For a consummate overview of all Focus models, see Ford Focus.

Motor vehicle

Ford Focus (first generation)
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1998-2004
Model years	1998-2005 (Europe) 2000–2007 (Due north America)
Assembly	General Pacheco, Argentina Hermosillo, Mexico Saarlouis, Germany Santa Rosa, Philippines Wayne, Michigan Valencia, Spain Valencia, Venezuela Vsevolozhsk, Russia
Designer	John Doughty (1995)[1] & Claude Lobo (1995)[ii]
Body and chassis
Grade	Compact car / Small-scale family machine (C)
Body style	three- and 5-door hatchback four-door saloon/sedan five-door estate
Layout	FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Escort (Europe/Latin America/S Africa) Ford Escort (Due north America) Ford Laser (Asia and Australia)
Successor	Ford Focus (second generation, Europe) Ford Focus (second generation, North America)

The Ford Focus (first generation) is a compact car that was manufactured past Ford in Europe from 1998 to 2004 and by Ford in North America from 1999 to 2007. Ford began sales of the Focus to Europe in July 1998 and in North America during 1999 for the 2000 model year. Manufacturing in Argentine republic continued until 2008, and it was still on sale in Brazil until 2009.

In Europe and Due south Africa, the Focus replaced the diverse Ford Escort models sold in those markets. In Asia and Australia, it replaced the Ford Laser.

Design and applied science [edit]

Codenamed C170 during its development, the original Focus took its eventual proper noun from a Ghia concept car which was shown at the Geneva Motor Bear witness in 1991. Certain elements of the design had been seen even earlier in prototypes used by Ford to demonstrate forthcoming rubber features, such equally the heart-level rear lighting clusters. As a continuation of Ford's New Edge styling philosophy, first seen in the Ford Ka in 1996, and Ford Cougar in 1998, the Focus's styling was frequently described every bit polarising.^{[3] [4] [five] [half-dozen]} The styling had been overseen past Jack Telnack and executed by Claude Lobo and Australian designer, John Doughty, concluding in January 1996 upon program approving.^{[7] [2]}

The decision to name the new automobile the Ford Focus was fabricated in early 1998, as Ford had been planning to continue the "Escort" nameplate for its new generation of small family cars. A last minute problem arose in July 1998 when a Cologne court, responding to a instance brought by the publishers Burda, ordered Ford to avoid the proper name "Focus" for the German market cars since the proper name was already taken by the publisher's Focus magazine.^[eight] This eleventh 60 minutes dispute was overcome, notwithstanding, and the car was launched without a dissimilar "High german market" proper name. The Focus one time once more represented an attempt by Ford to innovate a truly "world car" that could be sold in disparate markets with piffling modification. Previous attempts to achieve this had met with express success - the concept for the original 1981 Escort had infamously mutated into two entirely dissimilar cars for Europe and North America with only superficial similarities between the two. Ford had tried again with the 1993 Mondeo and Profile/Mystique but the two variants still had too many differences to be called a truthful single car for both American and European consumption.

The Ford Focus was officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1998.^[nine]

Design [edit]

Focus models had been designed nether the directorship of Richard Parry-Jones and were noted at introduction for their styling, course-leading^[10] rear intermission and tall interior packaging  – too every bit a stiff and light body structure, low-friction steering and suspension, and extensive prophylactic and convenience features including driver and passenger airbags, available head-and-breast side air bags, rear ISOFIX child-safety seat attachments, safety belt system with pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors, battery saver to automatically switch off lights after 10 minutes, interior light dimming feature, and flip-upwardly/apartment-folding rear seat cushions.

Styling [edit]

The Focus' styling, frequently noted as polarizing,^{[3] [iv] [v] [half dozen]} was marketed by Ford as New Border blueprint. The design language had been overseen by Jack Telnack and Claude Lobo and executed by Australian designer, John Doughty.^[ii] In 2000, Karl Brauer, writing for Edmunds.com described the styling: "While ergonomically sound, the Focus' interior, like its exterior, displays much of Ford's New Border philosophy that had editors split on loving or hating it."^[11] Sherri Koucky, writing for MachineDesign.com said the styling "mixes circular shapes with funky geometric ones and adds sharp angles, somehow making them all work together."^[12] James R. Healey, writing for U.s.a. Today, called the styling a "collision of curves and lines."^[thirteen] Afterwards the international Ford Focus, which shared styling with North American models, had won the prestigious European Auto of the Year (1999), William Diem of the New York Times wrote, "To some extent, the prize vindicates Ford's risky pattern for the Focus, especially the New Edge styling -- a combination of straight lines, curves and planes."^[14]

Rear suspension [edit]

Engineers for the Focus, including Richard Parry-Jones, developed a class-leading,^[10] space-saving contained multi-link rear break, marketed as Control Bract suspension, combining the packaging of a trailing arm, with the geometry of a double wishbone break. The system was adult from that used in the CDW27 Ford Mondeo estate, simply with various modifications to brand it simpler and cheaper to build and therefore economically viable on a mass-market place vehicle.

Where many competitors in the compact course, or small-scale family unit car (European) class, used the less expensive semi-independent twist-beam rear suspension, Command Blade offered enhanced elasto-kinematic performance, i.e., stiff body control, sharp and accurate steering regardless of the car'due south attitude, and an absorbent and quiet ride over bumps.

