Ford Focus I sedan. Ford Focus I - model description What does Ford Focus 1 mean?

Sales market: Russia.

The Ford Focus sedan (DFW) is a practical and at the same time comfortable option, which was considered by Russian buyers as both a family and corporate car. It was released after the three- and five-door hatchback model (in February 1999). Ford Focus made us take a different look at the concept of the popular golf class. The design of the car, which replaced the Escort, is a bold combination of shapes and lines, called the “new edge”. The multi-link Control Blade rear suspension used in the Focus offers improved elasto-kinematic characteristics, increasing the stability and controllability of the car. With a stylish and memorable appearance and excellent driving characteristics, the Focus has become a truly striking new product. And on the Russian market it is also the first foreign-made car to receive permanent registration at a domestic assembly plant. But this happened later, in 2002, at first, cars from Europe (Spanish assembly) were offered to Russian buyers. Modifications of the sedan were offered with gasoline engines of 1.6 liters (100 hp), 1.8 liters (115 hp) and 2.0 liters (130 hp).

The interior of the Ford Focus sedan demonstrates the same bold approach to design as the exterior of the car. At the same time, it is distinguished by high-quality finishing, pleasant and high-quality seat upholstery, and thoughtful ergonomics. Large doorways are convenient. Four trim levels were offered: Ambiente, Comfort, Trend and the top version Ghia (only with powerful 1.8 and 2.0 engines). The basic version includes only the essentials: power steering, adjustable steering column, budget fabric trim and seat upholstery, mirrors in the sun visors. The Comfort package will offer front power windows, air conditioning, central locking with remote trunk opening, and pockets in the front doors. The Trend version becomes richer in fog lights, aluminum wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and trunk lighting. The most expensive version of the Ghia will offer rear power windows, a windshield wiper with an adjustable pause, a driver's seat with an armrest and electric height adjustment, and a velor interior. An optional winter package added power mirrors and heated mirrors, seats, windshield, and washer nozzles.

The Focus I sedan was officially supplied to the Russian market starting with a modification with a 1.6-liter engine producing 100 hp. The more powerful 1.8 liter unit has a reserve of 115 hp. The most powerful engine, the 2.0-liter, produces 130 hp. In this top modification, the manufacturer claims a maximum speed of 201 km/h and 9.3 seconds of acceleration from zero to “hundreds”. Depending on the modification, the first generation Ford Focus could be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is in the range of 6.8-9.4 l/100 km. The Focus fuel tank capacity is 55 liters.

The first generation Ford Focus sedan has front-wheel drive, an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. In fast turns, the effect of steering the rear suspension manifests itself. Ventilated disc brakes at the front are combined with rear drum brakes in the initial modifications, and with the 1.8 and 2.0 engines, disc brakes are also installed at the rear - the developers considered this combination to be more optimal. In all modifications the car received power steering. The body dimensions of the Focus I sedan are: length - 4382 mm, width - 1700 mm, height - 1440 mm. The wheelbase of 2615 mm provides a good supply of space for rear passengers (for comparison, we note that the predecessor Ford Escort in the sedan body had dimensions of 4290x1679x1349 mm, and the wheelbase measured 2520 mm). The minimum turning radius is 5.45 m. The trunk volume of the Focus I sedan is 490 liters.

In the initial configuration, the Ford Focus sedan 1998-2001 offered an adjustable steering column and airbags for the driver and front passenger, belts with a pretensioning and load limiting system. The top-end trim offered an ABS system and side airbags. In the 1999 Euro NCAP crash test, the car received four stars (out of five) for driver and adult passenger safety and two stars (out of four) for pedestrian safety.

Ford Focus has become a bestseller since its introduction on the Russian market, and a kind of standard for a family car. Due to the wide distribution of this model, there are no special problems with maintenance, finding spare parts, etc. It is worth considering that Focus was often used as a corporate vehicle. All characteristic diseases of the machine have been well studied and this information can be easily found on the Internet. The Ford Focus was restyled in 2001.

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For the first time, a wide range of car enthusiasts managed to see the Ford Focus 1 at the Geneva Motor Show back in 1998. We can safely say that it was from this moment that the era of the Ford Escort model, which was quite outdated at that time, ended, to replace which the Ford company itself proposed the new Focus. True, there is an opinion that the prototype of the Focus was the Ghia concept car, presented by Ford Motor Company back in 1991 at the same Geneva automobile exhibition. The 1998 Focus model had some design elements that were used in the concept car to present safety systems.

Be that as it may, looking ahead a little, it should be noted that the “change of generations” was more than successful, since the Ford Focus 1 managed to significantly overtake its predecessor in terms of popularity throughout the world in a relatively short period of time. Having appeared on the roads of Europe in 1998, already in 2002 it managed to successfully reach Australia. In 2001–2002, Ford Focus became the sales leader in the European automobile market. True, even earlier, in 1999, the Ford Focus 1 American became “Car of the Year in Europe.” In addition, in 1999, the car was noted by the European Committee for Independent Crash Testing (Euro NCAP), which awarded four out of five stars for overall passive safety of the driver and passengers, and the car received two out of four stars for pedestrian safety.

Surprisingly, this car became the “Car of the Year in the USA” a year later, in 2000. Already at that time, the company offered almost the entire range of the model range, starting with a three- and five-door hatchback and ending with the Ford Focus 1 station wagon variant - Focus Turnier.

Focus 1: New Edge Exterior

One of the possible reasons for the increased interest of buyers in the new model of a well-known brand is probably a number of innovations, both in terms of design and in the technical equipment of the car. In the exterior design, the designers continued the new philosophical concept of the company's new style - New Edge, or "New Edge". As a matter of fact, the designers had already carried out “reconnaissance” somewhat earlier regarding the level of perception of this style by buyers, embodying it in the Ford Ka (1996) and Ford Cougar (1998) models. Apparently the “reconnaissance” showed acceptable results, which served as a motivator to continue work in this direction.

