"Coupé-Cabriolet is the sophisticated new star of the Focus range and will become the hero car in terms of luxury flair and elegance, just as the Focus XR5 Turbo represents performance," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is reflective of the fun-loving and carefree nature of those who drive it. It's the type of car that's perfect for those spur-of-the-moment, top-down road trips.

"The electrically retractable roof offers year-round practicality, which means Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is an extremely versatile vehicle perfect for all seasons, especially the long, lazy days of summer."

The exterior of the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet has been designed with style in mind. Riding on 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloy wheels and featuring smooth flowing lines adorned with chrome highlights and the exclusive Pininfarina badge, the Focus makes an immediate statement top-up or top-down.

Large chrome-framed upper and lower grilles and chrome waist seals highlight the prestigious nature of the new model, while body colour fixtures including bumpers, door handles, side mirror housings and bodyside protection mouldings provide a contemporary appearance and complete the elegant look.

Chrome surround front fog lamps enhance the passionate character of the vehicle and a dramatic wheel arch design resonating with Focus DNA communicates strength, robust handling capabilities and an assured, athletic stance.

The signature feature of the car, the two piece hard-top, is operated by depressing a single button and takes just 29 seconds to open or close. The roof retracts fully into the luggage compartment, transforming the stylish Coupé into a Cabriolet.

A luggage separator blind positioned in the boot acts as a sensor and will not let the roof retract unless it is pulled across the luggage compartment. This feature prevents the roof from opening and inadvertently folding on top of items stowed in the rear of the car.

The bootlid itself is also safely pulled shut by an electric motor after being placed in a closed position, meaning there is no need to slam the boot, which in turn helps prevents accidental damage to the roof when retracted.

The distinctive rear of the Coupé-Cabriolet is characterised by unique tail lights, linked by a chrome strip bearing an embossed Focus logo, reinforcing the elegant Italian design by Pininfarina.

At first glance, the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet looks more like a sports coupé than a spacious grand tourer but in fact offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534-litres with the roof up and 248-litres with the roof down. It also has rear seats that comfortably accommodate two adults with generous amounts of shoulder room.

The interior of the car oozes luxurious sophistication, ranging from the heated leather trimmed sports seats to the leather wrapped steering wheel.

Premium creature comforts include fully automatic dual zone climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated power mirrors, glove box with cooling function and a Sony six-disc CD audio system with eight speakers.

Power for the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is provided courtesy of a 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 107 kW of power and 185 Nm of torque. The engine has been designed to deliver torque in the low rpm range, allowing for smooth power and effortless overtaking, with 90 per cent of the peak torque available from just over 2,000 rpm.

The new model will be available with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.

"We anticipate that demand will be higher for the automatic option, but nevertheless want to cater for those who desire a more involving driving experience," said Mr. Gorman.

"The popular Sequential Sports Shift feature of the automatic transmission allows the driver the choice of full automatic mode or sequential manual control of gear selections and will more than satisfy those who want the best of both worlds."

The fuel economy of the manual transmission is just 7.5 litres per 100 km and the vehicle returns a figure of only 8.3-litres per 100 km when the optional automatic is selected. The manual version also provides an environmentally considerate carbon emission of just 179g/km.

Dynamics attributes synonymous with Focus are also present in the convertible, ensuring it is equally well equipped for a relaxed and leisurely cruise or a more involving spirited drive.

Tensional rigidity is a key factor ensuring the integrity of the new car. Greater rigidity was achieved through the development and application of new construction materials and techniques, which helped to maintain the core Ford DNA requirement of a rewarding driving experience.

Safety features expected of a premium car such as driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are all standard, as is Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control and a Rollover Protection Device (RPD) for added safety.

The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet also has Ford's Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and a perimeter alarm with interior motion scanner for increased security.

The recommended retail price will be $45,490 for the manual and $47,490 for the automatic model*.

"Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is an exciting, dynamic vehicle which offers sophisticated European styling in a highly desirable package and further extends the widening appeal of the Ford brand," said Mr Gorman.

"Regardless of whether you're heading down town or out of town, there are few better places to be than top-down in the luxurious new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet."

The Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet will be available for sale, locally, by the end of November.

* Pricing excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges

THE NEW
FORD FOCUS COUPE-CABRIOLET
IN DETAIL

The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet supplements the extensive Focus line-up with a striking dash of Italian elegance. This four-seater Coupé-Cabriolet, which has been developed in partnership with design and engineering teams from Pininfarina, combines unique open-air emotion with the acclaimed Ford drive characteristics already appreciated on other Ford Focus models.

The new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is Ford of Europe's first power-operated hardtop model. Its two-piece, fully retractable hardtop not only guarantees comfort, stability, durability, and a high degree of year-round, everyday practicality, it also lends the vehicle two exciting and customised personalities.