Different conventional multi-link suspension, Control Blade features a wide, simple, uniform thickness, pressed steel trailing arm with hub carrier – taking the place of ii longitudinal locating rods, eliminating an expensive cast knuckle, and offer the same level of body control – with a lower heart of gravity, reduced route noise, and at lower production cost. The long rear lateral arm controls toe, a pair of shorter front lateral arms, vertically in a higher place each other, control the slant, and the Control Blade reacts to restriction and traction loads.

In testing the interruption in 2000, Motor Trend writer Jack Keebler noted "The Focus' average speed of 62.six mph through our slalom makes it faster around the cones than a $62,000 Jaguar XJ8L and a $300,000 Bentley Continental. The impression is of having plenty of bicycle travel for gobbling the larger stuff and big-motorcar, total-frame isolation when encountering expansion joints and smaller route imperfections."^[15] Engineers also worked to better the front suspension, removing sticking and friction (aka stiction) from each component.^[15]

Following the 1998 introduction of the Command Bract pause and its popularization by the Focus, other manufacturers (e.g., Volkswagen with the Golf game Five) began offer multi-link design rear suspensions in the compact class, or small family machine (European) class.^[10]

Tall packaging [edit]

Focus engineers developed a new interior packaging for the car's form, with a estimator-modeled interior, long wheelbase, tall doors, raised roofline, increased passenger and cargo volume, raised rear seating and raised H-point front end seating providing higher sight lines and increased rear footroom.^[xvi] James R. Healey, writing for USA Today, said "Focus is bigger inside than cars much larger outside."^[xiii] Ford later marketed the high H-bespeak seating as Control Seating, ^[17] noting that "the higher the H-Betoken, the higher you ride in the car, and in some cases, the more than comfy you lot feel behind the wheel".^[17]

Markets [edit]

Europe (1998–2005) [edit]

Motor vehicle

Europe
Overview
Production	1998–2005 1999–2008 (Argentine republic)
Model years	1999-2010 (Argentina)
Body and chassis
Body style	iii/v-door hatchback 4-door saloon five-door manor
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford C170 platform
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.4 L Zetec-SE I4 i.6 Fifty Zetec-SE I4 1.viii L Zetec-R I4 2.0 L Zetec-R I4 ii.0 L Duratec-ST/RS I4 Diesel: ane.8 L Endura-DI TDDI I4 1.8 50 Duratorq TDCI I4
Manual	iv-speed automatic five-speed manual 6-speed manual (SVT)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	ii,615 mm (103.0 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,175 mm (164.4 in) Saloon: 4,380 mm (172.4 in) Estate: 4,455 mm (175.4 in)
Width	ane,700 mm (66.ix in)
Height	Hatchback and saloon: 1,440 mm (56.seven in) Manor: 1,460 mm (57.five in)
Adjourn weight	ane,150 kg (ii,535 lb)-one,364 kg (3,007 lb)

Manufacturing [edit]

Historically, the Saarlouis, Valencia, and Halewood plants had produced the Escort, however the Focus was only produced at Saarlouis and Valencia since Halewood was to be switched over to production of the Jaguar X-Blazon. However the sixth and concluding generation of the Escort remained in production in Halewood until 2000 as a budget culling to the Focus, and the van versions connected until 2002 until its replacement past the Focus-based Ford Transit Connect.

Focus product too took place in Santa Rosa, Philippines (Though information technology was simply for export and never sold in the Philippines); Full general Pacheco, Argentina; Chungli City, Taiwan and Vsevolozhsk, Russia.

2001 facelift (Mk1.5) [edit]

The Mk 1 Focus facelift in belatedly 2001 included:

• Revised headlamps with integrated indicators and separate main and dipped bulbs
• Revised bumpers without indicators, just with the addition of removable bump strips
• Revised upper and lower grille and fog lights
• Optional Xenon headlights
• Optional 6-disc CD changer
• Optional Navigation Organization
• Optional Digital Climate Control
• Features of sure trim levels changed
• Modified centre console with rubber cup holders
• Unlike centre dash colours
• New seat trims
• Unlike instrument cluster finishes
• Damped and lit glovebox
• New colours
• Rear power signal
• TDCi Engine introduced to the range
• Versatility Pack Option added
• Bluetooth camera facility

A new flexfuel engine was introduced, based on the European Zetec ane.6 Fifty version. This could employ both gasoline and bioethanol, merely was only available on the Swedish market. This version is still bachelor in some countries despite the advent of an all-new Mk 2 Focus.^{[ citation needed ]}

N America (2000–2007) [edit]

Motor vehicle

Ford Focus (Due north America)
Overview
Product	September 1999–2007
Model years	2000–2007
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, Us Hermosillo, Sonora, United mexican states
Body and chassis
Body style	iii-door hatchback four-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station railroad vehicle
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L CVH I4 2.0 L Zetec I4 2.0 L Duratec I4 ii.3 L Duratec I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	102.9 in (2,614 mm) (2005–2007) 103 in (2,616 mm) (2000–2004)
Length	168.1 in (4,270 mm) (2000–2004 hatchbacks) 168.5 in (iv,280 mm) (2005–2007 hatchbacks) 174.9 in (4,442 mm) (SE) 175.ii in (four,450 mm) (ZX4) 178.2 in (four,526 mm) (2000–2004 carriage) 178.4 in (4,531 mm) (2005–2007 wagon)
Width	66.7 in (1,694 mm) (2005–2007) 66.ix in (ane,699 mm) (2000–2004)
Height	56.iii in (ane,430 mm) (2000–2004 hatchback & sedan) 56.8 in (1,443 mm) (2005–2007 hatchback & sedan) 53.9 in (one,369 mm) (2000–2004 wagon) 57.5 in (1,460 mm) (2005–2007 wagon)
Adjourn weight	2,564 lb (1,163 kg) - ii,759 lb (1,251 kg)

