Ford Focus - Available Since 1998

Ford’s Focus has since 1998 sold more than 10 million units sold globally and now the ageing model has been given a ‘makeover’ along with new engines.

Available in two body shapes (sedan and hatch-back), three engines with improved specification levels; and offered as a 1.6 or 2-litre petrol engines and a diesel option.

The three specification levels are the entry level Ambiente, high-specification Trend and a 125kW Sport version only available on the 2-litre hatchback.

 DESIGN

The third generation Ford Focus has been completely changed when compared with its predecessor:

·         The new model sports a new ‘grille’ and wrap-around headlights adding enormous ‘sporty’ appeal to the vehicle.

·         At the rear the styling is rather tame for the sedan, but the hatchback now has a new rear spoiler providing a more sporty appeal over the sedan.

·         The new Focus hatch-back now has its own unique design to help set itself apart from other models. 

ENGINES

·         Ford’s 1.6 engine (available on sedan and hatchback) produces 92kw power,

·         The two-litre GDi produces 125kW power for both body styles.

·         The 2.0 TDCi engine, only available in the sedan, produces 120kW power.

·         The 1.6 power plant is mated to a five-speed manual transmission while both the petrol and diesel two-litre engines are mated to Ford’s six-speed PowerShift auto.

FUEL ECONOMY

Hatch-Back - Fuel economy on the hatchback is rated at a claimed 5.9 litres/100km (1.6) and 6.7litres/100km (2.0).

Sedan - Fuel consumption figures for the sedan is rated at a claimed 6.0litres/100km for the 1.6 engine and 6.4litres/100km for the petrol 2.0 GDi.

The fuel economy is much lower on the diesel auto compared to the petrol 2.0, with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.3litres/100km. The 2.0 TDCi has a fuel economy of 5 litres/100km...

PowerShift Auto

The new PowerShift Auto provides seamless gear shifts ideal for city or extra urban driving need.

Driver, passenger and side airbags are offered as standard across the range, along with ABS and EBD.

INTERIOR

The Fiesta influence is obvious especially with the ‘cloned dials and centre console’.

Has ample head and leg room, intuitive controls and a boot that’s capable of swallowing any luggage load are all traits of a great family car.

The Focus hatchback has nearly 60 litres less boot space compared to the Volkswagen Golf, but at 316 litres it’s still pretty ample.

The 2.0 Sport hatchback’s interior is quite different from the “busy” Fiesta-inspired design 

OVERALL

Overall the new model is a perfect example of evolution over revolution. The Focus is a stylish family-oriented sedan and although it’s got a new makeover the Focus doesn’t skimp on practicality or quality. If you don’t buy one of these, an annoying work mate or a loves-to-rub-it-in-your-face neighbour will, and you’ll kick yourself for not buying it, as it’s quite simply a superb vehicle.

The Focus is offered with a five-year or 90 000km service plan, with 20 000km service intervals.

Comments from International Auto Websites

Auto Express

"For the first time, the Focus gets electric power-steering and torque vectoring. The former is more efficient than a regular hydraulic set-up and helps to save fuel, while the latter subtly brakes the driven wheels to mimic a limited-slip differential."

Parker's

"This, the third-generation Focus shouldn’t really be any different, and although the design is a fairly sizeable departure from its predecessor, it is easily recognisable as a Focus: Ford has played it pretty safe. The engine line-up remains much the same, except for the addition of a 1.6-litre Ecoboost unit offering 147bhp and 180bhp outputs. The new car’s longer, but it is lower, which helps to keep CO2 emissions down and there’s also a long list of new active safety features available."

What Car?

"The latest Focus only enhances Ford’s reputation for building brilliant driving motorcars. All models are well equipped and competitively priced."

The Ford S-Max Concept

The Ford S-Max Concept was presented last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show!!!

Is this the sign the Blue Oval is prepping an all new generation of the highly successful MPV`s for the Paris Motor Show?

After a year or so since our first glimpse on what`s in store, here it is, cool dads and moms, the all-new Ford S-Max in allits glory.

Ford says it`s the new class leader in terms of fuel economy and driving dynamics.

Underneath that lovely body shell, there`s a new platform that`s shared with the next-generation Ford Mondeo. `Adaptive Steering` is also on the menu, changing the steering rack`s speed according to vehicle velocity, which translates to impressive manoeuvrability round town and tight parking spaces.

Ford Cars And Concepts

As for styling, there`s trapezoidal grilles here, sculpted headlights with LED daytime running lights there, a little bit of new Focus, some Fiesta as well, you know, much of what we first seen on the Ford S-Max Concept from last year.

Like a true, modern seven-seat family hauler, the new Ford S-Max boasts with amenities such as power-folding seats on both the second and third row of seats. It`s even got a hands-free boot lid a la the new Ford Escape, marketed in Europe as the Kuga. Although Ford has been scant with the details, side airbags at the back, Sync2 info-tainment and heated/ventilated massage front seats are some of the available features already confirmed.

New-gen active parking is also available, a gizmo that can even do perpendicular parking. As if that wasn`t enough, the system alerts you of crossing traffic when you reverse from the parking spot. In addition to that, the new S-Max gets auto braking, blind spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. Slated to go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2015, it`s still a mystery what powertrain options customers will be offered.

We expect the same old 2-litre TDCi turbo diesel coupled to either a six-speed stick shift or the dual-clutch Powershift box, with power ranging from 118 to 177 horsepower. In addition to them oil burners, we also expect to get 1.5-litre and 2-litre EcoBoost petrol mills with 158 and 237 horsepower, respectively.

Last but not least, voices hint that four-wheel drive will be introduced as well.

Via autoevolution.com

15/09/2014

Ford Tourneo in South Africa

FORD SOUTH AFRICA has expanded its line-up withthe introduction of the ‘Tourneo Custom’ eight-seater bus.

·         Available in short and long-wheelbase

·         The short wheelbase measures 4 972mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2 933mm.

·         This stretches to 5 339mm and 3 300mm for the long wheelbase, translating to extra luggage space behind the third row of seats in the Tourneo

Standard Features

Standard features across include air conditioning, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat (which is heated), steering-wheel-mounted controls, door mirrors with blind-spot eliminator, integrated side indicators, manual headlamp levelling and headlights with 30-second courtesy delay.

Safety

Standard safety features include driver airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill-launch assist, load adaptive control, emergency brake warning and roll-over mitigation.

Engine

Powered by Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine and coupled to a six-speed manual transmission.

Seating

The Tourneo bus is comfortable, fun, spacious and versatile people mover.

The seats in the two rear rows can be folded into over 30 permutations or can be removed in segments or altogether. All eight seats are provided with integral three-point lap- and shoulder-style seatbelts.

The Ford Tourneo With Spacious Interior

The Tourneo will be powered by either the low- or mid-powered versions of the 2.2-litre diesel engine and will be available in Ambiente and Trend specifications.

Ambiente trim features passenger, curtain and side airbags, eight rear coat hooks, radio/CD with aux, USB and Bluetooth functionality and a host of courtesy lights. Specify Trend and your Tourneo will see the addition of Ford SYNC™ multimedia system, cruise control and front fog lights, among many others. Rear air conditioner is an optional extra.

The Tourneo comes standard with a 4-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty. A 5-year/90 000km service plan is standard on the Tourneo as well as price a 3-year/unlimited kilometres roadside assistance.

The Ford Ranger - Versatile and Capable

The All-New Ford Ranger Bakkie has been re-engineered to combine the model’s traditional strength and durability and at the same time providing increased loading capability, improved performance and economy, enhanced comfort and safety, smarter technology and that ‘Tough ‘new look.

Built under the ‘One Ford’ strategy as part of a global product programme, bringing together the full engineering expertise of Ford around the world.

Developed in Australia and produced in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina and distributed for sale in more than 180 markets worldwide

Versatile and Capable

New Ranger will be offered with a choice of three cab body styles – Single Cab, RAP (Rear Access Panel) Cab and Double Cab – along with the option of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, two ride heights and up to five series choices to suit every pocket and market.

European customers will have a choice of two new state-of-the-art Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels which deliver improved power, torque and fuel efficiency: 2.2-litre (150PS and 375Nm) and 3.2-litre (200PS and 470Nm).

Building on Ranger’s long-standing reputation for strength and dependability:

·         A larger load box offers increased carrying volume with all cab styles;

·         Generous towing capacity ranging up to a best-in-class 3350 kg;

·         And models with the 2.2-litre diesel have an outstanding payload capacity of up to 1333 kg.

The Ford Ranger 4x4 South Africa

Improved Comfort & Technology

A re-designed cabin offers generous space and superb craftsmanship, and is packed with the kind of smart technologies which are more commonly found on contemporary passenger cars.

These range from features like satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and Voice Control, to the Rear View Camera System with a display integrated in the rear view mirror which is unique in the pick-up class.

Safety Features

The all-new Ranger has been engineered to deliver class-leading safety performance.

·         Incredibly strong high-strength steel passenger cell structure.

·         Advanced restraint systems – including new side curtain airbags and thorax-protecting front-seat side airbags fitted as standard across all cab styles in Europe.

·         The new model also utilises an array of technologies - Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system to help the vehicle keep its wheels sturdily planted on the road under all conditions.

Tough and Dependable

The all-new Ranger has undergone one of the toughest development and testing regimes ever undertaken for a vehicle of this type. Subjected to severe heat, cold, monsoon rains, high altitudes, rushing rivers, arid deserts and potholed roads.

Tough Styling

·         Bold new exterior style.

·         The Wildtrak version takes Ranger’s sporty appearance even further, with a unique colour split on the front.

·         Sitting high on 18-in alloy wheels, the Wildtrak also comes with a roof rack and a sports hoop which enhance its profile.

·         Exclusive Wildtrak badging and graphics help to set it apart from other lifestyle vehicles.

Three spacious and versatile cabs

Offered in a choice of three cab body styles – Single Cab, RAP Cab and Double Cab – to suit the diverse needs of pick-up customers. All three cab styles are among the roomiest in the segment.

The two-door Single Cab is a two-seater that provides exceptional load space. For additional storage and space to seat four people, the innovative RAP Cab – first introduced on the Ranger in 2002 – has a unique four-door system that provides unobstructed access to the cabin via two forward-hinged doors and two rear-hinged access panels. The four-door Double Cab has plenty of room for five adults, providing flexibility for both leisure and business.

More Economy

Ranger customers will have a choice of two new state-of-the-art common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels which serve up exceptional performance with more power and torque, while also delivering outstanding fuel efficiency.

The 150PS 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine replaces the previous 2.5-litre unit in the Ranger line up, and with a substantial 375Nm of torque offers over 13 per cent more pulling power. When fitted to a 4×2 model, it consumes as little as 7.6 L/100 km (37.2 mpg)* in the combined cycle – a reduction in fuel consumption of over 10 per cent compared to the previous model – making it one of the most fuel-efficient pick-ups in the segment.

The formidable new 200PS 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel engine delivers a stump-pulling
470Nm of torque, over 23 per cent more than the 3.0-litre engine it replaces. Its fuel consumption in a combined cycle is among the leaders in this area, ranging from 8.4 L/100 km (33.6mpg)* on a 4×2 variant to 9.6 L/100 km (29.4mpg)* on a full-option 4×4 model.

With a generous 80-litre fuel tank, new Ford Ranger 4x4 South Africa also offers one of the longest ranges in its segment, with as much as 1,000km (620 miles) possible between fill-ups.

New Six-Speed Transmissions

The all-new Ranger with an advanced new six-speed transmissions, with both manual and automatic gearboxes being offered - these new six-speed transmissions offer significant benefits over the more traditional four and five speed alternatives, delivering increased fuel economy, greater responsiveness and enhanced refinement.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency                 

         

Fuel economy was a key priority for the Ranger engineering team, and the new bakkie features a host of measures to eliminate any waste or inefficiency.

·         The aerodynamics was optimised using cutting-edge simulation technology- performing more than 1,000 full-vehicle aerodynamic simulations to minimise drag and deliver the most streamlined shape.

·         An optimised A-pillar shape and a small spoiler added to the top of the tailgate.

·         The shape of the front air dam also plays a significant role in controlling the airflow underneath the vehicle, and was optimised to achieve a significant reduction in drag.

General Comments

The all-new Ranger is a very capable and composed vehicle both on and off-road, and has been designed as a global vehicle combining the best of all worlds.

Exceptional safety features, outstanding fuel economy, modern-day styling, interior comfort, cutting edge technologies, and class-leading towing and payload capabilities – in a one-tonne vehicle that fits in perfectly with the needs of most bakkie customers.

Comments from a selection of International Motoring Websites:

Auto Express (UK)

 “Ford’s Ranger is a big step forwards from its predecessor in terms of driveability and comfort. The larger truck soaks up the worst of the bumps, even when un-laden”

Parker's (UK)

  “The Ranger has been comprehensively and exhaustively tested, in conditions ranging from desert heat to arctic cold, to ensure its durability.”

What Car?

 “The Ford Ranger is too compromised to compete with SUVs, but if you need a pick-up, it’s one of the better choices.”

The Ford Kuga Takes Center Space

The all-new Ford Kuga takes centre-stage of Ford's global strategy to expand the fast-growing European SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) market and offering an array of features:

·         Ford's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, including exclusive ‘Curve Control’

·         Segment first hands-free lift gate that operates with a gentle kicking motion

·         Class-leading fuel efficiency, including optional EcoBoost petrol engine

·         Ford SYNC with Emergency Assist.

Ford plans to leverage its global leadership in the SUV sector by delivering a comprehensive line-up of smarter vehicles to Europe.

The new Ford Kuga will be followed by the modern and innovative EcoSport, Ford's entry into the small SUV segment, and the Edge - a larger, more premium crossover that is a success in North America and other markets.

Ford has said it expects to sell more than one million SUVs in Europe in the next six years with SUVs accounting for 10 per cent of all Fords sold in the region by 2016. Since launching the first generation Ford Kuga in Europe in 2008, Ford has sold more than 300,000 units.

Production of the new Kuga started in late 2012 at Ford's assembly plant in Valencia, Spain. Just six months after going on sale, the new Kuga's North American counterpart the Ford Escape, has achieved its best ever sales year.

The Blue Ford Kuga 2.5

Class-Leading Drive-Ability

The ‘Smart AWD System’ pre-empts and assesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, re-adjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.

The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds is ‘traction’; at speeds above 30 km/h the AWD system is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses. A unique cluster display shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment when driving.

‘Ford Curve Control’ acts as a safeguard for drivers who have entered a bend with too much speed. The system moderates against severe under steer by aggressive braking and can, if the driver is still pushing their foot down on the accelerator, also reduce engine torque.

"Curve Control can support drivers if they find themselves in a situation where they are travelling too fast for the road conditions or layout," said Michael Nentwig, assistant chief programme engineer, C Cars, Ford of Europe. "The obvious example is on a curved slip road coming off a motorway. If the driver hasn't reduced speed sufficiently this system can step in and safely slow the vehicle down by around 16 km/h per second."

Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system developed with the Focus RS. This helps to deliver Ford's fun-to-drive DNA by applying a small amount of braking to inside wheels to assist drivers through fast bends.