The appearance of the first Focus turned out to be quite stylish, but also unusual, striking the imagination with the harmonious combination of sharp body corners with smooth, streamlined lines. The designers managed to put together all conceivable geometric shapes, giving the direction indicator lights a triangular shape and placing round fog lamp wells nearby. Ellipses, trapezoids, sharp corners, curved and wide lines... It should also be noted that the opinions of auto critics on this matter are divided. Some people didn’t like the frankly radical design style at all because of the overabundance of wide and curved lines. Be that as it may, the buyers liked the design of the car, and, as we know, the best car is the one that manages to sell.

Depending on the body version, the new Ford differed in overall dimensions; only the ground clearance was identical, equal to 170 millimeters. For example, the dimensions of the Ford Focus 1 hatchback are (length x width x height): 4342 x 1840 x 1497 millimeters. Wheelbase - 2640 millimeters. The dimensions of the sedan were (length x width x height): 4362 x 1698 x 1430 millimeters, and the wheelbase was 2615 millimeters. Accordingly, the volume of the luggage compartment also differs. For example, in a Ford Focus 1 sedan, the useful trunk volume is 490 liters; in a hatchback, the luggage compartment volume varied depending on the position of the back of the rear sofa - from 385 to 1247 liters.

In 2001, the first Focus underwent its first restyling. As a result, the bumper received a removable relief strip, and the radiator grille changed. The headlights were equipped with special sensors. In addition, xenon headlights were additionally used in the head optics unit; the main and auxiliary light bulbs were separated.

Focus 1: “plus” for the space, “minus” for the finishing materials

The Focus salon received rather mixed reviews. On the one hand, many buyers will certainly agree with the opinion that the car is the embodiment of the most advanced traditions of European design and ergonomics at that time. The Focus 1's interior is more spacious than its closest competitors, allowing it to comfortably accommodate five passengers, including the driver. Large seats are designed for fairly tall passengers. The rear seatbacks can be reclined to increase cargo space. On the other hand, the new car has become the object of sharp criticism for the quality of finishing materials. According to these parameters, the Focus lost the palm to its closest rivals - Volkswagen Golf 4 and Opel Astra. Moreover, the Golf significantly exceeds the Focus I in terms of price parameters.

Otherwise, critics' assessments are more neutral. The instrument panel with an oval speedometer and tachometer has a classic layout, but this did not stop it from looking quite avant-garde, like the center console. The small volume of the glove box (glove compartment) is compensated by a platform for small items, for example, a mobile phone, in front of the gear shift lever. The seats also have small pockets.

In the basic configuration, the driver's and front passenger's seats are equipped with the simplest mechanical adjustment, traditional for those times: forward - backward and backrest angle. Other equipment includes power steering, as well as airbags for the driver and front passenger. More expensive configurations are distinguished by electrical height adjustment of the driver's seat and the ability to install an armrest. There is also electric adjustment of the steering column for reach and tilt.

For example, the Comfort package will delight its owner with electric windows for the front doors and air conditioning, central locking and remote opening of the trunk door. The Trend package is equipped with front fog lights, trunk lighting and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The wealthiest customers who purchase a Focus in the Ghia configuration will be able to use a full winter kit including heated seats, windshield and mirrors, washer nozzles, electric adjustment of exterior mirrors, electric windows on all doors and central locking with remote control. A total of five trim levels were offered: Ambiente, Comfort, Trend, Ghia, Special Edition.

Focus 1: two pluses for handling and driving characteristics

At one time, the first Focus received high responses from the European press not only for the spaciousness of the interior space and passenger comfort, but also for the technical characteristics characteristic of the Ford Focus 1 model. In particular, the unique design of the rear independent suspension was awarded the highest praise. But first things first. The new model from Ford Motor Company was equipped with several types of power units, including gasoline (from 1.4 to 2.0 liters) and diesel engines. The American car was somewhat different from its European clone in terms of power units.

If the “American” could only have one of the gasoline engines with a volume of 2.0 to 2.3 liters and a capacity of 110 – 172 horsepower with an automatic transmission, then in Europe the choice was more widely presented. The European Focus 1 was equipped with Zetec and Zetec-SE gasoline engines with a power of 75 - 130 horsepower and a volume of 1.4 to 2.0 liters, as well as a 1.8-liter Endura TDDI diesel engine, offered in several power options: 75, 90 and 115 horsepower.

Somewhat later, for a rather short period (just over one year), this diesel engine was replaced by the Duratorq TDCI. It should be noted that all gasoline power units have already proven themselves positively in other Ford models, in particular, the 1.4 and 1.6 liter Zetec-SE engines were installed on the Ford Fiesta and Ford Puma, the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec engines were equipped with the Ford Mondeo. Paired with these power units, a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission could be installed.

The main highlight of the technical equipment was the multi-link fully independent rear suspension of the Control Blade system, which replaced the torsion beam traditional for this class of cars. At the front, a traditional MacPherson suspension was installed. This combination provided the car with excellent stability at any speed.

P.S. Instead of an epilogue

It is known that each car has its own time. Time stopped for the European Focus 1 in 2004. Its American “brother” was produced before 2007. The era of Ford Focus 2 was coming.