Ford began marketing the Focus in October 1999 for model twelvemonth 2000 initially equally 3-door hatchback, iv-door sedan and 5-door wagon – with a v-door hatchback debuting for model year 2002 model at the Canadian International Automobile Show in Toronto.^[18] The Focus became one of the ten best-selling cars in America before long afterward its introduction.^[19]

Model twelvemonth changes [edit]

• 2000 MY – Introduction of the Sony Express Edition, Street Edition, Kona Editions.
• 2001 MY – available electronic stability control, marketed equally "AdvanceTrac," standard fog lamps on ZTS Series, new 6-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels at present standard on ZTS Sedan, front end armrest at present standard on SE Sedan and Carriage, comfort Grouping now includes just tilt/telescoping wheel, speed control, and front map lights on SE Sedan and Carriage (no longer includes front end eye armrest), ability windows standard on SE Sedan and SE Wagon, SE Sport Group upgraded to include leather-wrapped steering wheel, unmarried CD now standard on SE Sedan and Wagon, new manual moon roof available on ZX3, front and rear flooring mats and smoker's packet at present standard on all models, new premium grouping (incl. ac, sixteen-inch aluminum wheels and tires, tilt/telescoping bike, forepart middle armrest, speed command, front map lights) available on ZX3, manual manual available on SE Carriage (equally a delete option), power group includes power locks with all-door remote entry, power windows, and power mirrors – now bachelor on ZX3, Zetec Engine now standard on SE Wagon. Introduction of the S2 Edition.

• 2002 MY – Introduction of the ZX5 5-door hatchback, power moon-roof available for the get-go fourth dimension on all body styles, available 6-Disc In-dash CD Changer, improved cup holders to accept larger cups, added rear-seat map pocket on LX, SE, ZX3, and kangaroo pouches on ZTS,^[20] and the ZTW trim level for the railroad vehicle – including the two.0L DOHC Zetec I-4 engine, leather seating surfaces, driver'south side lumbar back up, vi-disc in-nuance CD player, tilt/telescoping steering bike, remote central-less entry, power windows and door locks, electronic speed control and ac. In 2002, all Focus models received a safety package, marketed every bit the Personal Safety System – which included an electronic crash severity sensor, restraint command module, dual-phase commuter and right front rider airbags, dual-threshold driver and right front passenger airbags, driver'south seat position sensor, front outboard condom chugalug free energy management retractors, front outboard safety chugalug pretensioners, front outboard safety belt usage sensors. Introduction of the Mach Audio Edition. Introduction of the SVT models.
• 2003 MY – ZX5 now available in three trim levels, two new interior fabrics, heated forepart seat and heated mirror option, bachelor traction control and ABS packet, greyness headlamp surrounds, silver musical instrument cluster and color-keyed trim on premium trims, CD/MP3 audio player standard on ZX3, ZX5, redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels, optional perimeter alert, improved interior noise level, recalibrated throttle, refinement of 110 hp (82 kW) engine. Introduction of the Centennial Edition in celebration of Ford's 100th anniversary.
• 2004 MY – The new ii.iii L I4 Duratec engine previously only available in select states became available nationwide,^[21] ZX3 now available with leather seating surfaces, new steering duke and struts for improved ride and handling, discontinuation of optional electronic stability command.^[22]

Facelift

• 2005 MY – (mid-bike facelift) While the European Focus was replaced by a 2nd generation, the North American Focus received styling and engineering changes developed under Focus Main Engineer John Sidelko and Focus designer Larry Erickson.^[23] With the 2005 model year, Ford introduced the ST model of the ZX4 sedan (replacing the SVT models of the ZX3 and ZX5),^[24] and the Focus nomenclature was revised to combine a body-style designation (ZX4, ZX3, ZX5 and ZXW – with tail badges) with a trim designation (Southward,SE or SES – the latter ii conveying respective tail badges). Styling revisions included a new front bumper facia, a revised musical instrument panel, new tail lamps and a new rear bumper fascia on sedan models, a new harder steel blend used for the hood,^[23] an 11% thicker plastic bumper fascia,^[23] a storage drawer for six compact discs located past the driver'south left knee, optional overhead console with sunglasses holder and infinite for a garage door opener, molded-in potable holders in the front door pockets, 15-inch (380 mm) steel wheels and all-flavour tires, instead of xiv-inch (360 mm) on entry trim level models, (now designated S), and new restriction linings with total restriction swept expanse increased by 17 pct.^[23]

Engines included a 136 hp (101 kW), two.0-liter (120 cu in) Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam, inline-four cylinder engine replacing both the base 110 hp (82 kW), 2.0-liter (120 cu in) single-overhead-cam inline-four and the 130 hp (97 kW) ii.0-liter (120 cu in) Zetec DOHC inline-4, while a 151 hp (113 kW) two.3-liter (140 cu in) Duratec 23 DOHC inline-iv engine derived from the Duratec twenty family was bachelor in all l states for the ZX4 ST. The Duratec 23 has a larger displacement and performance-tuned exhaust, while in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, the Duratec 23E was also available, qualifying the Focus as a Fractional Zippo Emissions Vehicle (PZEV).^[23] Manual manual was now listed as standard equipment rather than a delete option on wagons.

