User:JoePane/Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a small family car made by Ford and sold in most Ford markets worldwide. It was launched in 1998 in Europe and 2002 in Australia. Since then, it has become the United Kingdom's best selling car, following in the success of its predecessor, the Escort. In 2001 and 2002, the Focus was the world’s best selling car. A new version of the Focus was launched in Europe in January 2005.

In Europe, the Focus replaced the Ford Escort. In Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, it replaced the Ford Laser.

Safety
The Mk 1 Ford Focus received 4 out of 5 stars for occupant safety, and 2 out of 4 stars for pedestrian sefety in its EuroNCAP tests (69% frontal, 83% side, 28% pedestrian). (EuroNCAP, 1999) In Australia, the Ford Focus was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.

2001 Facelift
In 2001 the Mk 1 Focus was subtly facelifted. Changes included:
 * Revised headlamps with integrated indicators and separate main and dipped bulbs
 * Revised bumpers without indicators, but with the addition of removable bump strips
 * Revised upper and lower grille and fog lights
 * Optional Xenon headlights
 * Optional 6-disc CD changer
 * Optional Navigation System
 * Optional Digital Climate Control
 * Features of certain trim levels changed
 * Modified centre console with rubber cup holders
 * Different centre dash colours
 * New seat trims
 * Different instrument cluster finishes
 * Damped and lit glovebox
 * New colours
 * Rear power point
 * TDCI Engine introduced to the range
 * Versatility Pack Option added

A new flexfuel engine was introduced, based on the European Zetec 1.6 L version. This could use both petrol and bioethanol, but only on the Swedish market. This version is still available in some countries despite the advent of an all-new Mk 2 Focus.