Ford India’s eight-model launch plan till 2015 seems to be taking a proper shape now. After the recent reveal of the Fiesta the details about more upcoming models from the American stable are emerging. BSM has come out with a report that the Blue Oval is keen on launching the Focus sedan in India. The highly acclaimed, driver focused car will be direct competitor to the likes of the City, Corolla and the Cruze and will be introduced in the Indian market by 2012.
Seen for the first time at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the new Focus is a modern, stylish and young-looking car. Focus is one of the most important models in the Ford lineup worldwide, with over 1 crore cars sold globally since its launch in 1998, and is known for its great value, features and the fun to drive factor.
While there has been no official word from Ford India about the launch or the probable list of engines for the car, knowing the Indian market, the choice of engines seems quite obvious. In all probability, Ford will launch both petrol and diesel variants for the car, with the petrol engine option being the 150 PS, 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit. There is another variant of the same engine with 180 PS and 240 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, but we’re quite sure that the Indian version would get the 150PS unit.
Then there is a 95 PS/115 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Now since the 90Ps unit will be used on the lower spec Fiesta, the higher priced Focus should features the 115PS version of the engine with peak torque from 270 Nm to 285 Nm during hard acceleration. There is a 2.0-liter diesel as well, available internationally, but we think that it would be a little too much for this segment, and push the cost up unnecessarily.
The comprehensive range of smart driver assistance technologies available internationally on the new Focus also includes:
• Active Park Assist
• Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning
• Auto High Beam
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Driver Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert and Collision Mitigation by Braking
• Blind Spot Information System
• Speed Limiter
• Rear Seat Beltminder
• Power Child Locks
• Rear View Camera
We cannot be sure about which of these features will actually be brought to India, but having a look at the promised tech for the Fiesta, we can be quite sure that the higher-priced Focus will be generously embellished with tech gadgetry.
The Focus will be followed with the launch of the Accord-Rivaling Mondeo, which once was present in the Indian market, and was highly acclaimed for its capabilities. More on that later. Stay tuned!
News Courtesy: BSM