• 2006 MY – On ZX4, ZX3 and ZX5, standard CD/MP3 actor on all models, S and SE models receive revised plastic wheel covers with blend wheels now available equally a standalone choice, six-disc audio systems now have steering-wheel controls, convenience Package and Safety Packages bundle popular options. Besides in 2006 Ford introduced the Street Appearance Package priced at The states$1295 with two unique front and rear fascia choices. The front fascia included integrated fog lamps and side markers, while the rear offers a rear diffuser, with the option of a big rally-style spoiler.
• 2007 MY – models no longer carried trunk configuration (ZX3, ZX4, ZX5, ZXW) tail badges, modifications increased EPA mileage ratings, new leather-trimmed sport seats with contrasting leather inserts, new exterior colors: Kiwi Green and Aqua Bluish Clearcoat Metallic, available Street Appearance Package I with rally-way rear deck lid spoiler, single-disc CD and MP3 capable player now standard on all series, available half-dozen-disc CD and MP3 capable actor at present includes duplicate audio controls on steering column, new Interior Upgrade Package. Wagon production ends at the end of the 2007 agenda year.

Body styles and trims [edit]

On 2005 and 2006 models in the U.s.a. and Canada, the second generation Focus received a body-configuration badging (e.g., ZX3, ZX4, ZX5, ZXW) along with divide badging to designate trim levels SE and SES trim; there was no trim badge for the S trim level. The trunk configuration badging were deleted from the liftgates/trunklids of 2007 models, the trim badging remained.

2005–2007 trim designations

• Focus Due south: (ZX3, ZX4 and ZX5), Duratec 20 or 20E engine with 5-speed manual transmission, transmission driver's seat elevation aligning, separate-folding rear seat, AM/FM single CD role player, xv-inch wheels, Dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags.
• Focus SE: (ZX3, ZX4, ZX5 and ZXW) Included S content, plus ac, overhead console, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 thespian, dual power mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry.
• Focus SES: (ZX3, ZX4, ZX5 and ZXW) Included SE content, plus tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering cycle, tachometer, decklid spoiler, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
• Focus ZX4 ST: Included SES content, plus Duratec 23 engine with sport-tuned exhaust, ST interruption with unique xvi-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, four-cycle antilock disc brakes, chrome-tipped exhaust, body-color, heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with dissimilarity stitching, unique sport-trimmed interior fabrics and instrument panel.

Debut marketing [edit]

Targeting Generation X and Generation Y in the Focus marketing campaign at its North American introduction, Ford created a at present defunct youth-destination website (www.focus247.com), aired 64 alive goggle box spots featuring comedian Annabelle Gurwitch beginning September half dozen, 1999, during the MTV Video Music Awards,^[33] featured the Focus in co-sponsoring Ricky Martin's Livin La Vida Loca North American tour (September 1999), and developed a strategic partnership with the WB Network evidence Dawson's Creek – including a private live concert event (November 1999), featuring of the Focus in two Dawson's Creek episodes, and a Focus signed by the Dawson's Creek bandage auctioned on Amazon.com.^[34]

In January 2001, Ford partnered with Atom Films and J. Walter Thompson (at present JWT) to create three short films featuring the Ford Focus. Costing $80,000^[35] the films were later shown at the Sundance Moving picture Festival and on Atom Films' web site.^[34] In "Footling Man on Campus," the lead male, undersized, uncoordinated, who had trouble living upwards to his father's hopes, gets a Ford Focus from his parents and and so makes a varsity sports team, wins 'the girl' and finally carries a squad of cheerleaders in the Focus.^[36] The pic features a cameo advent by Barry Livingston, who played "Ernie" in the Television receiver show My Three Sons. Another of the films was titled "The Kiss." The third film entitled "gulp" and by director Jason Reitman was selected to premiere in the 'Official Sundance Screening Room'. The flick depicted the efforts of a immature man to relieve his tropical fish. All three films were available for viewing at a now defunct web site, world wide web.focusinfilm.com.^[37]

Marketing packages At introduction, Ford offered five specialized packages for the Focus targeting the youth market^[38] marketed equally Tailored For You kits, assuasive buyers to customize their automobile's interior:

• The Pet Package (also chosen the Accept Spot, Volition Travel kit) included custom car bed, insulated pet sport canteen, lint roller, integrated pockets for leashes, a foldable bowl, air purifier, and pet safety belt.^[39]
• The Professional Package (also marketed as the Mobile Pro kit) included a vocalism-recorder, illuminated notepad holder, pocket for cellular phone/pager storage, and a mobile work station consisting of a tray to hold laptop, paper, pencils and supplies.^[40]
• The Sports Package included a backpack that slid over the dorsum of the front seat and a customized roof rack.^[41]
• The Express Yourself Package included customized decals, steering wheel encompass, gear shift knob on manual models, and special seat covers in neoprene, fleece or jersey^[38]
• The Friends Package included the features of the Express Yourself Package forth with a coordinated ice cooler, and candy dispenser.^[38]

Special editions [edit]