Designing a true four-seater that combines a high emotional appeal with "must have" means for everyday use was a top priority for Ford designers and engineers.

The new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is based on the Ford Focus Vignale Concept Car, which first appeared at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Since then, the vehicle has been taken from design concept to production model in a joint development programme between Ford of Europe and Italy's Pininfarina, which enjoys a reputation for design and production of other manufacturer's vehicles.

This stylish Coupé reveals its second personality in just 29 seconds. At the touch of a button, it transforms quietly and quickly into a dynamic Cabriolet thanks to easy-to-use and reliable technology.

Because of its construction, the two-piece retractable hardtop delivers excellent customer advantages in terms of durability, rigidity and sealing capability. Yet it also provides the vehicle with seamless, flowing and elegant lines.

EXTERIOR

Exterior design

The Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet exudes elegance, harmony and vitality from every angle, regardless of whether the hardtop is closed or stowed in the luggage compartment. It is easily recognisable as a Ford Focus, with even more true European style and elegance.

The pivotal point of the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet design is the body shape around the C-pillar. Here the gently rising lines of the bootlid and the rear window meet to form a solid, tapered shoulder. Its no-frills design forms the base for the gently arched roof line. This design feature helps to provide a more integrated and flowing feel to the exterior. A chrome strip runs from the A-pillar to the bootlid and underlines the tapered shoulder line, lending an additional, three-dimensional aspect to the vehicle's profile.

These clearly-defined and smooth lines also give the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet a distinctive profile when the hardtop is stowed in the luggage compartment.

The gently rising window lines give rear passengers a feeling of safety and enclosure. This feeling is justified as the rear head restraints and Rollover Protection Device (RPD) covers are seamlessly integrated in the flowing body profile.

The vehicle is very well-proportioned with the cabin centrally positioned between the axles. The tapered body form lends the car a stretched and elegant look and ends with a distinctive tail shape which houses the retractable hardtop and provides best-in-class luggage space.

The large tail lamps are designed to reflect the shape of the headlamps and both add substantially to the vehicle's stance and character. The tail lamps' wrap-round design appears as triangles on the vehicle's side, accentuating vitality. Compared with the core Focus range, this more radical treatment of the tail lamps and the chrome bootlid handle with the embossed "Focus" logo are unique identifiers for the new Coupé-Cabriolet.

Premium flair is achieved with the use of chrome elements, including the strip running from the A-pillar to the C-pillar as well as surrounding the front grille and fog lamps. The Coupé-Cabriolet is also the first Ford of Europe production vehicle to carry the unique "Pininfarina" design badge which is fitted at the base of the rear quarter panel.

Ford and Pininfarina designers paid special attention to the vehicle's front, with the target being to give it a more substantial look and to match this with the rear end design. The large chrome-framed upper and lower grilles highlight the vehicle's dynamic qualities and distinguish it from its sporty 'brother', the Focus XR5 Turbo.

Exterior features

Automatic headlamps
Automatic headlamps are selected when the light switch is set to the AUTO position. The dipped beam headlamps will activate and deactivate automatically according to the amount of ambient light detected by the light sensor. However, it is not possible to switch on the front or rear fog lamps when the exterior light switch is set to AUTO.

The headlamps also include a delay feature, also known as "follow me home lighting", which automatically shut off the headlamps after a period of time once the ignition has been turned off and the last door is closed.

Rain sensing intermittent wipers
When the rain sensing feature is selected the windscreen wipers will automatically activate when rain is detected by the rain sensor. Like the automatic headlamps, this feature allows the driver to concentrate on the road instead of activating these features when required.

Power windows
Front and rear power windows are standard on the Coupé-Cabriolet. The front windows have one touch up/down functionality as well the anti-trap facility that prevents items from being accidentally caught by the power windows.

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
The passive anti-theft system (PATS) feature is designed to protect the vehicle from being driven away by unauthorised persons. An electronic code (transponder) is added to the mechanical key and each time the vehicle is started this code is read. If the code equals one of the codes programmed to the vehicle, the engine is allowed to start. If the code does not match, the engine is not allowed to start. The PATS feature is operational when the ignition is in the 'Run' or 'Start' position.

Perimeter alarm
The perimeter anti-theft feature provides an audible and visual alarm at the exterior of the vehicle when unauthorised access to the vehicle is detected, the radio is removed, or the ignition transitions to 'Run' or 'Start' while the system is armed. The visual alarm consists of the vehicle’s exterior turn/hazard lamps. The audible alarm consists of the security horn (separate from the vehicle horn).

Alloy wheels
The Coupé-Cabriolet comes standard with a set of four 17" alloy wheels and locking wheel nuts. Also available is a set of four optional 18" alloy wheels.

