Ford Focus: Why it shined in Geneva
The new Ford Focus was one of the stars at the recent Geneva Motor Show, grabbing the attention of visitors and experts alike.
Despite the presence of a number of sports cars, the Focus generated just as much interest, partly thanks to its success already this year.
The release of the Fiesta has gathered a huge amount of praise from motoring journalists and customers, thanks to its quality drive and a range of technologies.
Ford now intends to build on this success with the release of its new Focus, which it describes as the 'most advanced' version of the vehicle yet.
First of all, it comes equipped with the latest in Ford's in-car connectivity technology, known as SYNC 2.
This system incorporates audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phone functions in one simple, easy to use high-resolution colour touch screen.
The navigation system in particular is a European first, offering a split-screen display including detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views, as well as the MICHELIN guide and MICHELIN Green Guide.
According to Stephen Odell, president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa, this is just one feature that the manufacturer hopes will impress new owners.
“Not satisfied with being number one, we wanted to blow people away with a stunning new version of the Focus that would build on this car’s reputation for introducing advanced technology,” he said.
"[The] new Focus will enable people to switch seamlessly between touch screen and voice commands, and also to control more in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
It is also delivered with advanced driving assist technologies to make it even easier to park and to be safe on the road.
This includes Ford's Perpendicular Parking system, a hands-free parking technology that helps drivers to manoeuvre into the tightest of park spots.
The sensors used to provide this parking system also allow Ford to offer cross traffic alert, a feature that warns drivers of vehicles that may be soon crossing behind them when they are reversing out of a parking space.
Park-out assist also helps drivers when they are exiting a parallel parking space. The driver selects the left or right hand side and the system operates the wheel while the driver controls the accelerator and the brake.
All this, delivered in Ford's new-look design signature, made sure the model captured the attention and the imagination of the visiting motoring enthusiasts. It's sure to be a huge hit when it goes on sale at the end of 2014.