Sony: Ford marketed 7000 examples of the Sony Limited Edition in January 2000 featuring an AM/FM CD receiver with wireless remote, four red and black three-way speakers (ane pair in each door), torso mounted x-inch subwoofer. Outside colors were Rainforest Greenish, Infra-Red, Pitch Blackness, and Going Platinum, each with an MSRP of $15,535.
Kona: the Kona Mount Bike Edition (May 2000, 5000 examples), featuring an "Out of Bounds" Kona bike, bolt-on cycle rack, nylon washable seat covers, unique colors Clay Metallic and Rainforest Dark-green, unique side moldings with molded-in Kona Moto logo and bike tire treads; xvi-inch half-dozen-spoke machined aluminum wheels and heavy-duty black condom floor mats, besides with Kona Moto logo and bike tire treads

Street: the Street Edition (September 2000) with European suspension, black trim, sixteen-inch polished aluminum wheels, a 6-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped steering bike.^[29] On the exterior, the front mentum, rocker panels, bodyside moldings and lower rear fascia were black, while exterior colors were Infra-Red, Egg Yolk Yellow and Malibu Blue. The models used same springs, dampers and anti-scroll confined found in the European Focus. Interior details included sport bucket seats with diamond, silver-masked instrument cluster, radio bezel, door accents and a silvery shift knob. 7,500 total Street Editions were manufactured, approximately 85 percentage of them were made as sedans ($15,750 MSRP), the remaining models every bit wagons ($17,745 MSRP).
S2: The Focus S2 (2001), available only in the three-door ZX3 model, featured European-tuned suspension, grey torso trim with unique front spoiler and rocker panels, color-keyed bodyside moldings and S2 badging, rear spoiler, six-spoke sixteen-inch aluminum wheels and chrome exhaust tip, half dozen-disc in-dash CD changer, sport saucepan seats with diamond-patterned inserts, and exterior colors including CD silver, Sangria Red and a Focus Liquid Grey.
Mach Sound: The Focus MACH Audio ZTS sedan featured an audio organization with six-disc in-dash CD changer, 4 5 x vii-inch door-mounted, 2-fashion speakers, a x-inch dual-voice coil subwoofer, equalization customized to the Focus' interior configuration and 460 watts  unique silver-faced instrument cluster, mesh seat fabrics and door trim panels, vi-spoke, machined-aluminum wheels, MACH Audio badging, exterior colors of CD Silver, Liquid Grayness and Mandarin Copper, and an MSRP of $sixteen,975.
Centennial: In celebration of its 100th Anniversary on December xx, 2002, Ford marketed 3000 examples of the Ford Focus Centennial Edition, each a 2003 iv-door sedan with blackness pigment, 16-inch aluminum wheels; rear spoiler, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescoping column, AM/FM Stereo with CD and MP3 role player, driver'south seat lumbar back up, premium Verona-grain Imola leather seating surfaces in two-tone parchment, Ford 100th Ceremony deck hat and side badges, a commemorative key chain and watch, a copy of the express edition coffee table book "The Ford Century," and a black leather owner's guide portfolio with the embossed signatures of Henry Ford, his son Edsel Ford, Henry Ford Ii, and William Clay Ford, Jr.

Aftermarket [edit]

Tuner Saleen modified the first generation USA Focus into the S121 and N20 functioning cars. The S121 includes a 138 hp (103 kW) Duratec two.0L I4 engine with improved suspension, custom trunk work designed and CAD modeled by Phil Frank, custom graphics, tire and wheel package, customized interior components, and optional upgraded brakes. The 10% operation boost to the mill Duratec two.0l I4 engine was achieved by replacing the factory paper air filter with a more freely flowing reusable air cleaner and by replacing the manufactory exhaust with a cat back frazzle system. The N20 offers the same base engine and other improvements along with a manufactory installed nitrous oxide arrangement that offers a 75 hp (56 kW) boost bringing the N2O to 225 hp (168 kW). The S121/N2O are sold as new at many Ford dealers. There were 200 S121/N2O's produced by Saleen in 2005.

Several American companies offering genuine Ford parts to change North American built Focuses to total or partial European standards.^[42] There is also a V8 engine conversion for the Focus.^{[43] [44]}

Southward America [edit]

The Marker 1 Focus remained in production until 2008 in Full general Pacheco, Argentina for the South American Market place. The terminal of the Marking 1 Focus produced in Argentina (2008 Version) featured either a 1.6 Fifty Zetec RoCam Flex Fuel engine, a 2.0 L Duratec HE engine, or the 1.viii L Duratorq Diesel fuel Engine. Assembly of the Mark ii Focus started in 2008 for the 2009 model.

Nonetheless, in Brazil, Ford practice Brasil offered this until 2009, in 1.6 (Flex Fuel - 105 PS gasoline/112 PS ethanol) GL or GLX hatchback or saloon versions.

Trim levels (Brazilian) [edit]

• GL (2000–2003) (1.8 gasoline 118cv), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
• GL (2004–2007) (1.half dozen gasoline 106cv), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
• GL (2007–2008) (1.6 flexfuel 112cv), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
• GLX (2000–2004) (1.eight gasoline 118cv, 2.0 gasoline 130cv), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
• GLX (2005–2008) (1.half-dozen flexfuel 112cv, ii.0 gasoline 147cv), v-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
• XR (2003) (ii.0 gasoline 126cv), 5-door hatchback.
• GHIA (2000–2004) (2.0 gasoline 130cv), 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.
• GHIA (2005–2008) (ii.0 gasoline 145cv), v-door hatchback, 4-door saloon.