Modifications of Ford Focus I

Ford Focus I 1.4MT

Ford Focus I 1.6 MT 98 hp

Ford Focus I 1.6 MT 100 hp

Ford Focus I 1.6 AT 100 hp

Ford Focus I 1.8MT

Ford Focus I 1.8 TDi MT 75 hp

Ford Focus I 1.8 TDi MT 90 hp

Ford Focus I 1.8 TDCi MT 101 hp

Ford Focus I 1.8 TDCi MT 115 hp

Ford Focus I 2.0MT

Ford Focus I 2.0 AT

Odnoklassniki Ford Focus I by price

Unfortunately, this model has no classmates...

Reviews from Ford Focus I owners

Ford Focus I, 2000

The car was initially chosen for a driver and one passenger. Therefore, the choice fell on a 3-door hatchback - the doors are large, no one will get in behind without asking. So, in the city, the 1.6 engine in combination with an automatic transmission, no matter how scary it was, did not disappoint at all. At an average speed (according to the computer) of 30 km, 100 hp. more than enough. And given the calm acceleration style of most drivers, it’s not difficult to be among the first to leave a traffic light. At the same time, the Ford Focus I handles well, the steering wheel has clear feedback. Clear steering is complemented by effective brakes (even with rear drums) and ABS (I definitely recommend it), which responds on time.

In short, Ford engineers don't get their money for nothing. It turned out to be a barrel of honey, but we will have to add a small fly in the ointment. So, among the minuses, I’ll note: with the air conditioning on, consumption in the city increases to 12 liters. And yet - there are many of them. You walk out of the entrance and, without leaving your spot, you can count about 5 in the yard. But the machine is liquid and the secondary price is very pleasant. So, the conclusion: if you don’t care about imaginary prestige, but quality and reliability are important, take the Ford Focus I. If budget is important to you, don’t pay for options that, again, are supposedly prestigious - but are not needed (climate control).

Advantages : controllability, reliability, ergonomics

Flaws : increased price. Mass character.

Vladislav, Moscow

Ford Focus I, 2000

Ford Focus I is a fairly comfortable and pleasant car. The seating position is close to ideal, the driver's seat is adjustable in height, the steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, you can choose a suitable position. I would characterize the landing as “ordinary”. The visibility is good, the mirrors are spherical, but the distortion is not strong, the adjacent row is visible, but through the row there is not enough visibility, aspherical (more curved at the edges) mirrors would not hurt. Standard glass is athermal. The low beam bulbs constantly burned out, they shrugged at the service center, and nothing was found on the forums either. You can change the right one without any problems, but to change the left one, you need to remove the battery and its box. The first time I did it, it probably took an hour.

The engine always started without problems, consumption in the city was 10 liters. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that this 1.6 8-valve, unlike the 16-valve, “eats” exclusively 92 gasoline. Instead of a timing belt there is a chain, serviced every 150 t.km. They write on the Internet that this modification is more reliable than the 16-valve one, but I can’t comment on that. At 70 thousand km it began to have trouble starting, at some point it flatly refused, changed the spark plugs, cleaned the throttle valve and all is well. The combination of engine and gearbox is very pleasing. The speed gain is very uniform, without dips and accelerations at random. The dynamics are sufficient for the city, but overall rather weak; competitors at “1.6” will be faster.

Advantages : comfort, design, handling, price.

Flaws : dynamics.

Valery, St. Petersburg

Ford Focus I, 2002

I purchased the car from my friend, whose wife successfully drove it in the “home - kindergarten - store” mode for just under 3 years. Actually, this is partly why the choice fell on this particular car, because... I knew its history and mode of operation very well. What I liked: I have the so-called “winter” package installed and this, I want to note, is one of the most useful features in our conditions. And although I store my Ford Focus I in a heated underground parking lot and don’t experience any problems with the morning start-up, nevertheless, sometimes in the frosty winter it’s nice to start the car, turn on the heated windshield, rear window and mirrors (the washer nozzles are also heated), sit in the heated seats , and in 2-3 minutes you can be on your way. Everything thaws and drains very quickly. There is no need to scrape the glass in the cold.

Reliability: no surprises happened during operation. It's difficult to say whose credit is due here. I just regularly went through all the maintenance, changed the oil and maintenance. liquids, etc. Ford Focus I, due to the fact that maintenance is relatively inexpensive, makes it possible not to save on it. At 65 thousand I had to change the clutch. Usually, as far as I know from experience, this spare part lasts much longer, about 100 thousand, no less. But in my case, apparently, the driving style of my predecessor had an effect. Although she drove carefully, I think she still “set fire” to the clutch - she probably waited on the clutch at traffic lights and pulled away with too much gas. In general, I had to change it, I started to feel the transmission slipping when starting off.

Controllability: I’ll be brief here, everyone knows this. Focus is one of the best in this class in its class. Still, a sophisticated “steering” rear suspension and a properly designed front suspension do their job!

The biggest problem I had with the Ford Focus I was replacing the left low beam bulb. The fact is that without removing the battery and the platform on which it is installed, you simply cannot reach the headlight cover. You really need to work with the keys. For girls, this operation will be practically impossible without a trip to the service center.

Advantages : reliable, comfortable, unpretentious. Excellent handling. Inexpensive to maintain.

Flaws : a bit noisy on the highway.

