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Ford Focus Review Efficient, Fun, & Improved
By Matthew C. Keegan
The Ford Motor Company hit a home run in 2009 when they introduced their second set of gas-electric hybrid cars, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan midsize sedans. Those vehicles followed the 2004 introduction of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, compact crossover models still on the market. The Fusion Hybrid has exceeded Ford's expectations, selling thousands more cars then had initially been expected.
Hybrid Success
Ford's success in the hybrid market pales when compared to the industry leader, Toyota. The Toyota Prius outsells all hybrids combined, having been on the market for a decade now. That head start means that the Prius is already on its third generation model, while most hybrids on the market have only been out a year or two.
Make no mistake, Ford isn't done with expanding its hybrid offerings, though it may take a pause for a few years until it switches its cars from nickel-cadmium batteries to lithium-ion, the latter offering a longer life and better range. Even then, Ford will be bringing to the market at least one pure electric car and will be relying on its EcoBoost engine line to squeeze more fuel economy while offering improved power with smaller engines.
Ford Focus Hybrid
If Ford is to add another hybrid to its line, then a Ford Focus Hybrid model is a strong possibility. That car is found one slot below the Fusion and is designated as a compact model. Ford will be bringing a new Focus to the market in late 2010 or early 2011, finally marrying the North American and European models to one body design in order to save money and extend Ford's global platform.
A Ford Focus Hybrid mock up has been built and Ford is testing the model out right now. In fact, a prototype of the Ford Focus Hybrid was shown on the Jay Leno Show in September 2009 part of the show's "Green Car Challenge" segment. Powered by a lithium-ion battery and small four cylinder engine, the Ford Focus Hybrid was said to get 141 horsepower while producing 236 lb.-ft of torque.
BEV Focus
Besides a hybrid Focus, Ford is also testing a BEV Focus as in battery electric vehicle. If the technology is in place and demand strong, Ford may scrap the Focus hybrid altogether and sell a BEV in its place. After all, if you have a car that can keep power for 100 miles or so, having a gasoline engine onboard only adds to the weight of the vehicle.
In any case, Ford is talking the hybrid language nicely now with four models in place. The Focus may join the mix, but it if doesn't then a pure electric model could be in the offing.
The Ford Motor Company hit a home run in 2009 when they introduced their second set of gas-electric hybrid cars, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan midsize sedans. Those vehicles followed the 2004 introduction of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, compact crossover models still on the market. The Fusion Hybrid has exceeded Ford's expectations, selling thousands more cars then had initially been expected.
Hybrid Success
Ford's success in the hybrid market pales when compared to the industry leader, Toyota. The Toyota Prius outsells all hybrids combined, having been on the market for a decade now. That head start means that the Prius is already on its third generation model, while most hybrids on the market have only been out a year or two.
Make no mistake, Ford isn't done with expanding its hybrid offerings, though it may take a pause for a few years until it switches its cars from nickel-cadmium batteries to lithium-ion, the latter offering a longer life and better range. Even then, Ford will be bringing to the market at least one pure electric car and will be relying on its EcoBoost engine line to squeeze more fuel economy while offering improved power with smaller engines.
Ford Focus Hybrid
If Ford is to add another hybrid to its line, then a Ford Focus Hybrid model is a strong possibility. That car is found one slot below the Fusion and is designated as a compact model. Ford will be bringing a new Focus to the market in late 2010 or early 2011, finally marrying the North American and European models to one body design in order to save money and extend Ford's global platform.
A Ford Focus Hybrid mock up has been built and Ford is testing the model out right now. In fact, a prototype of the Ford Focus Hybrid was shown on the Jay Leno Show in September 2009 part of the show's "Green Car Challenge" segment. Powered by a lithium-ion battery and small four cylinder engine, the Ford Focus Hybrid was said to get 141 horsepower while producing 236 lb.-ft of torque.
BEV Focus
Besides a hybrid Focus, Ford is also testing a BEV Focus as in battery electric vehicle. If the technology is in place and demand strong, Ford may scrap the Focus hybrid altogether and sell a BEV in its place. After all, if you have a car that can keep power for 100 miles or so, having a gasoline engine onboard only adds to the weight of the vehicle.
In any case, Ford is talking the hybrid language nicely now with four models in place. The Focus may join the mix, but it if doesn't then a pure electric model could be in the offing.