Condom [edit]

The Mk 1 Ford Focus received 4 out of 5 stars for occupant safe, and ii out of 4 stars for pedestrian safety in its EuroNCAP tests (69% frontal, 83% side, 28% pedestrian).^[45] In Commonwealth of australia, the 2002–2005 Ford Focus was assessed in the Used Auto Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.^[46] The car scored eleven.6 points out of xvi in a frontal crash test conducted by the Russian ARCAP safe assessment programme in 2003.^[47]

Engines [edit]

European introduction [edit]

Gasoline engines available were the well-proven 1.viii L and 2.0 50 Zetec units from the Ford Mondeo and 1.iv 50 and 1.vi L versions of the Zetec-Due south/SE units, likewise establish in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Puma. The ST170 and RS performance models used modified versions of the 2.0 50 Zetec. Originally, the merely diesel engine available was the Endura TDDI (a development of the erstwhile Deutz-designed motor which Ford had been using since the 1980s). This was replaced in 2002 by the Duratorq TDCI.

International summary [edit]

N America [edit]

Transmissions [edit]

Europe [edit]

• 5-speed MTX-75 Manual (2.0, RS & ane.8 TDCi, one.8 TDDi)
• five-speed IB5+ Manual (2.0 SPI Usa But)
• 5-speed IB5 Transmission (1.4, 1.six, 1.eight)
• 6-speed Getrag 285 Transmission (ST170)
• 4-speed 4F27E Automatic (1.half dozen, 2.0)

Northward America [edit]

• 5-speed MTX-75 manual (ST)
• vi-speed Getrag MT285 manual (SVT)
• 5-speed IB5
• 4-speed 4F27E automatic (Zetec, Split Port and Duratec)

Body styles [edit]

• 5-door hatchback
• 4-door saloon
• 3-door hatchback (Not available in Japan and New Zealand)
• 5-door estate (Only available in North America, Europe and Nihon)

Performance versions [edit]

SVT models [edit]

In late 2001, Ford'southward in-house operation group, Special Vehicle Squad (SVT), introduced the three-door Focus ZX3 SVT (ST170) to the United States and Canadian markets for the 2002 model year. The exterior included revised forepart and rear bumper fascias, side skirts, fog lamps, rear diffuser, hatch lip spoiler, and 17-inch (430 mm) 5-spoke alloy wheels wearing fairly sticky "Y" rated 215/45R17 tires from Continental. The SVT also featured a reworked version of the 2.0-liter Zetec engine available in other Focus models. Developed in concert with Cosworth, this engine featured a special aluminum cylinder head with enlarged intake ports, high compression pistons and forged connecting rods, piston oil squirters, solenoid operated variable camshaft timing on the intake cam, dual stage intake manifold, and a 4-two-1 tubular exhaust header.

These additions, coupled with an increased 10.2:ane pinch ratio, increased power from 130 to 170 horsepower (97 to 127 kW). Getrag provided a six-speed manual manual shared with the Mini Cooper S. This manual was a twin layshaft blueprint and included a dual mass flywheel to eliminate vibration and transmission racket. Other changes to complete the packet included sharper steering through an increased heave ratio in the steering rack, larger disc brakes on all four corners with standard ABS (300mm front/280mm rear,) and stiffened interruption with a slightly larger rear anti-coil bar. Exterior color choices were limited to CD Silver, Infra-Red Tintcoat, Sonic Blue, and Pitch Black.

Interior features included two-tone leather/cloth seats with Infra-Crimson/Sonic Blue cloth seat/door inserts, perforated leather steering bicycle, perforated leather shift knob with leather kick, also every bit a perforated leather emergency-brake handle and leather boot. Options for the Focus SVT included a one-touch sliding power glass sunroof, seven-speaker Audiophile sound system with eight-inch (200 mm) sub-woofer, a Cold Weather condition package (includes heated seats/outside mirrors, traction control, and a 115 V cake heater,) and, for 2003 and 2004 models, HID xenon headlamps.

In 2003, the SVT was offered in an all-new five-door ZX5 SVT analogue and an exclusive European Appearance Packet bachelor for the ZX3 SVT merely. The European Appearance packet (or EAP for brusque) included all available options listed above, plus full black perforated leather Recaro seats/door panels and fifteen-spoke Dark Silvery colored wheels. The exterior was available in two new exclusive EAP colors, Screamin' Yellow and Competition Orangish. The just options not available on the 2003-2004 ZX5 SVT were the EAP for 2003 or the side skirts. In 2004, the Focus SVT'southward final year of production, the Euro package was bachelor in the ZX5 SVT model as well. The base 5-spoke "Cobra R" wheel design would be replaced by a six-spoke design similar to the ones plant on the Steeda Focus as the base wheel option, the 2004 EAP would retain the Night Argent xv-spoke blueprint. The Focus SVT would be replaced by the 2005 Focus ZX4 ST Sedan.