Exterior paint colours
The design team opted for a palette of exclusive body colours for the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet. Customers can choose from fresh "Aqua" or the elegant and rich "Luna". These, and other darker paint colours like" Pitch Black", "Blue di Cine" or "Iris", provide for an attractive contrast with the bright chrome applications. Also available are an intensive red metallic, "Grenadine", a silver called "Argento" and "Red Hot" - a solid red.

INTERIOR

Interior design
The interior aims to provide a consistent look and translate obvious exterior elegance into the interior design - to evoke the feeling that you are sitting in a very special car. As a result, the interior of the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet provides a high quality experience and an impression of Italian elegance.

The aim of the interior design was to provide a sporty feel for the front occupants and a feeling of enclosure and safety for the rear passengers particularly when the roof is down.

New Focus Coupé-Cabriolet shares its dashboard layout with the core Focus models. However, to distinguish it, a new colour scheme was developed, designed to match the vehicle's overall elegance.

The Ebony/Dark Flint interior colour scheme provides an elegant and sporty feel to the interior of the vehicle and is the perfect match for all the exclusively developed paint colours available on the exterior. High quality materials enhance this colour concept. Alloy scuff plates add a touch of style to each side of the vehicle.

The front seat and front header have been lowered to give a sportier Coupé feel to the driver and front passenger. The rear seats are uniquely designed for two occupants, wrapping around the two rear passengers and flowing into the rear quarter panels giving a more sporty, tailored fit and feel to the interior. This is integrated visually with the front instrument panel, centre console and door trim panels.

Pininfarina's extensive experience in Coupé design was invaluable to the interior design team, ensuring the optimisation of rear passenger headroom without adversely affecting the exterior design of the roofline and rear screen.

Interior features
The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is a vehicle with a long list of standard interior features.

Leather sports seats
Leather sports seats in Ebony are standard and emphasise the vehicle's premium appeal. The driver's seat comes with lumbar support and includes power height adjustment, while the front passenger seat has manual height adjust. Both the driver and passenger have seat map pockets and seat position memory, which recalls the seat position after the front seats have been tipped forward to allow rear seat access.

In the rear are two uniquely designed bucket seats with head restraints. The rear seats also include the provision for the fitment of two approved child seats, with a top tether child restraint bracket located behind each rear head restraint.

Heated front seats
To further assist passengers in keeping comfortable with the roof down, both the driver and front passenger seats are heated, each with their own controls. This feature lets the occupants enjoy the wind through their hair without feeling the chill through the rest of their body. The two dials are located on the instrument panel below the dual zone climate controls.

Premium Sony audio system
The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet has a premium Sony audio system complete with eight speakers as well as an in-dash MP3 compatible six-stack CD player and an auxiliary jack for iPod/MP3 player input located in the glovebox. Steering column stalk controls allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel while changing the soundtrack to suit their mood. The antenna is fixed to the centre of the top of the windscreen.

Fully automatic dual zone climate control
The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with a dual-zone fully automatic climate control system. The system provides an optimum climate comfort for the occupants during all vehicle operating conditions. Blower fan speed, air temperature and air distribution are controlled to quickly achieve and maintain the targeted interior temperature and a pleasant ventilation of the passenger compartment.

The heating or cooling demand for the cabin is determined by the system based on sensor information about ambient temperature, incoming solar radiation, vehicle speed and momentary cabin temperature. Occupants can choose a target interior temperature, which can be adjusted separately on the driver and passenger side. The recommended setting for the best overall comfort is 22°C.

Manual adjustment of the air distribution and blower speed is possible but it is recommended to leave the system in AUTO mode as the system has been designed to handle all climatic conditions and all vehicle operating conditions. Therefore, manual adjustment is not necessary after a cold start in winter or after starting a heat soaked vehicle in summer. The system will automatically react to these conditions and achieve the target interior temperature quickly.

The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet also comes equipped with a pollen filter and an additional climate mode for open air cruising.

Electro-chromatic rear view mirror
The electro-chromatic interior rear view mirror automatically dims when hit by glaring light from behind so the driver has clear rear vision at all times. Most commonly this occurs during night driving when the headlights of following cars causes glare in the rear view mirror. The function is automatically deactivated when reverse gear is selected.

Glovebox cooling function
The passenger side glovebox in the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet has a new cooling function which provides CFC-free air from the air-conditioning system to the glovebox. This feature can be shut off by turning a valve in the glovebox.

The glovebox also comes equipped with a light for added visibility and is lockable for extra security.

Luggage compartment
The Coupé-Cabriolet has best in class luggage space with 248 litres in open-top mode and 534 litres in Coupé mode. The luggage compartment features load compartment tie down hooks, a load compartment light and a remote bootlid release button.

