Return of the Ford Focus Wagon?

First introduced to the North American market in 1998, the Ford Focus is the compact model for the Ford brand across all Ford markets. However, in recent years the model sold in the United States and Canada has been differentiated from the one sold in Europe and elsewhere. Beginning in 2011, that will all change as an all new Focus hits Ford showrooms based on the current European design.

The original Ford Focus was offered in four body styles: 3- and 5-door hatchbacks, 4-door sedan, and a 5-door wagon, and quickly won numerous car of the year awards. However, it soon proved that the first generation Focus had its share of quality problems including water leaks, engine fires, stalling, sputtering, ignition and brake troubles, and other gremlins.

It wasn't until 2005 that the majority of kinks were worked out in the Focus, allowing the model to regain much of its lost prestige. Today, the Ford Focus wagon is gone as are the hatchbacks. The sedan soldiers on and a two door coupe is now part of the line.

But there is some very good news on the horizon in the form of the third generation model which is scheduled to arrive in 2011. That car is truly world class, already on sale in many Ford markets, and it will be offered initially in 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon configurations.

There is also one other model being planned: an electric Focus. Yes, Ford will use the Focus to roll out its latest electric car technology, offering a pure electric version of its compact model. That car is expected to hit the market by Summer 2011, giving Ford a strong response to the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and other new cars of its kind.

One model that will continue to be sold in Europe but not tabbed for the US market is the Ford Focus wagon. Called the Focus Estate in Europe, the Ford Focus wagon won't be part of the initial new model line as Ford doesn't seem sufficient demand at the moment. Ford believes that the market will sustain sedan and five door hatchback models, but they don't see a wagon as offering much promise.

Instead of offering the Ford Focus wagon, there will be a new crossover model released by 2012 based on the Focus platform. That vehicle is currently sold in Europe as the Kuga, but it most likely will become the next generation Ford Escape for the North American market. Don't expect the Ford Focus wagon to be sold alongside the Ford Escape unless shifting customer tastes mean that people will demand a wagon once again.

Oh, just in case you haven't heard there is likely to be a consolation offered: the Ford Focus RS, a potent pocket rocket may debut in 2012. That model features a 2.5L I5 engine, producing a whopping 305 horsepower and 325 lb feet of torque. Keep your fingers crossed for this one because new federal fuel and emissions standards could kill off the Focus RS.