Focus SVT total production: 14,003

2002: four,788 (ZX3 SVT but, total '02 SVT)

2003: 6,158 (total 2003 SVT)

          2,173 (ZX5 SVT)      3,985 (ZX3 SVT)        

2004: 3,057 (total 2004 SVT)

          1,079 (ZX5 SVT)      1,978 (ZX3 SVT)        

ST model [edit]

Following discontinuation of the Due north American SVT Focus in 2004, Ford introduced the ST variant of the ZX4 for 2005–2007, with a 2.3-litre, 151 hp (113 kW) (154 lbf⋅ft (209 N⋅m) (SAE) Torque) Duratec driving a five-speed MTX-75 transmission manual with contrary lock-out. Though power was lower than the SVT, dispatch was only slightly lower due to a college differential ratio. The 2005 ST used dampers and stabilizer bars similar to those of the SVT, merely significantly softer springs. The ST featured a unique interior, xvi-inch (410 mm) wheels with Pirelli P6 Four Seasons tires, spoiler, color-keyed fascia, a color keyed grille, and iv-cycle anti-lock disk brakes. The 2005 ST included all SES package equipment – with heated seats, heated mirrors, leather interior, moonroof, and Audiophile parcel controlled by a Blaupunkt headunit all optional. 2007 was the final year for the 2.3 Fifty engine in the Focus. For the 2006 and 2007 ST'south the break geometry was changed to provide a softer ride.

In Canada, the Street Advent look was available and named the GFX bundle. The Focus ST name did return in 2012 in an all new model.

Full Production:14464

2005: 9329

2006: 2419

2007: 2716

ST170 [edit]

The ST170 (codename Piranha), which was launched in 2002, was the first Focus sport model to exist developed for international markets by a joint SVE/SVT global team. Adapted from the Facelift Mk 1 Focus, the ST170 had the following cosmetic revisions: 17 in (430 mm) Multi-Spoke Alloy Wheels; Alarm; Side Airbags; Optional 1/2 (in non-Britain markets) and total Recaro leather seats; Optional 9006 Stereo organisation with bespoke Subwoofer; brushed aluminium door releases; honeycomb 'tech flec' front end grills, round projector manner fog lights, colour-coded bumper and side beadings & door handles; and Locally adult bodykit (Australia only). The 172.3PS engine was developed by Cosworth and tuning bumped the power from 127 to 170 horsepower (95 to 127 kW). Upgrades included: High-menses aluminium cylinder head; Variable valve timing; Dual stage intake manifold; Stainless steel exhaust organization and exhaust manifold by Cosworth; Sports catalytic converter; Larger restriction discs (300 mm forepart, 280 mm rear); Getrag 6-speed transmission M6 gearbox; Revised ability steering 'falling-flow' pump and close ratio steering rack. Blackness Oak engine management organization. The engine was sourced from the Ford of Mexico Chihuahua constitute. The vehicle terminal-assembly was in the Ford Saarlouis plant in Germany, with some content such equally the subwoofer assembled off-line at the ACÜ facility attached to the found. There was an boosted Wagon/Estate variant (codename Swordfish) launched in Europe-merely in 2003, which featured Nivomat self-levelling rear dampers.

RS [edit]

The Focus RS Mk1 was produced from October 2, 2002, to November eleven, 2003, and was Ford's return to the RS (Rallye Sport) badge after the demise of the tweaked Escorts, specially the fabled Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Product was limited to 4501 units merely. The car was largely congenital on its own assembly line in Ford's Saarlouis plant, with some boosted specialist off-line associates performed past the ACÜ group at Überhern. The RS was offered all over Europe, but 2147 were sold in the United Kingdom, past far its largest market.^[49] The Mark one Focus RS was a limited production run available in 21 European countries.

Using a turbocharged version of the two.0-litre Ford Zeta engine, the Focus RS rated at 212 horsepower (158 kW).

It would generate a steady 0.98G in lateral acceleration due to racing parts such as Sachs dampers, lightweight O.Z Alloy Wheels and a Quaife ATB Differential. It would besides allow 1.0G of braking force due to the standard Brembo braking system 324 mm (Forepart) 280 mm (Rear).

The evolution of the Focus RS was undertaken by a mixed team of mainstream Ford engineers (not SVE nor the TeamRS grouping which replaced it later on) and Tickford Engineering science in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. Originally it was to be released as the Racing Focus, however after the poor selling Racing Puma, Ford (driven past Martin Leach) decided to revive the RS badge.

More bespoke than the concurrent Ford Focus SVT (badged as the Focus ST170 in Europe), the Focus RS upgraded or replaced lxx% of the standard Focus mechanicals. The one,998 cc (ii.0 L; 121.9 cu in) inline-four engine equipped with a single Garrett AiResearch GT25 (60) SG turbocharger produced a minimum of 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) at 5500 rpm and 310 North⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3500 rpm,^[50] which was then mated to the 5-speed Ford MTX-75 transmission and non the Getrag used in the ST 170. Mechanically, most notably, the machine incorporated a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential to better traction from the front-wheel drive setup. The steering used a similar quick-ratio rack equally the ST170 while the brakes used stock-still-caliper, four-piston Brembo units with 324 mm (12.viii in) discs at the front end and single-piston floating calipers and 280 mm (11.0 in) discs at the back. Wheels were 18" alloys peculiarly adult past OZ Racing. The engine was heavily modified with forged aluminium pistons, hardened valve seats, sodium-filled exhaust valves, stainless steel exhaust system. The forced consecration system comprised a Garrett turbocharger with a water-cooled charge air cooler and an electric h2o pump. To transmit the higher torque an upgraded AP clutch was used.

