The U.S. Focus is dead. Next year, Ford obliterates the heaviest complaint levied at its lineup. Next year, Ford gives us a European Focus.
Well, it's technically a global car. As a 2012 model, the third-generation Focus, whether in four-door sedan or five-door hatchback form, will be nearly identical in all markets. Ford's European small and medium vehicle center in
But there's better news: Ford says it's using identical chassis and suspension architecture in all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences. That means the torque vectoring Dynamic Cornering Control system -- added by those special driving dynamics folk -- is coming our way. It transfers power between the drive wheels to reduce understeer, and improve traction and turn-in.
The rear suspension is an updated version of the independent multi-link (Ford calls it "Control Blade") found in previous Focus models. Torsional rigidity is up 25% over the current North American Focus, thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel (comprising 55% of the body shell). Ultra-high-strength and Boron steels account for 26%. Ford says these materials help the Focus meet crash legislation across world markets and minimize vehicle weight.
Thanks to: Motor Trend