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http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...503-1e5pk.html

New Focus misses out on turbo tech
Matt Campbell
May 3, 2011 - 10:11AM

Ford reveals Focus engine line-up for Australia - but clever new EcoBoost engine is absent.

Ford's next-generation Focus small car will go on sale in Australia next August without the new model's most advanced engine.

The high-tech 'EcoBoost' 1.6-litre turbocharged engine - which produces 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque yet while sipping only 5.0L/100km - has been left off the list for Australia, along with the attractive station wagon variant.

It means the new Focus will go up against rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Holden Cruze that offer effective small-capacity turbo petrol engines.
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Instead, Ford Australia this week confirmed the new Focus will be offered locally with a choice of four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body styles, and three engines, including a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol unit producing an estimated 120kW of power and 200Nm of torque, with consumption estimated to be less than 8.0L/100km (based on the US model's figures). Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or six-speed 'Powershift' dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Other engines include an updated version of the existing 2.0-litre turbo diesel which is expected to produce 120kW/350Nm (up from the current diesel's 100kW/320Nm output), with consumption to dip even lower than the current oil-burner's 5.9L/100km. Gearboxes include a six-speed manual and optional Powershift transmission. The third choice is an efficiency-focused 1.6-litre petrol engine - similar to the one used in the smaller Fiesta city car - which is expected to return a consumption figure of less than 7.0L/100km.

Ford Australia spokesman Justin Lacy says the EcoBoost engine - which has received rave reviews in Europe - may come at a later date, and says the wagon version could be considered if there is demand.

Ford says there will be a number of trim levels available, including the range-topping Titanium badge for the first time on a Focus. According to the company, the top-end offering will "offer luxury levels of convenience and comfort that will please buyers shifting from larger and luxury-class vehicles".

The front-wheel-drive Focus will feature a clever new torque vectoring system that is designed to aid front-end traction and is said to give the car a sportier feel.

Details of what technologies will be available inside the new Focus haven't yet been made public, though clever touches such as a WiFi hotspot and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are expected.

Pricing for the next-gen Focus is likely to be revealed around June, with Ford Australia saying the new model isn't likely to see significant change in either direction.

Australia's Focus supply will initially come from Europe but is expected to switch to the cheaper manufacturing source of Thailand.