2010 Detroit: New Focus finally goes global

By John LeBlanc DETROIT - It only took a decade, but Ford has finally delivered a world-class compact car to Canada. Instead of a dumbed-down, decontented North American version, the all-new 2012 Focus is virtually the same car on both shores of the Atlantic—in fact, around the world. And based on the ways it looks, and how it will be offered with upscale interiors and luxury features, the new Focus makes the current iteration look like the over-ten-year-old car it is. Initially, there will be a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan Focus, just like the new 2011 Fiesta subcompact. The European Focus Grand C-Max (a Mazda5-like mini-minivan) that debuted last year is also expected to go on sale some time in 2011. The lone Focus engine choice at launch is a 155 hp, 2.0-litre four with two six-speed gearboxes (manual and dual-clutch auto) . Ford won't confirm, but a turbo 1.6 four is also expected eventually. The Focus will also be one of the first North American cars to offer stop-start technology (it switches off the engine when the car comes to a stop, like in  hybrids) as standard kit. Ford also said an electric Focus developed  with Canada's Magna  will join the lineup sometime in 2011. Ford Canada's Christine Hollander said Canadian pricing and equipment will be announced closer to the Focus's on sale date, about six months after the Fiesta goes on sale this summer. [Source: Ford]

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