There is a retractable luggage separator blind that slides into position, demonstrating the available storage space in the luggage compartment when the roof is down. The barrier also acts as a sensor to ensure the safety of the roof and any luggage in the boot. The roof will not retract unless the luggage separator is pulled across, signalling to the system that there is no luggage obstructing the retractable roof function.

Driver controls
The four-spoke leather covered steering wheel with integrated cruise control, leather gear knob, automatic headlights and wipers are some of the luxurious features that come standard in the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet.

The trip computer displays average fuel use, distance to empty, average speed and external temperature, which is especially useful when deciding to convert to Cabriolet mode.

Other functional feature benefits for the driver include a variable dimming of the instrument cluster and radio screen, headlamp on warning chime, driver seatbelt warning chime and roof cycle operation chime. Drivers and passengers can rest easy on the front seat armrest on the console and there is also, unfortunately, a cigarette lighter and ashtray.

Adjustable steering column
The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet steering column has rake and reach adjustment – the driver can move it up and down as well as fore and aft, to suit his/her driving position.

Interior lighting
The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with front overhead courtesy lighting with theatre-style dimming and delayed off switch, front map lights and a red ambient light (also referred to as "submarine lighting") which illuminates the centre stack at night. The Coupé-Cabriolet also has illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirrors and a load compartment light for visibility in all conditions.

Floor matsThe Focus Coupé-Cabriolet comes standard with front and rear floor mats with coloured piping to suit the interior scheme.

PACKAGE

"We wanted the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet to be a true four-seater with a retractable hardtop and the biggest luggage space in its class – both in Coupé and Cabriolet modes. That's why we focussed on everyday practicality within compact measurements. Despite this rather rational approach we haven't neglected one absolutely important factor: The integrity of the vehicle's design." said Giovanni De Pasca, Manager Package.

The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers the largest luggage volume among C-segment vehicles with retractable hardtops. As a Coupé, the new model has an impressive maximum capacity of 534 litres. With the roof stowed in the luggage compartment, the remaining 248 litres of available space under and around the stowed roof panels still represent a best in class figure – irrespective of how many roof partitions competitors use for their vehicles.

Compared with core Focus models, the seat height was lowered 20 mm closer to the centre of gravity. This provides passengers with sufficient headroom when the roof is closed and enhances the open air experience with the roof open. Also, a higher beltline and instrument panel add to a feeling of confidence and protection as well as better integration into the vehicle.

With leather sport seats, the balanced ergonomics of all driving controls, and a shifter placed relatively high in the centre console, any driver should be able to find a perfect fit.

Inside, Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers 1,216 mm of shoulder room for the rear passengers – more than any competitor. The rear seats offer comfortable accommodation for adults even in Coupé mode. This level of comfort is possible because of the hardtop's efficient and reliable folding mechanism, which doesn't use the rear side panels for stowage.

RETRACTABLE HARDTOP

The key unique feature of the all-new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is the folding roof. The two-piece retractable metal hardtop provides the vehicle with its harmonious and elegant profile, yet it also features very stable kinematics and a high structural integrity which significantly increases the body's torsional rigidity.

Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's retractable metal roof uses five hydraulic cylinders, three electric motors, and eleven sensors. Working together, they perform the opening or closing of the roof in just 29 seconds.

The roof is light when compared with other, more complex roof constructions, providing a kerb weight benefit of approximately 30 kg. The weight of moving parts is only 68 kg. An important fact is that the change in axle load from open to closed roof is just 17 kg to ensure Focus driving dynamics are maintained.

Roof operation
To open the roof the only thing the driver has to do is push a small button on the centre console. When the driver pushes the button with ignition activated to open the roof, the sequence begins:

• First, the side windows move down and the front end of the bootlid unlocks. The upper front window frame and hardtop are disconnected hydraulically.
• Then, the bootlid slides back and lifts open to a 50° angle, while the roof lifts up and backwards, folding hydraulically along the split between both C-pillars.
• It then retracts into the luggage compartment, locking in position. The bootlid then lowers itself back down and into its original position, with the front end locking securely so the bootlid can still be opened manually from the rear.
• Inside the car, a positive chime and a signal on the instrument cluster provides feedback that correct operation has happened, and that the procedure has ended. Now, the driver can take to the open road.

To close the roof, the driver simply holds the convertible top switch until the roof is fully closed. The front and rear quarter windows will also close automatically.

To keep the entire open/close procedure firmly under the driver's control, the activating button has to be pushed continuously until either operation is fully executed. This enables the operator to interrupt the procedure if necessary. The retractable luggage separator must also be deployed in the luggage compartment for the process to begin.

For increased safety and durability, the hardtop can only be operated when the vehicle is standing still. The system will operate with or without the engine running, however repetitive execution with the ignition activated but the engine not running may result in a flat battery.