Eduard, Moscow

Ford Focus I, 2005

For those who want to buy a Ford Focus I. Maintenance every 10 thousand km. Original oil 1400 rub. 5 liters. Oil filter from 350 rub. Work on a Bosch 400 rub. Then we look at what needs to be changed or what the master will say, if you just believe him, otherwise they may cheat. Brake pads not original from 900 rub. (I installed these and skated fine). The rear pads of the Ford Focus I last a very long time, I didn’t change them, and neither did the previous owner. We immediately change the timing belt (on a Ford it is very easy to screw up the mileage), the replacement price is 3,500 rubles. and my head doesn't hurt. Candles are also a budget from 200 rubles. a piece. Everything about the chassis is also budget-friendly, except for the rear wishbone suspension - replacing it costs 20 thousand rubles. along with work, but it runs for a long time, about 100 thousand km. In the Ford Focus I, the thermostat is a weak point. Sometimes it lives less than 20 thousand km. They replaced it under warranty (I bought it from a used car dealership), although they didn’t pay for the tow truck. Paintwork - weak points - trunk and doors. It is better to paint over chips immediately. Salon - for people of average height there will be enough space in both the front and rear. With my height of 194 cm, my back became stiff during long-distance runs. It’s better not to buy a car with climate control, as it gets older it starts to get weird (and it’s a decent age anyway), it’s only repaired by official dealers, and you know what the price tag is there. The car loses power significantly when the air conditioning is on. So when overtaking it is better to turn it off. Engine 1.8 115 hp acceleration to 100 km - 10.7 seconds. In its class (cars produced before 2005 and price category) there were no equal to the Ford Focus I. In the city there is enough power for your eyes, on the highway we can confidently overtake in 3-4 gears. The car takes sharp turns confidently. The car provokes aggressive driving, so we don’t skimp and install good tires. On the 150 highway it goes confidently; it’s possible to go faster, but it’s not necessary. When you raise the speed, the engine does not squeal, but growls in a deep bass voice, as it should be. In terms of fuel consumption, the city is 11, if we heat it is 13-14. Route from 7 to 9. Gasoline 95th. If you find a good option, you can rent the machine, the spare parts are inexpensive and the craftsmen know it by heart.

Advantages : inexpensive to maintain. Reliability. Comfort. Equipment. Provokes active driving.

Flaws : climate control.

Oleg, St. Petersburg

Ford Focus I, 2003

I bought a Ford Focus I with 71 thousand km mileage. I'm the third owner. I chose “Karisma”, but they were all “killed”. We were just leaving the reseller when he suggested looking into the garage where a Ford Focus I was parked. We took it for a ride (I took it with a guy who drove cars from Germany and sorted them out later). The man looked under the hood, looked, sniffed, revved the gas and said: “Take it, only the bumper was painted, the rest is ideal.” I took it to the club service center. Suspension diagnostics, oil changed, consumables. As a result, the recommendations are that the ignition coil is cracked (you can drive, but it’s dangerous, your “brains” may burn out), and the rear suspension requires replacement of the silent blocks of the trailing arms after 10-20 thousand km. Outwardly, I didn’t really like the Ford Focus I, it had a pretty face and a clumsy rear, but now I’m used to it. It’s comfortable for me (I’m 190 cm), I went to the Moscow-Adler sea alone (the rest didn’t have a license). My back was not tired, only the ringing in my ears was due to poor noise insulation, the walkie-talkie and the radio. Everyone has long known about the dynamics, with its weight 1.6 is not enough, and if there are passengers and air conditioning, you will have to forget about overtaking. Although, if you turn 4-5 thousand revolutions, it’s quite playful. Currently the mileage is 140 thousand km. I travel a lot, often on long-distance trips and for work a lot around the city. I do maintenance every 10 thousand, because... I don’t want anything to break on the road. Of the work done: silent blocks of trailing arms (“butterflies”) about 7 thousand with work, ignition coil (5200 rubles), leaking clutch master cylinder (3300 rubles), axle bearing 2390 rubles, spring levers 2990 per piece. original (sat down on a concrete slab at speed). The clutch is still original, but it grasps at the end. Decide for yourself whether this is a lot or a little for a 7-year-old Russian assembly.

Advantages : reliability. Unpretentiousness. Comfortable salon. Affordable spare parts.

Flaws : sound insulation. Dynamics.

Alexander, Serpukhov

Ford Focus I, 2004

First impressions of the Ford Focus I are a high-torque engine, despite its 1.6 and 8 valves, and elastic steering. The same elastic and well-knit suspension, clear shifts of the manual transmission, excellent seating position (my back pain liked it), the feeling of dimensions is simply excellent, despite the small mirrors. For about 30 minutes I thought about the principle by which the headlights and wipers turn on, how the hood opens. After the “Japanese”, everything seemed wrong, but after traveling for three days, everything already seemed more comfortable than on the same “Japanese”. Among the “chips” of the configuration were climate control, which automatically maintains the set temperature, a heated windshield, heated front seats, electric windows and electric mirrors, “sixteenth” cast wheels, a steering column with adjustable tilt and reach, a remote control key, and a good alarm system with autostart. Among the “jambs” that have been inherited are a short crunch when switching to second gear, a non-functional heated driver’s seat, and yet unexplored creaks in the suspension (does not affect handling or driving over bumps in any way). I am very pleased with the fuel consumption of 8-9 liters, with warm-ups and frequent stops around the city. Judging by the calculation of mileage on gasoline being poured in, the Ford Focus I computer calculates the average consumption quite correctly. I was not at all pleased with how the car got dirty. He throws too much mud on himself from puddles. On silver this is, of course, not as critical as on black, but it seems that I will appear in the wash more often than before. I can’t help but note the clear handling on the road. Ford Focus I handles perfectly both in a parking lot and on a straight road. You can just relax while driving. The sounds from the street are not annoying, apparently one of the previous owners did sound insulation, but I have not yet looked to see if it actually exists.

Advantages : controllability. Fuel consumption. Not bad dynamics.

Flaws : gets dirty very quickly in bad weather.

