Noul Ford Focus - MK3

European customers have the choice of the new high-efficiency 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi petrol direct-injection turbo engine with targeted outputs of 150 PS or 180 PS, or the light and responsive 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT unit with targeted outputs of 125 PS
or 105 PS.

Diesel offerings include the 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engines that have been completely updated for 2010 with significantly improved fuel economy, performance and refinement. The powerful and smooth 2.0-litre line-up offers 163 PS, 140 PS or 115 PS, while the responsive and economical 1.6-litre engine delivers 115 PS or 95 PS.

The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel is also available with the advanced, high-efficiency Ford PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in a choice of 163 PS, 140 PS and 115 PS ratings. The Ford PowerShift transmission is an advanced dual-clutch design, combining the efficiency, optimised gear ratios and driving enjoyment of a manual gearbox with the smoothness and ease-of-use of a conventional automatic.

In corners, the C-MAX is a class act. Wider front and rear tracks boost stability, while new front suspension and anti-roll bars make the car supremely balanced – restricting body movement but maintaining a high degree of comfort.

A stiffer chassis for added agility, plus torque vectoring and a more communicative steering rack, make the C-MAX the new benchmark in its class from behind the wheel. It bodes well for the new Focus, on sale in January 2011.

As does the new 148bhp 1.6-litre direct-injection EcoBoost engine, which is smooth and free from turbo lag. Throttle response is razor sharp, thanks to 95 per cent of power being available from 1,500rpm until 5,500rpm. The 240Nm of torque is also boosted to 270Nm during full-throttle acceleration – perfect for overtaking manoeuvres.

The new six-speed manual gearbox is fast, precise and geared to make the most of the rev-hungry engine. A twin-clutch PowerShift gearbox is an option only on the range-topping 138bhp 2.0-litre TDCi variant.

Prices start at £16,745 – £1,225 more than the cheapest Renault Scenic. But for that, you’re getting the best looking, finest handling and most desirable car in the compact MPV segment.

Daca isi pastreaza tinuta de drum de la Mk2 (class-leading ), si in plus fac Powersh(t)iftul mai larg raspandit, o sa trec peste stopurile copiate dupa Kia. Decat un VW DSG, mai bine un Focus PowerShift. Au infrumusetat si maneta de viteze, era foarte urata la cea automata precedenta.

What's it like

On the road, brilliant. The underpinnings of this car are those of the outgoing Focus models, with every facet re-thought and with new technology (such as dampers with better valving and a bigger diameter) included. Suspension parts have been judiciously lightened. Suspension mounts have been stiffened. The car has a wider track at both ends. There's a new electric power steering system, now that Ford is happy EPAS can deliver decent 'feel' and the steering rack has been quickened.

Focus and C-Max drivers will find the cars familiar, but they will note improvements. Most of the 1.6 litre models have a new, sweeter-shifting six-speed manual, which is also 30 per cent lighter than its predecessor. The cars are quieter in powertrain, wind and road noise than their predecessors.

They ride more smoothly (though the short model is made deliberately sportier than the US-bound seven-seater) and the excellent steering is sensitive and conveniently high-geared. There's a sense that these Ford products are the first to be tested in every major world market, and their engineering teams have spared no effort to make them ready.

The diesel is impressively smooth and refined, with typical turbodiesel torque from low down. It worked brilliantly with the Powershift. But the star of the show was the 1.6 EcoBoost, a naturally sporty engine which (because of its latest-spec direction injection, its low-inertia turbo and its dual variable valve timing) also has diesel-like thrust from below 2000 rpm. It truly begins a new era of Ford four-cylinder petrol engines, and is the one we'd choose.

Prevad o promotie inca din din prima luna.