Spy Shots: Next Ford Focus mules caught testing
by Jonathon Ramsey on Mar 26th 2009 at 6:58PM 
The next Ford Focus is being prepared in sedan and wagon formats, and the first mules have been caught. Judging from what we see here and what we've already heard, the coming Focus will take its design cues from the Iosis-Max concept shown at Geneva last month. One thing we didn't see on the Iosis-Max, however, was the high-rise stance the Focus mule is sporting. We aren't sure why the mule has such elevated ground clearance, a state which seems to affect the sedan more than the wagon – perhaps there's some clandestine CUV testing or tuning going on?
Regardless, we can't wait to see the looks of the final car. And who knows... maybe even a Focus wagon will once again find its way over this way?
[Source: NextAutos]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
chineyz954 7:01PM (3/26/2009)
We need a new focus. Plz
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Randy 11:13PM (3/26/2009)
Hey I agree but the styling of that is just to blan for me! The original focus is still dear to my heart because it head a stealth paneling kinda thing going for it. Actually kinds like the Lambo Reventon does! It was sharp angled and just cool to look at! I'm a muscle car type / super exotic fan so anything without some level of intensity is always a little lacking to me but this is just to much blan! It's a mule though! I guess it's not really done!
Also it looks a bit stodgy in the rear! The front is just boring all together! YOu know what? I'm a big Ford fan and I don't like the design of this car! TAKE THAT FORD! LOL But I still love Ford :)
Ed 2:14AM (3/27/2009)
@ Randy
The operative word is 'mules'. I sincerely doubt the next Focus will be this utilitarian.
Randy 4:49PM (3/27/2009)
@Ed
I hope that's correct because the above mule has zero flare! All it really needs is a less stodgy backend and a grill of some sort! So boring!
P.V. 7:05PM (3/26/2009)
People: the current sheetmetal is from the current European Focus sedan. It looks nice, but this is NOT the new sheetmetal.
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Steve 7:09PM (3/26/2009)
Nope.. just like they said, it's a mule. Mules typically don't where sheet metal that will be on the production version.
But i'm excited for a new Focus. Hopefully Ford is working on getting the rumored he 2.0L Hybrid ready for production, and maybe even getting a 2.0L Duratec that gets 40 mpg standard. That would be huge for the Focus.
dukeisduke 11:13AM (3/27/2009)
Good, because this looks like the current dorkmobile that we're stuck with here in the States. Hell, even Mexico gets the better-looking one.
First, Ford sent us the groundbreaking New Edge design in 1999. Then they followed up with the dorkmobile version. WTH were *they* thinking?
huis 7:17PM (3/26/2009)
Yeah, this doesn't show anything about the next gen at all. The front end is just the current euro Focus, and it was stuck onto the roofline/doors of current US Focus.
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TBlueMax 9:24PM (3/26/2009)
You might be right but I'm still enjoying the possibility of seeing a Focus wagon return to the states.
Mazda FTW! 7:46PM (3/26/2009)
I'll be very curios to see if the North American market pays as much money for a Focus as they do for a high-spec Civic or Mazda3.
I think we enthusiasts are fooling ourselves.
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Throwback 8:59AM (3/27/2009)
the Mazda 3 4 door starts at 15K. I think a new Euro Focus can easily carry a 15-20k price range. It will have a 1.6 DI turbo, 6 speed dual clutch tranny plus Sync.
KIB2 8:15PM (3/26/2009)
Nice very nice
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Peter 8:11PM (3/26/2009)
The rear kinda looks like the 2005 Civic coupe rear.
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Stuka 8:50PM (3/26/2009)
Woohoo, can't wait. If it comes out soon enough, I will be able to choose between the Fiesta and the Focus.
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nardvark 9:08PM (3/26/2009)
Makes me wonder if this is just an elaborate disguise for a hybrid powertrain test, or some other secondary system. Seems like it would be possible to test handling with the car jacked up an extra foot.
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nardvark 9:09PM (3/26/2009)
possible->impossible.
RockStoneSteel 11:42PM (3/26/2009)
I can't tell from the photos if this will have 4 wheel disc brakes or not. It's pathetic in the 21st century that the current Focus doesn't offer 4 wheel discs at any price. Likewise, I seriously hope they don't downgrade to a lame torsion beam suspension also. The independent suspension is the only few points the current Focus had going for it over much of the competition. Even the new Kia Forte' unfortunately gave up the independent suspension from the Spectra to go with a torsion beam. Come on manufacturer's, wise up. We want premium small cars, not cheap small cars!
And all you Cobalt fan boys - I don't care about the lap times of your torsion beam'd Cobalt, I want real world comfort and ride quality, not lap times.
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That One Person 3:18PM (3/28/2009)
I can get into an argument about a certain car that doesn't come with disc brakes but I won't.
But I agree on IRS setups. My 94 Escort wagon had IRS...that's sad.
natedog-93 12:18AM (4/19/2009)
SVT focus PLEASE?
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cellphone3 2:36AM (3/27/2009)
yes , we need new focus , ford is a nice brand !
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