002. Later the sports car began to be sold all over the world. The charged version differed from the standard version by its improved appearance and interior, powerful powertrain and sports parameters of the main units.

In serial production the model lasted until 2004, after which it lost its niche to the full successor of the 2 families. Series ST received an atmospheric 2.0-liter gasoline “four”, developing 172 “horses”. Together with the “engine” worked 6-speed “mechanics”. The car was front-wheel drive.

In contrast to the usual modification, the Ford Focus ST170 was accelerated to the first hundred in 7.4-8.5 seconds. The speed limit is 216-220 kilometers per hour. During the average ride the engine consumed from 9.1 to 9.4 liters for every 100 km in a mixed cycle.

The “heated” car was built on the platform C170, where there was an independent scheme of “walking” in front of and behind – racks such as MacPherson and “multilever” with the function of steering.

The 300 mm disc brakes with ventilation function were in front, and the rear wheels were with 280 mm discs. In general, the car was notable for its sportiness in the exterior and interior, rather strong engine, satisfying the dynamics, good equipment, confident design and productive braking system.

RS

The car was also released in 2002. The vehicle was produced at the Saarluisk plant until 2004. In total, only 4,501 three-door hatchback trucks were produced. Inside the RS (Rally Sport) series there was a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter Duratec engine with turbocharger and direct injection.

As a result, it allowed to develop 215 hp at 5,500 rpm and 310 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. It synchronized the work of such a strong “engine” with a six-speed manual gearbox, which transmitted the torque to the front axle.

It was possible to accelerate up to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Maximum speed was 232 km/h. The engine required about 10.1 litres of fuel for every 100 kilometres of travel. The “first” model of the Focus RS was built on the platform of the standard Focus.

The suspension was independent, with McPherson racks and screw springs at the front and a multilever structure on the rear wheels. If in front of the truck there were disk ventilated mechanisms, then the old drums were placed on the rear wheels.

The exterior of the Ford Focus RS 1 has a persistent appearance, rather than the “standard” version, a salon with sports qualities, a strong turbocharged engine, a stable manner of behavior on the road and a pleasant dynamic performance.

Second generation (2004-2011)

For the first time the second generation of the Ford Focus car appeared in the autumn of 2004 at the Paris Motor Show. American specialists showed the serial variant in 2 bodies – 3-door and 5-door hatchback. Shortly afterwards, a 4-door saloon was demonstrated at the Beijing Motor Show, which was produced as a prototype.

The second version with the name C307 used the “trolley” C1 – the same as Volvo C40, B50, C70, Mazda 3 and Ford S-Max. The management of the company decided to tastefully call the global platform for various purposes – “Global Shared Technologies” – such a name was fully justified.

The pendant, praised in the 1st series, was moved to the second generation, but with some changes. The body frame increased in rigidity by 10 percent, which had a positive effect on handling. The size of the new product also increased. The new vehicle had a function:

• KeyFree;
• Sun reflective windshield;
• Adaptive headlights;
• Bluetooth;
• Voice control of audio system and telephone;
• Climate control system.

In addition, the Ford Focus 2 has received a new transmission in the form of Durashift: 6-speed “mechanics” and 4-speed “automatic”. Stylistically, the new model was made again according to the analogues of Mondeo and Fiesta.

Tangible innovations include the interior design materials. Instead of inexpensive plastic, shining in the debut family, began to use high quality plastic. The central console was improved, so it looked better and was similar to Mondeo.  The range of power units has undergone some changes.

Employees of the company modified the “engines” of 1.4 and 1.6 liters, and Zetec-SE power units were not installed at all. They were replaced by the Duratec family with the famous 1.6-liter Duratec Ti-VCT, which is able to switch off valves in order to save gasoline.

After a while the updated model was replaced by a 1.8-liter Duratec. Unique “engines” of 1.6 and 1.8 liters volume were changed to Duratec HE. It was taken from Mazda MZR. The family of diesel engines was also updated. Two engines: 1.6 liters for 90 “horses and 2.0 liters Duratorq decided to buy from the French PSA.

Safety

Speaking of safety, Ford Focus 2 was able to surprise you. The car was able to pick up the highest security scores from EuroNCAP. The American received 5 points for driver and passenger safety, 4 points for child protection and 2 points for pedestrian protection. “Focus managed to outpace its own advanced competitors, Renault Megan and Volkswagen Golf, in terms of safety.