Hardtop features
All parts that do mechanical work are executed durably and lock precisely into their respective positions. When the hardtop is closed, an additional safety pin ensures the firm connection of both roof sections. These meticulous engineering details provide a significant increase in torsional body rigidity over convertible mode, a clear benefit for driving quality.

The compactness of the roof provides segment-best luggage space of 248 litres in open-top mode. There is more than enough space for weekend luggage, and the loading space opening under the folded roof has a height of 26 cm, a fact that makes stowing hard cases and luggage items relatively easy.

Closing the bootlid is made easier as an electric motor gently and safely pulls it shut until it latches. With this comfort feature, there is no need to slam the bootlid.

In order to ensure a tight seal and easy operation when opening the doors while the hardtop is up, the front windows automatically move down by approximately one centimetre and then up again after closing.

Retractable luggage separator
The retractable luggage separator must be pulled across the luggage compartment in order for the roof to be put down. This barrier demonstrates the available storage space in the luggage compartment that is available when the roof is down. The barrier also acts as a sensor to ensure the safety of the roof and any luggage in the boot. The roof will not retract unless the luggage separator is pulled across, signalling to the system that there is no luggage obstructing the retractable roof function.

BODY CONSTRUCTION

In developing the body structure, torsional rigidity was a key factor as it forms the basic parameter for the highly acclaimed driving character of Ford vehicles like the Focus. Torsional rigidity also makes a major contribution to vehicle NVH behaviour (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness). Using the Focus four-door sedan underbody and its front section body structure was a great help to Ford's body engineers because these parts also contribute to high torsional rigidity.

Most of the new body parts specially developed for the all-new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet consist of high strength steel. This also applies to the rockers, which are 35 mm higher than on the Focus sedan. They connect with additional transverse reinforcements placed under the bottom of the rear seat and, together with high strength steel panel reinforcements and the rear bulkhead, form an incredibly strong structure giving high torsional rigidity and a solid cabin construction.

The A-pillars also play a vital role in the cabin structure. They are reinforced by high strength steel material and steel bars made of ultra high strength steel, which significantly stiffen the A-pillars overall length.

These reinforcements are very effective, so the amount of stiffening underbody transverse ribs could be reduced to just two – which in turn led to a significant weight reduction and improved ground clearance. The transverse ribs connect the rockers' rear ends with the underbody structure just above the rear axle, where they add to overall rigidity and improve driving dynamics.

CHASSIS AND DRIVING QUALITY

New Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet reflects Ford's acclaimed driving quality philosophy in the same way its core Focus range siblings do. The model's suspension has been engineered with proven Focus components as a basis, but with specific tuning that takes into account a completely new body structure with different weight factors.

The chassis includes reliable core Focus components like the front axle with MacPherson strut suspension, Ford's Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), and a low friction steering system.

For additional stiffness, Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet uses an extra cross-member across the bulkhead between the MacPherson struts and bushings taken from the Focus XR5 Turbo rack. To match the vehicle's perfectly balanced weight (front 53%: rear 47%), the rear suspension was also derived from the Focus XR5 Turbo design, but is tuned towards a more comfortable setting.

For the front gas-filled dampers, a new piston valve has been adopted while the rear axle uses compact mono tube dampers. Drivers will appreciate minimised noise levels and enhanced body control.

By comparison with the Focus sedan, both front and rear dampers have been stiffened by 30 percent. Front and rear stabilisers were aligned in accordance to the springs, and have been stiffened by 8 percent at the front and 33 percent at the rear. Additional XR5 Turbo-proven spring aids, strut mounts and new 17-inch wheels with 205x50 tyres respectively add to the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's agility signature.

Steering system

The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet has power-assisted rack and pinion steering. It uses the Electro/Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering (EHPAS) system that combines the advantages of a hydraulic system in terms of precision, superior feel and road feedback, but also allows adjustment of the steering feel (PAS boost) depending on the driving condition and vehicle speed.

This combination enables lower parking efforts and increased comfort in low-speed urban driving conditions. The pressure in the system is provided by an electro-motor driven pump that uses vehicle speed and steering wheel speed as input to calculate the optimum PAS support for this condition.

The assist characteristic has been optimised to provide class-leading levels of low parking efforts and has been tuned to provide smooth and progressive feedback when cornering.

The steering column is adjustable in rake and reach to further contribute to the precise control. All parts of the steering system, such as seals, bearing, tie-rods, gears and steering column have been designed for minimal friction, free-play and compliance.

New software specially written for use in Focus Coupé-Cabriolet provides more direct steering feedback. This provides optimum speed-related steering effort and reduced fuel consumption.