The Focus RS was bachelor in 1 metal colour, Imperial Blueish. The body looked similar to the standard Focus or to the ST170, although the RS featured unique front and rear bumper assemblies required for the wider wheel arches which accommodated the 65 mm (2.6 in) wider front end track. Internally, the theme is blue and black with sections of blue leather trim on the door trim panels, the steering bike and the Sparco seats which were trimmed in bluish/black leather and Alcantara. A green starter button starts the engine. The instruments have a blue background and in place of the coolant temperature gauge, the RS was equipped with a boost pressure indicator (upwards to 1.5 bar). The gear lever knob, handbrake lever, and pedals were all custom fabricated by Sparco.

All-around functioning was roughly equal or improve to its other competitors, including hatchbacks such every bit the Honda Civic Type-R and some 4-wheel bulldoze cars in the aforementioned toll field.^{[ citation needed ]} Power was a diminished priority and the handling on a rail, courtesy of the front differential, was considered by most observers to be its strongest feature. In a Top Gear review, Jeremy Clarkson noted that "it lacks the straightforward oomph of a Subaru Impreza. [...] The reason it was quick circular our rails is simple: this car handles similar it'due south in a drawing." Clarkson and other motor journalists also commented on the automobile's torque steer on bumpy British roads.^{[ commendation needed ]}

Cosworth Concept [edit]

Ford Motor Visitor made conquering in 1998 of its longtime partner Cosworth Racing and was exploring the return of the Cosworth badge on their production cars. At the 1999 Geneva International Motor Show Ford represent concept model named Focus Cosworth. Information technology was inspired by 1999 Ford Focus WRC with unique bodykit and powered by a Cosworth-developed 2.0-litre turbo-charged and inter-cooled Zetec-E engine that produce more than 200 PS.^[51]

Focus RS WRC [edit]

The Focus RS WRC was built in 1999 to supervene upon the Ford Escort WRC. It debuted in the Monte Carlo Rally with Colin McRae and Simon Jean-Joseph behind the wheels of the ii cars. It was immediately on the pace, setting many fastest stage times, but the use of an illegal water pump meant that the two cars were excluded from the issue. McRae gave the Focus its first win 2 events subsequently on the Safari Rally Kenya finishing over 15 minutes ahead of the 2d placed Toyota of Didier Auriol.

In 2003, Ford released a newly designed Focus WRC, named Focus RS WRC 03, for competition during the 2d part of the flavor. The car, with well-nigh parts redesigned from the ground up, featured a lighter body shell and a new aerodynamically enhanced front bumper and wing. Markko Märtin collection the car to two world rally victories. The 2004 and 2005 Focus WRCs were evolutions based on the RS WRC 03. The Focus RS WRC 04 won three events with Märtin at the bike. By 2005, the automobile was no longer competitive and Ford had a winless season.

Overall sales and history [edit]

In Europe, the hatchback is the biggest selling bodystyle. Ford attempted to market the saloon in Europe as a mini-executive motorcar past simply offer it in the Ghia trim level, something that it had tried before with the Orion of the 1980s. It has since given up on this strategy, and has started selling lower specified versions of the saloon.

Despite its radical styling (the hatchback version in particular), and some controversial condom recalls in North America, the auto has been a delinquent success across the globe, even in the United states, where Ford has traditionally failed to successfully sell its European models. In Europe, where the Focus was positioned at the heart of the largest market segment by volume, Ford's overall market share had declined by 25% between 1995 and 2000 every bit the aging Ford Escort failed to match up in technological terms to the Vauxhall/Opel Astra and Volkswagen Golf without being able to attain compensating sales volumes in the depression price sector where Korean manufacturers, in particular, were becoming increasingly competitive.^[52] The Focus stopped the rot for Ford in Europe, selling particularly strongly in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland. This was the best-selling auto in the globe in 1999 through 2004. It was elected Car of the Year in 1999, ahead of GM'due south new Astra model. The Focus won the North American Car of the Year accolade for 2000.

Both versions of the Focus have been the 1999 and 2005 Semperit Irish Car of the Year In Republic of ireland.

The Focus, different the Escort, was never offered in a dedicated console van trunk way; however, a commercial Focus based on the three-door hatch is available in Europe - most commonly in Ireland.

Ford therefore continued the Escort Van until the purpose-designed Transit Connect was introduced in 2002 as its replacement. A convertible version was another notable omission that was rectified with the Mk2 Coupe-Cabriolet.

The European Focus, in 2002, according to High german reports and surveys, was claimed to be the most reliable car betwixt one and three years old in the German motorcar market place.^[53]

Awards and recalls [edit]

Since its launch in 1998, the outset generation Focus has won over 60 awards including 13 Motorcar of the Year awards in both Europe and North America, and more recently, the best family unit car ever (Autocar UK 2003). In 2000, the Focus won Machine magazine'southward Car of the Year and MotorWeek's All-time Pocket-size Car.

Though the Focus received the R.L. Polk & Co. Automotive Loyalty Award for highest percentage of repeat buyers, four years running, from 2000 through 2003 – the Focus did feel numerous recalls early in the automobile's life.^[54] Despite Lemon-Aid describing it as "glitch ridden" up until 2004, Focus reliability steadily improved.^[55]

By 2005, the Focus received a Consumers Digest All-time Buy Rating,^[56] (taking numerous factors into consideration, including reliability and remember history) besides as the Strategic Vision 2005 Total Quality Honour.^[57] In 2006 the Focus received AutoPacific'due south get-go Ideal Vehicle Award as height-rated meaty car for 2006.

The Focus placed on Motorcar and Driver mag's Ten Best listing for 5 sequent years betwixt 2000 and 2004.

References [edit]