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Thursday, 18 November, 2010 4:40 AM

Ford shows off its new Focus with an estimated 40 mpg at L.A. Auto Show

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Co. will have two vehicle models with a fuel economy of 40 mpg on the highway next year -- the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The automaker launched the 2012 Focus on the first media day at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday. The new Focus will be available in dealers by early 2011 in four trim levels. It comes with cool, new features like Active park assist, SYNC, ambient lighting and a rear-view camera.

Other exclusive features on the 2012 Focus are HD Radio with iTunes tagging, torque vectoring control and intelligent access with push-button start.

“Focus brings a desirable combination of dynamic design, outstanding driver engagement, unmatched levels of technology and impressive fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “The new model should expand Focus appeal to a whole new generation of customers.”

Current versions of the Ford Focus come with a 2.0-liter Duratec engine. The new 2012 Focus will be equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline, four-cyclinder engine. It will allow for a 10 percent gain in fuel economy. A five-speed manual transmission version will also be available.

“One of every four new vehicles sold in the world today comes from this small car segment, which we anticipate will see further growth in North America,” said Jim Hughes, chief engineer. “We’re aiming to stretch Focus’ ‘brandwidth’ by adding a premium Titanium series with luxury levels of convenience and comfort, appealing to an ever-expanding spectrum of buyers.”

The automaker also announced the start of the new Focus Rally: America, an interactive reality show. It begins on Feb. 1, 2011 and runs for five weeks. The show will be broadcast on Hulu with updates being posted on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. World Cup and Olympic gold medal winner Jonny Moseley will serve as host. The winning team will go home with a $100,000 check and a new 2012 Ford Focus for both participants.

I think that the new 2012 Ford Focus will definitely turn heads. It seems like the perfect vehicle for those who are not ready for an electric vehicle, but also want to get high fuel economy.