SAFETY

Active safety
Precise suspension tuning is the active and solid base for the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's safety package. It helps drivers intuitively to rely on their Ford car in any driving situation.

For stopping confidence, the Coupé-Cabriolet features ventilated front disc brakes with a diameter of 300 mm. At the rear, the large disc brakes have a diameter of 280 mm. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) is standard, as is Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which includes Traction Control and Electronic Brake-Assist (EBA).

Passive safety
At Ford, passive safety starts with an ultra stiff body shell and a rigid passenger safety cell. When developing the passive safety concept for Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, engineers benefited from the existing structure developed for the Focus 4-door model.

In this model, crash energy at the front end is absorbed and distributed via the rockers, the roof and the doors' stiff outer waistline. Thanks to the decoupling chassis sub-frame, crash energy transfer into the underbody structure is minimised which results in less deformation of the front passenger's footwell.

Without a regular sedan roof structure however, front crash load paths for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet are redistributed behind the A-pillars into the door structure. As a result, these load paths are significantly reinforced by the use of high strength steel and increasing the rocker height by 35 mm.

Despite high levels of impact energy passing through the door structure, the load path results in no mechanical pressure to the door lock. Crash energy is distributed via the upper door reinforcement structure and into the rear side panel.

These highly effective stiffening measures yield tangible results. During standard side-impact crash tests at 50 km/h, deformation of the passenger cabin's side structure measured at the B-pillar was around half of what a comparable sedan delivers. Injuries related to head rotation are mitigated due to the complete lack of an upper B-pillar.

Crash tests with the optimised rear body structure have been carried out to Ford's standard rear impact speed of 80 km/h. The structure performs well even with the car in Cabriolet mode. When folded away, the hardtop segments act as additional elements that can deform in the event of an impact, while the highly rigid rear bulkhead together with the lowered RPD (Rollover Protection Device) bars form an effective anti-intrusion guard for the passenger cabin area.

Airbags
Full-size, state-of-the-art driver and front passenger airbags are standard along with front side thorax airbags.

The front seat-mounted side thorax airbags in the Coupé-Cabriolet are high volume 3-dimensional bags especially developed and tailored for the Focus, which allow very early and efficient occupant interaction and protection during crash.

The Focus frontal airbags are designed to provide optimum protection over a wide range of frontal impact conditions and for different size occupants. They feature the latest in single stage airbag inflator technology and special efforts have been made to meet very stringent criteria for out of position occupants to reduce the risk for occupants that aren’t perfectly seated.

Advanced horizontal stroking steering column
This feature adapts the stroke direction to the driver’s impact direction, thus allowing for more effective energy absorption from the steering column. The amount of intrusion into the cabin is reduced as the column moves away from the driver under load instead of stroking down axially. The steering column strokes away in the horizontal direction. Reach and rake comfort adjustment to enable all drivers to tailor the steering wheel position is not impeded by this safety feature.

In the event of a crash, the benefits are threefold:

• Increased driver survival space: The comfort adjustment is directional, decoupled from the crash stroke. During a high-speed frontal impact, the steering column strokes horizontally and thereby increases the driver’s remaining survival space
• Advanced energy absorption and stroke length: This leads to improved management of head and chest load levels during impact
• Steering column load limiting function: The steering column also offers a load limiting function for the driver’s legs in case of an impact of the knee to the steering column

Pedal intrusion prevention system
The pedal intrusion prevention system in the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is designed to limit the inboard movement of the brake and clutch pedals and thus helping to avoid contact of these with the lower legs. The system is self activating during severe frontal impacts.

Rollover Protection Device (RPD)
In addition to standard driver, front passenger and front side airbags, Ford's new RPD system plays a vital role in increasing Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's passive safety performance.

RPD is designed to help protect passengers in the unlikely event that the vehicle rolls over. Electronic sensors and a gyroscope are at the heart of the system, and can detect an impending rollover. When this happens, two ultra-strong safety roll bars "fire" into position within a tenth of a second. A pyrotechnic device unlocks the system and extremely strong springs force the roll bars upwards to their deployed position where they lock safely. The bars move up by approximately 20 centimetres to provide an ideally positioned safety strut. When the car has its roof up in Coupé mode, they can also deploy. Combined with the reinforced A-pillars and the highly rigid front window frame, RPD is a reassuring device that provides valuable extra protection for occupants.

While it was important to calibrate the RPD system settings so that the safety roll bars deploy quickly and before a potential rollover, it was equally important to eliminate the possibility of unwanted ignition.

Three-point safety belts for all seats with pretensioners and load-limiters for both front seats, with the well-proven Ford horizontally stroking steering column and safety pedals, all combine with the RPD to maximise occupant restraint and protection.