Maxim, Prokopyevsk

Ford Focus I, 2005

We looked at the Ford Focus I, we liked it, the paint was original without chips, the seller was adequate, without air conditioning, with the original radio and mileage of 108 thousand. Until 2012, it was serviced only by “officials”, all the documents were there and the mileage in mid-2012 was only 45 thousand km. There were 3 owners before me, the first 2 were pensioners, so apparently this is the mileage, I decided to buy it, a man gave me a Ford Focus I for 210 thousand. Well, what can I say, I bought it and immediately took it to a friend’s service center to look at the suspension, etc. They said we were lucky with the car, no one had driven it, we drove it carefully over bumps, the mileage was real, and the entire suspension was practically original. It was only necessary to change the rear silent blocks, 8 pieces; I bought the levers assembled for 2200 rubles. for 2 pieces, German, for sickles I bought 4 pure “silent” 300 rubles. for one, the best, well, I changed the oil and all the filters. The oil was filled with pure Ford synthetic, 2100 for 5 liters, the entire replacement cost 2500 rubles. The revs jumped when I started it up to 2000 thousand, and when I started off when it was cold, they told me to clean the throttle, I cleaned it, nothing changed, the specialists said to change the spark plugs, otherwise you don’t have to worry about it, they say it’s a disease. I warm up the Ford Focus I a little and it runs fine, the consumption is normal, on the highway, if you drive 90-105, 6.3-6.5 liters of 95 gasoline (it is more economical than 92, although the recommendation is 91). At work I drive all sorts of display stands, the trunk is small, but when I fold the rear seats, it turns out huge and can fit a lot of things. The interior is comfortable, I can drive 500 km without fatigue, it’s probably time to change the clutch, because... it works in the end. The suspension is relatively soft, moderately harsh. Overall, I'm happy with the purchase.

Advantages : soft suspension. Comfortable salon. Reliability. Consumption.

Flaws : minor.

Igor, Pavlovsk

5 minutes to read.

The premiere of the Ford model called Focus took place at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1998. A completely new design philosophy has replaced the obsolete Escort. Almost immediately after the start of production in 1999, the new car was awarded for its characteristics as car of the year in Europe, and in 2000 - in the USA. Focus 1 was also highly rated based on crash test results: Euro NCAP gave four stars (out of five) for the safety of passengers in the cabin (including the driver), as well as two (out of four) for pedestrian safety. In 2001, this Ford Focus became the most sold car in the world. Production discontinued in 2004.

Focus belongs to size class “C” according to the European classification. This is a class of small family cars. The model range is represented by a sedan, a 3-door hatchback, a 5-door hatchback and a station wagon. Their technical characteristics are slightly different. The car was created in accordance with the NewEdge design project (New Edge - New Edge) - a combination of sharp edges and smooth curves. FordFocus 1 was produced in Europe and the USA. The European version is equipped with a Zetec and Zetec-SE (gasoline) engine with a volume of 1.4 liters and 75 hp. up to 2 liters from 130 hp and Enduradiesel 1.8 liter diesel engine with 75, 90 and 115 hp. The characteristics of “Americans” are different. Features of the Ford Focus 1 produced in the USA and Mexico:

• the design of the bumpers is different (size and configuration);
• turn signals are mounted in the bumper grille;
• repeaters are not on the front fenders, but on the sides of the front bumper;
• taillights differ in design and color;
• there was no five-door hatchback until 2002.

Dimensions

The weight and dimensions of the Ford Focus 1 may vary depending on the version and year of manufacture.

Weight: 1150 – 1364 kg.

• hatchback – 1440mm;
• sedan – 1440 mm;
• station wagon – 1460 mm.

Width: 1700 mm.

• hatchback – 4175 mm;
• sedan – 4380 mm;
• station wagon – 4455 mm.

Wheelbase: 2615 mm.

Suspension

The suspension deserves the highest praise:
The front is lever-telescopic, independent, with hydraulic shock absorbers, helical coil springs and a transverse stabilizer (McPherson).

The rear is independent, cylindrical springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, multi-link. Previously, elements of this suspension were used in the Ford Mondeo Wagon. Equipped with the ControlBlade system, which ensures vehicle stability when cornering. FordFocus 1 holds the track perfectly at any speed.

Brakes

The brake system is dual-circuit (with diagonal division), hydraulic.
Front wheels: single-piston, floating caliper, ventilated disc brakes.

Rear wheels: depending on the modification of the car, the braking system can be either disc or drum (if disc, then single-piston, floating caliper; if drum, then with two brake pads and two-piston cylinders).

The FordFocus 1 is also equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Equipment

Features:

1. Basic (Ambiente):

• power steering;
• adjustable height and tilt of the steering wheel;
• driver's airbag.

2. Comfort:

• power front windows;
• air temperature adjustment;
• the ability to open the trunk from the passenger compartment;
• centralized locking system;
• pockets for storing small items in the front doors.

3. Trend:

• additional front fog lights;
• steering wheel trimmed with leather;
• the position of the driver's seat is adjusted by a drive;
• It is possible to remove the armrest.
• When the trunk is opened, the backlight turns on.

4. Luxury (Ghia):

• 15-inch tires;
• airbag for the second front seat;
• winter package (heated seats, electrically heated windshield, electrically adjustable mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles);
• electric rear windows;
• remote control of central locking.

Gear box

Transmission:

1. A 4-speed automatic transmission comes with the Zetec-E 2.0i engine. It significantly increases the wear resistance of the engine and helps not to be distracted from driving the car, especially in dense city traffic, and ensures increased smoothness of movement.
2. 5-speed manual transmission iB5 - installed with Duratec1.6i and Zetec-E 1.8i engines. The gearbox is two-shaft, has five forward gears and one reverse gear. All forward gears are equipped with synchronizers.

Dashboard

The instrument panel pleasantly pleases the eye with its smooth lines and functionality. The instrument cluster is classic. The speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature gauge and fuel gauge on the standard instrument panel are combined into one unit. In the Focus 1 ST 170 version they are separated. Most warning lamps are located at the top of the dashboard, which allows you to monitor the readings without changing your viewing angle or taking your eyes off the road.

