Rendered Speculation: Next-gen Ford Focus, ugh
No, no, NO! The transfer of styling cues from one Focus to another seems to have its polarity reversed. Apparently, we haven't been clear enough when clamoring for Ford's Euro models, as this image of the new Euro Focus certainly looks like it's cribbed some of the weird from the North American car. Check the hood, and its indented midsection -- way to make the grille look like a demented smiley face. That strake down the flanks, while better executed here, reminds us of the very same line on our extra ripe (and still good!) Focus. Huge headlamps with a post-plastic-surgery look further offend the eyes, but we hope that this rendering is a bit off the mark, and the real Focus is a little sharper.Things aren't rumored to get any better inside, with an iDrive-like interface to "improve ergonomics." Higher quality materials will also fill the cabin, so at least it will be a more hospitable place to pass the hours swearing at the inscrutable electronics. At least it'll carry Ecoboost engines underhood, of which we have nothing snarky to say.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ben 10:06AM (11/10/2008)
Watching how i-Drive has been used in BMWs, while it might improve ergonomics, it doesn't improve usability in terms of reducing cognitive load on the driver.
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Smegley 10:08AM (11/10/2008)
I think it looks damn good. Sporty, slightly perverse in a good way, and not like all the other garbage out there.
If Ford does this and does it right, I'll be happy to buy one.
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Randy 4:05PM (11/10/2008)
I think it looks damn good too! It's a refreshing and new style that's not been done 1000 times! I'd actually enjoy seeing these on the street! Maybe even owning one if I can fit my tall self in one!
Ligor 5:03PM (11/10/2008)
looks very very very good
that's something I'd not think Ford would brig out, but damn impressive
give me a 2.0L NA making 170HP and I'm set
but I do want AWD to be part of the deal
Joey Mazz 5:36PM (11/10/2008)
I find this disturbing as an owner of a 07 ZX3 who is dying to get into a MkII Euro focus. I want the next gen focus to be a carbon copy of the current euro models, just loose the metric speedometer and call it finished.
nardvark 5:42PM (11/10/2008)
Actually, you'd be amazed at how much room there is for tall drivers in a Focus. I can't speak to the current model, but the 05-07 generation can easily sit someone well over 6 feet tall. I know two people over 6'5" who drive Foci. The tall roofline helps.
Now, I wouldn't try to put another 6-footer in the backseat behind the driver at the same time, but that's an entirely different story...
Paul P. 10:10AM (11/10/2008)
Yikes that thing is ugly. Even the Fusion front end looks better.
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Torrent 1:09PM (11/10/2008)
it looks like death
homunculus 10:13AM (11/10/2008)
toyota snout, audi grille, mazda headlights, subaru body shape
it's awful
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brodtrick 10:15AM (11/10/2008)
No, Ford, No.
I like Ford cars, but copying that pugly jimmy durante (no disrepect intended to mr durante) nose with a big booger in it from mercedes is silly.
It was dang pugly on the mercedes (regardless of the price they put on the thing) and its dang ugly on the Focus.
If Ford wants to copy something from mercedes, copy the performance of the slr, leave the nose and the crappy build and reliability in germany.
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Nellydesign 10:16AM (11/10/2008)
All I can say is it DOES NOT look like that. Don't get your panties in a bunch over Auto Express's completely incorrect assumptions.
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Stumpy 10:29AM (11/10/2008)
Exactly!
JZeke 10:40AM (11/10/2008)
Agreed. This what separates hacks from real design professionals. You wouldn't ask for plastic surgery recommendations from Melissa Rivers now, would you?
Kaptain75329 11:45AM (11/10/2008)
"All I can say is it DOES NOT look like that. Don't get your panties in a bunch over Auto Express's completely incorrect assumptions." - Nellydesign
Yea no kidding. There's a reason I'm not a regular visitor of Auto Express; credible is not the word I'd use when characterizing their material. Look at how they pegged the upcoming 2010 Mazda3:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2717338499_a27817e0a3_o.jpg
Nice, Lexus even, but entirely off the mark from reality.
LexicalConverter 12:22PM (11/10/2008)
Q: What does that Mazda3 have in common with this Focus theory?
A: A big giant smiley mouth!
Torrent 1:08PM (11/10/2008)
Kaptain: It kinda DOES look like it....
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-mazda3/1086391/
Joe 10:17AM (11/10/2008)
Ford Prius? It looks like one starting just past the nose until the very back.
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fixitfixitstop 1:25AM (11/11/2008)
I thought the same thing.
geo.stewart 10:17AM (11/10/2008)
IDK,
not fond of the hood tab on the grille but overall I like, definetely better than the US; arguably a lateral for the Euro version.
upmarket interiors and a 3 door that is differentiated by a unique roofline to tackle the Scirocco rather than the Golf. I'm in! (unless the morons that be decide we dont dserve a 3 door here in the US)
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Cole Mitguard 10:18AM (11/10/2008)
It kinda looks like the Mazda 6 front clip, but after having its face smashed with a shovel to give it that nice elongated look... Ford please don't tell us that you are FINALLY going to release the Euro Spec Focus in the US and then make it fugly... I would be SOOOOO mad.
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