Child restraint fixings

The Focus Coupé-Cabriolet comes equipped with a top tether anchorage behind each rear seat position. The anchorage is accessed by raising the head restraint and removing the plastic cover.

Australian Design Regulations (ADR 34/01) require a distance of 230 mm from the shoulder reference point - defined as the intersection of the torso reference line and the shoulder line and the top tether to enable the tether to be clipped to the anchor and then the strap adjusted to remove any slack.

The top tether location on Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, however, cannot meet the legal zone as the space must be free to permit deployment of the Rollover Protection Device (RPD).

A special dispensation from DOTARS (Commonwealth Department of Transport And Regional Services) has been granted in the form of a "minor inconsequential" that allows the tether anchors to be positioned forward of the legal zone and just in front of the RPD. A suitable child restraint must be supplied free of charge which, when fitted, still allows the slack to be taken out of the tether strap, even with the top anchorage located in this forward position.

Each Focus Coupé-Cabriolet sold in Australia will receive a "Safe-n-Sound Compaq Deluxe", manufactured by Britax, which is a standard convertible style seat with the ability to tension the tether strap buckle as short as possible up against the shell moulding.

Both Jaguar XK & Volvo C70 convertibles also supply a convertible child seat with the vehicle free of charge to overcome this same issue.

PERFORMANCE, ECONOMY AND EMISSIONS

107 kW, 2.0-litre Duratec HE

Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre Duratec HE petrol engine offers 107 kW at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 185 Nm at 4,500 rpm, with 90% of maximum torque permanently available between 2,200 and 6,000 rpm.

Combined with the 2.0-litre Duratec HE engine, Ford's robust and responsive 5-speed manual transmission provides new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet with effortless and refined shifting character. A 4-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift is also available as an option.

This engine has already proven itself in the Ford Focus and as a slightly modified version in the Fiesta XR4. It is light - a fact that contributes to optimised weight balance, a top speed of 208 km/h and also serves to improve fuel economy.

Fuel consumption and emissions are the lowest of petrol engines in its class at 7.5 L/100km and 179g/km respectively with manual transmission.

Engine data

	2.0L Duratec 16V – 107 kW
Displacement (cc)	1,999
Bore (mm)	87.5
Stroke (mm)	83.1
Fuel type, grade	Unleaded petrol, 91 (RON)
Max power (ISO kW)	107
At engine speed (rpm)	6,000
Max torque (ISO Nm)	185
Max BMEP (bar)	11.63
At engine speed (rpm)	4,500
Compression ratio	10.8:1
Cylinders	4 In line
Cylinder head	Low pressure, aluminium alloy casting
Cylinder block	Aluminium alloy with deep skirt and bearing beam
Crankshaft	Nodular cast iron with 4 counterweights
Valves per cylinder	4
Valve gear	DOHC 16V direct acting, mechanical, shimless tappets
Included angle between valves	39 degrees
Valve Sizes (mm)	Intake: 35.0 Exhaust: 30.0
Camshaft drive	Silent, inverted-tooth chain with hydraulic tensioner
Pistons	Short skirt silicon-aluminium alloy with graphite coating
Connecting rods	Sinter-forged steel with fracture-split big ends
Engine management	Visteon EMS 7
Fuel injection	Sequential electronic multipoint
Ignition	Electronic distributorless
Emission controls	Closed loop, three-way catalyst with oxygen sensor
Emission level	Euro Stage IV

Economy and emissions

	2.0L Duratec 16V 107kW
Euro Emissions Stage	Stage IV
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	Manual - 179 Automatic - 199
Combined fuel consumption (L/100km)	Manual - 7.5 Automatic - 8.3

TRANSMISSIONS

Transmission table

	2.0L Duratec 16V 107kW
Transmission type	Durashift 5-Speed Manual	4-Speed Automatic
Clutch type (Diameter)	228	-
5th gear	0.805	-
4th gear	1.028	0.726
3rd gear	1.448	1.000
2nd gear	2.136	1.498
1st gear	3.417	2.816
Rev gear	3.727	2.649
Final drive	4.067	4.203

MTX75 manual transmission

The unit is a transaxle design, in two-and-a-half shaft architecture. It can handle a maximum engine torque load of 345 Nm (dependent on the gear set and final drive ratio). It weighs approximately 45 kg, but the weight varies with different ratios and clutch housings. All its gears are synchronised using Borg Warner type synchronisers, including reverse. The unit consists of a two-piece housing - the clutch housing and the transmission case - with the cable shift system mounted on top. It is manufactured using die cast aluminium and was optimised using computer aided design.

All the gears in the MTX75 are helical, and the 1^st, 2^nd and final drive gears are hard finished, ensuring dependability and durability. All the loose speed gears are supported by needle roller bearings. The input and output shafts are supported by tapered roller bearings and the differential rests on two tapered roller bearings.