Modifications

• Ambiente;
• Trend;
• Comfort;
• Ghia;
• Ghia-SE;
• Titanium;
• Titanium-SE.

2008 restyling

Shown in the autumn of 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Showroom, the updated car was launched in December of the same year in serial production. The following year the new product was delivered to dealerships. The new car became a reasonable continuation of 2 series in a new stylistic branch of the American company under the name “Kinetic design”.

Based on the last update, the last version “presented” only the body itself. The rear and side parts were changed not so much. It was possible to notice door stampings, rear bumper restyling, added spoiler and changed shape of external mirrors. The front area of the Ford Focus 2 restyling has been changed a lot.

All lighting equipment and body parts were copied from the Ford Mondeo – headlights with a broken top line, a relief hood and dedicated wheel arches can be distinguished. In the cabin a massive silver insert between the “wells” of the engine speed sensor and the speed sensor was added. The motors completed on the restyled “Focus”, have not changed.

RS 2

The second series of the American sports car with the RS index appeared at the International Motor Show in London in 2008. Next year, they began to produce this “charged” car in serial order. The sports Focus had a redesigned “engine” from the ST version, a sports dodger and three types of body painting.

Finished producing Ford Focus 2 PC in 2010. Changed its model Ford Focus RS 500, which differed in body painting, a little different size and forced motor. It is about MS 500 that will go a little bit lower. The sports version of the Ford Focus 2 RS was produced only in the three-door hatchback body and painted in 3 original colors – “Ultimate Green”, “Performance Blue” and “Frozen White”.

The sports car had a plastic aerodynamic dodger with a massive spoiler. Thanks to this, it was possible to achieve a low level of aerodynamic body resistance, which does not exceed the value of 0.38 Cx. Inside the “RSKI” there are 4 seats, and the interior is decorated in sporty style with relief seats Recaro.

There is also an uninterrupted central console and massive dials, which facilitate the reading of indicators. As mentioned above, the sports car had a Duratec engine from the ST version. But the power plant Ford Focus 2 was significantly upgraded, which provided an opportunity to improve its performance.

In fact, it was a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder in-line engine with a 20-valve gas distribution mechanism such as DOHC, but it had an inlet manifold, improved sequential gasoline injection system and a turbine Borg Warner K16, which was doubled in pressure boost.

These changes allowed the engine power to be increased to 305 “horses” at 6,500 rpm, and the torque limit increased to 440 Nm, held in the range from 2,250 to 4,500 rpm. Now acceleration to the first hundred took only 5.9 seconds, and the maximum speed increased to 263 km/h.

Do not think that such a powerful engine “ate” too much fuel – in the combined town mode “engine” consumed about 9.4 liters for every 100 kilometers. Based on its tradition, Ford Focus PC was able to keep the drive on the front wheels, where there was an automatic self-locking differential of high friction Quaife, distributing torque between the front wheels.

As for the suspension, it is independent – it has a RevoKnucle sports suspension on the platform of McPherson racks at the front, which reduces the load on the racks and increases the controllability, and the rear wheels are equipped with a multilever system Control Blade, which compensates for horizontal and vertical vibrations of the wheels.

All implementations have increased the stability of the Ford Focus 2 RS. All wheels have ventilated disc brakes with more reliable calipers. It’s easier to control the sports car with the introduction of a hydraulic power steering system. In total, more than 11,000 vehicles were produced.

RS500

In March 2010 the American concern Ford has informed that release of a sports car RS 2 of a family is planned to stop completely by autumn of the same year. To mark this “closure” the management decided to release a “farewell” limited series of cars in an exclusive version, the circulation of which will not exceed 500 units.

Ford Focus 2 RS500 differed from its “brother” by its body paint, elongated by 40 millimeters wheel track and forced motor. The limited version of the sports car was painted in black matte paint “Panther Black Metallic”.

The PC500 version received on the central console a metal insert with a hand-engraved identification number from 001 to 500, which undoubtedly added an exclusive vehicle.

The power unit was of the same type as the simple version of Focus 2 PC, but it was upgraded, which increased the degree of forcing by integrating the latest exhaust manifold and improving the electronic system. This gave 350 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

The torque increased to 460 Nm at 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. It’s not hard to guess that the limited edition accelerated faster – the first hundred took 5.6 seconds, and the maximum speed was 265 kilometers per hour. The exclusive version of the Focus 2 RS500 almost instantly dispersed across 20 European countries.

We advise you to read the article: Ford History

Ford Focus first and second generation photo

Test drive

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