Ford Focus Canada

The Ford Focus in Canada is available in hatchback, sedan and station wagon versions. The Focus won the North American Car of the Year award in 2000. The current second generation Ford Focus will be replaced by the international Focus model in May 2011.The Ford Focus made its debut in Canada in 1999 as a 2000 Focus model, replacing the popular Ford Escort which was manufactured in Oakville, Ontario. Ford took a great risk by replacing the well known family friendly Ford Escort after over two decades of production. The Ford Focus arrived in Canada with the Ford C170 platform. The Ford Focus was co-designed by Claude Lobo which also designed the mini-compact Ford Ka which is very popular in Europe and the Ford Mercury.

Ford Focus 2000-2007
The versatility of the Focus quickly turned it into the top 10 selling cars in Canada and North America. It was originally launched with three basic models, Focus sedan, Ford Focus station wagon and Focus 3-door hatchback. Then the 5-door hatchback was premiered at the 2002 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, as a sporty and comfortable hatchback.

The new independent multi-link suspension was developed especially for the Ford Focus and was later used by other Ford sedan vehicles including the Ford Fusion and Fiesta, the new design enhanced elastokinematic suspension performance. The 2000 Fusion was available in three popular editions; the Focus Sony Limited Edition with 7000 cars manufactured; Ford Focus Street Edition which included 16 inch rims, leather steering-wheel and sporty suspension and the Ford Focus Kona Edition (Kona Mountain Bike Edition) with a limited production of 5000 units which included an “Out Of Bounds” Kona bike.

The 2002 Ford Focus ZX5 5-door hatchback included power sunroof, 6-CD changer, leather seats with a 2.0L DOHC Zetec engine with 130HP while the SVT Focus has a boosted engine reaching 170 horsepower. The 2005 Focus received a mid-generation redesign, including new dashboard, headlights and bumpers. A new 2.3L Duratec engine was also introduced as standard in the 2005 Ford Focus ST trim.

Ford Focus 2008-2012
The 2008 Focus in Canada made its debut at the 2007 North American Auto Show; the new Focus was only available as the Focus sedan and Focus 2-door coupe. Ford continued to use the same Mk platform and styling, however the interior received a complete makeover with roomier interior, more safety features, new dashboard and seats, including Ford’s new Bluetooth audio system.

The 2012 Ford Focus in Canada is available with an upgraded 2.0L Duratec 16-valve DOHC engine with 140HP which provides better fuel economy and a standard 5-speed manual transmission with an optional automatic transmission. All 2012 Focus’ include a standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control (ESC) and antilock ABS brakes. With an impressive fuel economy the Ford Focus is rated at 5.6L/100km highway and 8.0L/100km in the city, tested by Transport Canada approved results.