The neutral position is on the plane for 3^rd and 4^th gears, and a mechanical selection inhibitor ensures that the driver cannot select reverse gear accidentally. The unit is shipped with a reverse light switch and the central slave cylinder, but without the clutch unit, external shifter components and oil.

FN automatic transmission

The FN automatic transmission is manufactured at Ford’s Van Dyke plant in the USA and is driven by a separate electronic Transmission Control Unit (TCU), which provides control for all electrical and hydraulic functions.

The FN transmission is also equipped with an Electronic Synchronous Shift Control system, which helps to achieve consistently smooth shift characteristics. In addition to the traditional P, R, N and D lever positions, the FN can also be slotted into a ‘manual’ position, where the driver can select a gear simply by pushing the lever towards a ‘+’ and ‘-‘ sign to change gears.

In order to ensure dependability, the FN is equipped with a system that shifts the transmission into the so-called ‘Limp Home Mode’ if any of its major sensors fail. A warning light in the instrument cluster indicates to the driver that a transmission failure has occurred and the transmission is restricted to 3^rd and reverse gears only – supplying enough drive to get the vehicle home or for driving to the next dealer.

The transmission also features a so-called ‘Fast Off Mode’ which inhibits tip-out up-shifts immediately after release of the throttle. This provides increased engine braking by maintaining the selected gear during rapid tip-out.

There is also a ‘Downhill Mode’, which is intended to give the driver enhanced engine braking whilst driving downhill by down-shifting the transmission when the foot brake is applied.

A kick-down switch is used to differentiate between wide open throttle situations and a full kick-down situation.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Features

Vehicle Type	Modern C-segment 2-door Coupé-Cabriolet with electro-hydraulically operated retractable hardtop.
Structure	Computer-optimised, high-efficiency, unitary-welded steel body incorporating rigid occupant protection cell and front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones. Special reinforcements to raise torsional stiffness. Direct-glazed windshield.
Safety features	Dual front air bags, thorax side air bags, active Rollover Protection Device (RPD), pyrotechnic pretensioner and load-limiting retractor for driver and front passenger, safety belts, collapsible pedals, ABS with EBD and DSC with traction control and EBA. Rigid occupant protection cell and energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Bumper system	Damage-resistant, full-depth moulded reinforced polypropylene.
Anti-corrosion	Multi-stage paint and body protection process, including extensive pre-coating of zinc on steel panels, optimised phosphate spray coat, electrocoat primer, primer/surfacer, basecoat/clear coat top coat system, comprehensive wax injection of cavities, PVC underbody coating plus stone chip protection. Particular attention paid to sealing flanges with rust-inhibiting adhesive and thick PVC sealing beads. Front plastic wheelarch liners, rear textile wheelarch liners, plastic anti-scuff panels on rear load sill.
Suspension	Front – Independent MacPherson struts with offset coil spring over gas filled damper units and lower L-arms with optimised front rubber bush and rear hydrobush mounted on separate reinforced cross-member.
	Rear – Independent Short-Long Arm (SLA) Control Blade multi-link system mounted on reinforced subframe, anti-roll bar and gas-filled dampers.
Steering	Type – Rack and pinion
	Turning circle (m) – 10.4 m (curb-to-curb); 10.9 (wall-to-wall)
	Turns lock-to-lock – 2.9
Brakes	Type – Dual circuit, diagonally split, hydraulically operated disc front with disc rear brakes. Vacuum servo assisted with electronically controlled four-channel brake distribution ABS with EBD. DSC inc. traction control and EBA standard.
	Front – 300 mm diameter x 25 mm thick ventilated discs
	Rear – 280mm diameter x 11 mm wide discs
Kerb Weight	Manual – 1,454 kg	Automatic – 1,465 kg

Exterior and interior dimensions

Exterior (mm)
Overall length	4,509
Overall width without mirrors	1,834
Overall width with mirrors	1,991
Overall height	1,456
Overall height during roof operation	1,839
Wheelbase	2,640
Front tread	1,535
Rear tread	1,531
Front overhang	875
Rear overhang	994
Rear overhang during roof operation	1,186
Interior (mm)
Front (mm)
Headroom	965
Effective leg room	1,067
Shoulder room	1,412
Rear (mm)
Headroom	925
Effective leg room	805
Shoulder room	1,216
Luggage area (mm)
Maximum cargo height	563
Width between wheel arches	953
Length at floor	915
Luggage volume (litre)
Coupé mode with roof up	534
Cabriolet mode with roof down	248
‡Measured using the VDA method. Dimensions may vary dependent on the model and equipment fitted.

And, again, the recommended retail price is $45,490 for the manual and $47,490 for the automatic model. Ford dealers throughout Australia will be receiving stock in coming days.