Power unit

The engine is placed transversely at the front, the cylinder arrangement is in-line.

Brief technical characteristics of Ford Focus 1 engines

Engine	Max. SpeedKm/hour	Acceleration up to 100 km/h	Engine capacitycm³	Powerhp	Engine speed in min	Consumption average l/100km
1.4	171	14.1	1388	75	5000	6.7
1.6	185	11.2	1596	100	6000	7.3
1.8	198	10.2	1796	115	5750	7.6
1.8 TDCi	196	10.3	1796	116	5000	6.8
2.0	202	9.3	1796	130	5500	8.8

Changes and innovations

In 2001, several changes were made to the FordFocus 1 design:

1. New bumper design with removable stripes.
2. Headlights and turn signals are combined. The low beam and high beam are separated by reflectors. New fog lights were introduced. The main headlights became xenon.
3. Both radiator grilles have taken on new shapes.
4. The design of the seats has changed, it is possible to adjust the height of the seats.
5. Computer climate control system.
6. A navigation system has appeared.
7. The shape of the center console has changed. Rubber coasters for drinks appeared. Dashboard in various colors.
8. Wider choice of body colors.
9. TDCi engine, where the letter C indicates that the engine is equipped with a CommonRail fuel system.

In 2002, Ford introduced two Focus 1 models with more powerful “charged” engines, the characteristics of which differed from their analogues. Both with an engine capacity of 2 liters:

1. Focus ST 170 (SportTechnology) with a 172 hp unit. With.

Changes:

• multi-spoke wheels;
• airbags in the doors;
• changes in the design of the radiator grille;
• audio system with subwoofer;
• the power unit was improved by Cosworth. Power has increased.

2. Focus RS (Rally Sport) – 215 hp. With.

Who wouldn't want to drive the "Car of the Year 1999" or play the role of the unforgettable driver Colin McRae, who conquered the rally tracks behind the wheel of a Ford Focus? Especially considering that buying this car does not involve sacrifices: a functional and attractive body, an acceptable amount of interior space, fairly successful and economical engines. The excellent suspension also encourages the purchase, thanks to which the car behaves as if it were glued to the asphalt.

Unfortunately, most of the offers on the secondary market are not in the best condition. Within a few years, it became clear that the Ford Focus 1 had problems with body corrosion.

Carefully check the equipment of the unit you are interested in. Modern appearance does not mean appropriate equipment - even after restyling, a car may only have one airbag and power steering. ABS and power accessories were not included in the list of basic equipment.

There is an opinion that the first generation Ford Focus engines are not suitable for installing LPG gas equipment. This is partly true. Plastic manifolds were susceptible to air explosions in the intake tract, but these disappeared with the advent of multipoint port injection. However, this is not a reason to neglect adjusting the valves every 40,000 km, which will require about 5,000 rubles.

What can you do yourself?

Timing belt

The process of replacing the timing belt in 16-valve 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline engines and diesel engines is not too complicated. The repair kit consists only of a toothed belt and a tension roller. In the case of gasoline 1.8 and 2.0 liters, two or three rollers are already installed, depending on the year of manufacture and version. The services use a special tool for fixing the shafts, but you can get by with “folk” methods. Unfortunately, 1.6-liter Focuses often arrive at car repair shops with symptoms of poor performance of the power unit. Upon inspection, it is discovered that the timing belt has jumped one tooth: the engine runs, but it shakes and does not develop full power.

Brakes

Replacing brake pads and discs or brake fluid does not require complex operations, special tools or great knowledge. Trouble can arise when trying to replace rusty tubes: unscrewing rusted tips will require practice and additional tools.

All Ford Focus I have ventilated brake discs (minimum thickness 20 mm) on the front axle, and non-ventilated discs (minimum thickness 8 mm) or drums (maximum diameter 204 mm) at the rear. Brake fluid (about 0.7 liters DOT 4) should be changed every two years. The thickness of the pads and discs (a caliper will come in handy) must be checked at least once a year.

Power steering

All first Focuses were equipped with power steering. Maintenance of the power steering is limited to checking for leaks (potential leak points are pipeline joints) and periodically replacing the fluid.

The working fluid is 0.5 liters of branded Ford S-M2C195A, which can be replaced with a fluid similar in its characteristics to transmission oils for automatic transmissions, for example Transmax Dex III or ATF Multivehicle.

Engine oil

The lubrication system capacity of gasoline engines is 3.8 liters for a 1.4 liter engine and 4.3 liters for all others. There are no special requirements regarding the properties of the oil. It is enough to adhere to class SH (API) or A1/B1 (ACEA) and viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40.

In the case of diesel units, it is necessary to prepare 5.6 liters of oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 class CF (API). Since turbodiesels were not equipped with a particulate filter, there are no strict requirements regarding the special properties of the oil. When replacing it, it is necessary to install a new oil filter, which is the same in gasoline 1.6-2.0 liters as in diesel versions.

Ford recommends checking your engine oil level frequently and changing it once a year. In addition, there is a mileage limit of 15,000 km. Taking into account the age of the car and difficult operating conditions, it is better to reduce the recommended oil change period to at least 10 thousand km. The maximum permissible oil consumption should not exceed 0.5 l/1000 km. The distance between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick corresponds to: in gasoline engines - 0.75 l, and in diesel engines - 1.5 l. In winter, it is better to maintain a low oil level for quick warming, and in summer, a high level for better cooling.

The oil change process itself is simple, and the filter is easy to access from below. However, do not forget that used oil and an old filter are very dangerous for the environment and should not be thrown into the regular trash. It is advisable to return the waste for recycling. Unfortunately, at present such an opportunity exists only in a small number of Russian cities.

Cooling system

Monitoring the tightness and operation of the system must be carried out regularly, preferably simultaneously with checking the oil level. The plastic thermostat housing is often to blame for coolant leaks.

Coolant replacement is necessary after 5 years or 100,000 km. Ford recommends using a fluid called Motorcraft Super Plus 2000, but you can also use a generic coolant such as Radicool NF Castrol.

Note: power units, depending on the type, have different thermostat opening temperatures. The water pump is driven by a drive belt (not a timing belt), which should be included in your spare parts kit.

Cooling system volume: petrol 1.4 and 1.6 l – 5.5 l; 1.8 and 2.0 l – 6.0 l; diesel - 6.5 l.

Computer diagnostics

The first generation Ford Focus, as a rule, did not give a reason to visit diagnostic centers. However, diagnostics can be very useful in finding faults not only with the engine, but also with assistance systems - ABS or ESP. To count errors, a universal KTS device, which is available in many car workshops, is sufficient. Therefore, a visit to an authorized Ford service center is not necessary. The diagnostic connector can be found near the driver's feet on the panel under the cover.

VIN number

The identification number is located under the windshield (visible from the outside along with information about the number of airbags) and on the floor - at the front passenger's feet. It is worth noting that by using the VIN number, unlike many companies, Ford allows you to find out not only the model year, but also the exact production date: year and month.

Marking:

WFO – manufacturer code (Ford Germany),

body type: A – 5-door, B – 3-door, F – sedan, N – station wagon,

XX – unused characters,

G – country of manufacture (G – Ford Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Cologne, Germany), C – assembly (C – Saarlouis/Langley),

D – (D - Focus),

A – body version (repeat),

W – year of manufacture (W – 1998, X – 1999, Y – 2000, 1 – 2001, 2 – 2002, 3 – 2003, etc.),

P – month of production (here P is August, but the code depends on the year of manufacture),

12345 – serial number of the body.

Chassis

Everyone knows about the need to adjust suspension geometry. But in the case of the Ford Focus, the rear suspension also needs to be adjusted. The process itself is not complicated - for this purpose, there are eccentric bolts on the auxiliary beam that secure the transverse suspension arms. Unfortunately, the bolts get very rusty and have to be cut off to adjust them. Therefore, before the procedure, it is necessary to purchase new bolts in advance.

The toe-in of the front wheels should be set to 0 and the rear toe to 2.5 mm (tolerance +/- 1 mm). The reason for the change in the angle of the wheels (camber), as a rule, is the transverse arms of the suspension.

Cabin filter

It is recommended to change the cabin filter once a year. Its low price allows you to do this without hesitation. The filter can be accessed under the hood, next to the bulkhead (on the right). To get to it, you need to carefully release the latches on the fastening bar and bend the plastic cover up. After replacing the filter, everything falls into place. The same cartridge measuring 350x167x29 mm is suitable for all modifications of the model. You can find many alternatives in the market of different brands, both regular and coal.

Air filter

During annual maintenance, it is enough to monitor the condition of the filter and clean it thoroughly. You can use a compressor for this. Ford recommends changing the filter every 45-60 thousand km. Fortunately, it is very cheap - only about 250 rubles, so if there is any doubt about its performance, it is better not to hesitate and replace it. The filter has dimensions of 265x147x47 mm and is suitable for almost all power units, with the exception of Focus ST.

To replace the filter, you will need a socket wrench, which must be used to unscrew 4 screws around the perimeter of the housing. When replacing, thoroughly clean the air filter housing using a cloth or compressed air. After installing a new cartridge, pay attention to the location of the seal - a loose or deformed seal does not perform its important functions.

Tires

In models with engines up to 130 hp. 14-inch wheels are used on 5-inch wide steel rims or 15-inch wheels on 6-inch wide alloy wheels. Sports versions are shod with 17- or 18-inch wheels. When there are 3 people in the car, it is necessary to set the pressure in the front and rear wheels to 2.2 atm. (0.22 MPa). When fully loaded, it is necessary to increase the pressure on the front axle to 2.3 atm. (0.23 MPa), and at the rear up to 3.1 atm. (0.31 MPa).

Lamps and fuses

One of the main changes in the modernization process of the Ford Focus in 2001 was the headlights. In pre-restyling cars, one H4 60/55 lamp was used for low and high beam. Afterwards, the H7 lamp was responsible for the low beam, and the H1 lamp was responsible for the high beam, both at 55W. The lamps in the foglights also changed: H1 gave way to H11, in ST 170 - H3. Xenon was available as an option.

Access to the headlight bulbs is difficult, but not to the point of being hopeless. First you need to remove the metal latches, then the black cover, and then you can take out the light bulb. Most other lamps are only accessible after removing the housing. Despite the easy accessibility of the glass reflector screws, do not try to unscrew them - another screw is located in the bend and is difficult to reach.

The Focus uses medium-sized blade fuses. The color indicates the current the fuse can handle: brown - 7.5 A, red - 10 A, blue - 15 A, yellow - 20 A, white - 25 A, light green - 30 A, orange - 40 A. And remember that a blown fuse often indicates a problem that needs to be found.

What breaks in Ford Focus 1?

Even great-looking specimens can later unsettle their owner with quite significant flaws - so a thorough inspection before purchasing is mandatory! The compact Ford is not a very reliable car. Its main problem is fairly rapidly progressing corrosion, which can be found on the edges of doors, inside sills, on suspension elements and on the exhaust system. Particular attention must be paid to the condition of the brake hoses and tubes.

