Next generation Ford Focus revealed before Detroit debut – rpmGo.com

Ford is increasingly more confident in its C segment cars, primarily the Focus model, which has been selling extremely well in Europe, largely due to its great design and handling. Sadly, US customers were treated with a older models which just didn’t do the name any justice.

Now, under the company’s “One Ford” strategy, the next generation Focus has been revealed to a global market, just before its unveiling later today at the Detroit Auto Show. The new model promises to be a turning point for the US company, which says that over 80% of its equipment will be common to all areas of the world.

Sporting the next iteration of the Kinetic design direction, which has been extremely successful in Europe, the new Focus will arrive in both five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan versions, and is set to be sold in over 122 countries around the world. After the premiere of two models next year, expect over 10 more variants based on the same platform to appear by the end of 2012.

The interior will be focused (pun not intended) on the driver, and offer a variety of new technologies, including a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which will be more efficient by 9% than the previous automatic gearbox.

Europeans will be getting their hands on a 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine, alongside a few other petrol ones, but also new Duratorq diesel units, that promise better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 output. Americans will receive a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine, double variable valve timing, also more efficient than the older power plants.

Overall, Ford is extremely confident in the new Focus, and hopes to sell over 2 million cars by 2012. Until the model will appear on the market, you can check out the photo below with both the hatchback and sedan editions of the 2012 Ford Focus.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus