Sat-nav for top Ford Focus lines

JUST eight weeks after launching its third-generation Focus in Australia, Ford has upgraded the all-important European-sourced small-car series with standard satellite-navigation on high-series Sport and Titanium model variants.

Representing a $500 increase in price, the Sport 2.0-litre GDi petrol-powered five-speed manual hatch still starts below $28,000 – at $27,890, plus on-road costs – while the petrol six-speed Powershift auto hatch (and auto-only petrol sedan) equivalent now kicks off from $30,190.

The auto-only Sport 2.0 Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel hatch and sedan are both now priced from $33,690, while at Titanium level the auto-only petrol models – in both body styles – are priced from $33,090, while the diesels continue to top the range, now from $36,590.

The sat-nav system features a new 5.0-inch multi-function colour display screen – up from the previous 4.2-inch screen – and is fully integrated within the Sony audio and communications systems.

The latter continue to comprise an MP3-compatible, single-CD AM/FM stereo with audio streaming, an integrated audio module, nine speakers, USB/iPod port, Aux connection, Bluetooth (with voice control) and a trip computer.



All Focus models are fitted standard with remote central locking, power windows, air-conditioning, hill-start assist, ABS brakes, electronic stability control and six airbags, including side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.

In addition to the Sony audio system, the Sport grade features sports-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports front seats and dual-zone climate-control.

It also has items from the optional ‘Convenience Pack’ available on the mid-series Trend, including automatic headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, auto-dimming interior mirror and ‘follow me home’ lighting.

The Titanium grade has hi-tech features such as Active Park Assist, a keyless entry system and a start button, plus partial leather seat trim, heated front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.

As GoAuto has reported, Ford currently sources the Focus from Germany but will switch to Thailand in the third quarter of next year, a move that should free-up vehicle supplies.

Focus sales are up 27.9 per cent this year, but Ford holds just 5.4 per cent of the market (with 9313 units YTD) – well below big-volume rivals such as the Mazda3 (18.1 per cent), Holden Cruze (14.9), Toyota Corolla (14.5) and Hyundai i30 (12.7), all of which have managed more than 22,000 units YTD.

MY2012 Ford Focus pricing (before on-road costs):
Hatch
Ambiente 1.6 petrol&nbsp	$21,990
Ambiente 1.6 petrol (a)	$24,290
Trend 2.0 petrol	$24,490
Trend 2.0 petrol (a)	$26,790
Trend 2.0 diesel (a)	$30,500
Sport 2.0 petrol	$27,890 (+$500)
Sport 2.0 petrol (a)	$30,190 (+$500)
Sport 2.0 diesel (a)	$33,690 (+$500)
Titanium 2.0 petrol (a)	$33,090 (+$500)
Titanium 2.0 diesel (a)	$36,590 (+$500)
Sedan
Ambiente 1.6 petrol (a)	$24,290
Trend 2.0 petrol (a)	$26,790
Trend 2.0 diesel (a)	$30,500
Sport 2.0 petrol (a)	$30,190 (+$500)
Sport 2.0 diesel (a)	$33,690 (+$500)
Titanium 2.0 petrol (a)	$33,090 (+$500)
Titanium 2.0 diesel (a)	$36,590 (+$500)