Innovation

·         The Ford Kuga offers space for more luggage with ease of accessed.

·         Ford's hands-free tailgate can be opened or closed simply by a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper to either open or close the powered tailgate;

·         The new Kuga offers 46-litres more luggage compartment-space than the current model, while the rear seats fold flat in one movement.

"We've evolved the vehicle to incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel," said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe.

Class-Leading Fuel Economy

New Ford Kuga will deliver class-leading fuel economy through significantly improved fuel efficiency from a powertrain line-up that, for the first time, includes EcoBoost engine technology. Petrol engine fuel consumption has been reduced by 25 per cent and diesel engine fuel consumption by 10 per cent.

New Ford Kuga offers a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine available as a front-wheel drive that achieves from 6.6 l/100 kms; and an AWD version that achieves 7.7 litres /100 km.

It also offers a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine available with 140 PS in front-wheel drive and AWD versions offering from 5.3 l/100 km; and a 163 PS version that achieves 5.9 l/100 km.

Ford's low emission ECOnetic Technology reduces drag and cuts fuel consumption. AWD models will be available with automatic transmissions

Safety Features

·         New Ford Kuga was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88 per cent, the highest-ever for a mid-sized SUV.

·         The independent vehicle safety organisation awarded new Kuga an Advanced reward for Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance. Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, Emergency Assistance uses the on-board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language.

Further driver assistance technologies offered with new Ford Kuga include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Ford engineers used ultra-high strength steels in the body structure of the new Ford Kuga and a specially designed ring reinforcement around the panoramic roof to ensure rigidity and strength. New Kuga also offers Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control.

"This is the most technology we have ever offered with a Ford car in Europe" said Michael Nentwig, assistant chief programme engineer, C Cars, Ford of Europe. "This helps new Kuga become a better car right across the board - and delivers a smarter SUV".

Courtesy Ford Europe

Ford Figo - A VW Vivo competitor?

The Ford Figo has been positioned as a competitor to Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo and is also cheaper alternative to Ford’s current Fiesta.

The Figo is built and sold in India and is only available outside of that country, in South Africa.

The Figo is offered in two engine derivatives (1.4-litre petrol and diesel) and offered with two specification levels (Ambiente and Trend). The turbo-diesel is only offered in the more upscale Trend package.

 Familiar Features

The new Figo is based on Ford’s previous-generation Fiesta and features:

·         New front and rear bumpers, suspension, steering and braking improvements.

·         The new model’s length is shorter, and Ford have retained the wheelbase from the previous Fiesta.

·         More space in the driver foot-well.

Engines

·         The 1.4-litre petrol engine produces 62kW power with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.6l/100km on the combined cycle.

·         The 1.4-litre turbo-diesel delivers 51kW power and a fuel consumption of  5.3l/100km on the combined cycle is quoted.

·         Both engines have a five-speed manual transmission.

Safety Features

·         Doors that automatically lock when driving faster than 7km/h and

·         Hazard light that are activated when coming to a sudden stop at speeds under 96km/h.

Interior

·         The Figo is spacious with more than adequate head and leg room for passengers.

There are many resemblances to the previous Fiesta. Dash layout and steering wheel. Instrumentation gauges are backlit with red lighting and certain gauges on the Trend derivative benefit from chrome surrounds.

The Figo is well insulated against road noise (even travelling at high speeds).

Boot space is adequate and benefits from rear seats that are able to fold flat.

Standard features include ABS, dual front airbags, central locking and air-conditioning.

Differences between the Ambiente and Trend variants are cosmetic with the latter benefiting from electric windows, chrome finishes, fog lights and alloy wheels.

Both petrol and turbo-diesel variants are provided with a 4 Year/120 000km warranty and five-year corrosion warranty.

Service plan is optional while service intervals are set at 20 000km for petrol models and 15 000km for the turbo-diesel. 

The Spacious Ford Figo