Gasoline units, like Endura diesel engines, are quite reliable. In Duratorq diesels, problems relate to the dual-mass flywheel (lifespan is about 150 thousand km), starter, injectors, exhaust gas recirculation valve (unfortunately, combined with an aluminum manifold). The suspension handles Russian roads well, and its complete overhaul with original spare parts will cost 60,000 rubles. Repairs will be much cheaper if you change only individual elements, and not the entire lever assembly.

Rust attacks from behind

While the front part of the body resists corrosion well, the rear part gives in quickly. Wheel arches and the rear of the sills are the most favorite places for rust. If you come across a copy without signs of corrosion, buy it without hesitation. The rear brake pipes are also susceptible to corrosion, which is not safe.

Corrosion on elements such as the anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar bushing brackets is not terrible. But a seemingly simple replacement of the stabilizer rubber bands results in the use of an angle grinder and a set of new brackets.

Steering gear

The steering mechanism can become a source of trouble in two cases: fluid leaks at the pipe connections and the appearance of play in the steering rack. The restoration process, depending on the service, will require from 10 to 30 thousand rubles.

Fuel injection system

A diesel engine with a common rail system can cause many problems. One of them: failure of the high pressure pump, leaks in the fuel system.

Turbine-intercooler pipe

The problem is only with the TDCi version. The loss of power and soot from the exhaust pipe have a prosaic reason - damage to the pipe connecting the turbine to the intercooler (intercooler). You can replace the pipe (about 1000 rubles) yourself.

Multi-link suspension

The secret to perfect handling lies in the multi-link rear suspension. Unfortunately, its maintenance costs are quite high. After 100,000 km, play appears in the chassis. The wishbone is often the first to break. Replacing several levers is not that expensive, but you will have to fork out a lot for all the elements - more than 10,000 rubles. It is not so easy to dismantle the system levers - the bolts get very stuck.

Engines: typical problems and consumption?

Petrol 1.4 and 1.6 Zetec-SE family

The 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine debuted earlier in the Fiesta, where it had slightly different parameters. The 1.6-liter engine came out with the Focus. While the 1.6-liter does its job satisfactorily, the 1.4-liter is too weak. This is reflected in the market - there are few cars with a 1.4-liter engine. Both motors are reliable and easy to operate.

The 1.6-liter unit was developed by Japanese Yamaha engineers. It is an aluminum block with a 16-valve head, mechanically adjustable valve clearance and a timing belt. The power unit guarantees the perfect compromise between performance and fuel consumption. It is content with 8 liters of fuel per 100 km, which is not bad compared to competitors, but far from sensational. The sprint to 100 takes 11.3 seconds. In the upper rev range, the engine lacks elasticity - it takes more than 20 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h.

The 1.6 liter engine, even with high mileage (more than 200,000 km), does not show any signs of wear. Including, there are no leaks or abnormal oil consumption.

Petrol 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E family

This offer is for the more demanding. Structurally, these are modernized engines of the old Mondeo. The Zetec-E family has a more massive design than the SE, also thanks to the cast iron cylinder block. With frequent high loads, this solution extends the service life. The crankshaft and connecting rods in the engines are the same. The difference in working volume is achieved due to the diameter of the cylinders.

The engines do not have typical malfunctions, which are often random in nature: ignition coils, small oil leaks (defective oil plugs at the beginning of production), the need to reflash the ECU (also the first Focuses).

The 1.8-liter version consumes an average of about 9 liters per 100 km, and acceleration to 100 km/h takes just over 10 seconds. The 2-liter engine is even less economical, but allows you to enjoy driving. For fans of fast driving, there are sports versions ST 170 and ST. The latter features an advanced design with forged pistons and connecting rods.

Diesel 1.8 TDDi

Endura series engines are Ford's first diesel units with direct injection. They use a classic rotary injection pump. The difference in power is achieved through different software. These diesel engines force you to reckon with loud and unpleasant operation. The reward will be low operating costs: the unit does not cause too many troubles. The weakest version accelerates to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds and burns an average of 5.5 liters of fuel.

Diesel 1.8 TDCi Duratorq (Common Rail)

In the 21st century, lovers of diesel engines cannot stand increased noise and poor dynamics. The standard is a diesel engine with direct injection using a Common Rail system, into which fuel is supplied by a high-pressure pump. Next, it enters the injectors, which dose the fuel supply to the cylinders with incredible precision. The injection system is supported by an efficient variable geometry turbocharger and a charge air cooler. A dual-mass flywheel is also used. Fortunately, the Duratorq only complies with Euro 3 standards and therefore does not have a particulate filter. The result is good performance and reliability. The Endura can't compete with the Duratorq in this regard. However, the Delphi 1.8 TDCi fuel system is sensitive to fuel quality. If it fails, the cost of repairing the injection system will be about 10,000 rubles.

The weakest version reaches 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds, the more powerful version in less than 11 seconds. The Duratorq's elasticity is better than the Endura's: the former takes just 10.5 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/m, while the latter takes 22 seconds. It is curious that the average fuel consumption of a more modern engine is higher - about 6.5 liters per 100 km. In addition, it requires high costs for troubleshooting.

The blocks of both TDDi turbodiesels are made of cast iron, which in the late 90s was considered a sign of deep conservatism. The engines became a further continuation of the old and problematic 1.8 TD. Fortunately, the engineers managed to get rid of the main drawback - two timing belts. New engines have a more reliable solution. The lower crankshaft pulley drives the fuel injection pump via a drive chain that theoretically has a lifetime. The camshaft, in turn, is connected to the injection pump with a short strap. The belt can withstand more than 100,000 km. But remember that if it breaks, the valves will be destroyed, so you should not forget about replacement. Attention! During production, Ford changed the shape of the camshaft gear and belt teeth. Before replacing, please review the service documentation.

A typical drawback of Focus turbodiesels is the short service life of the dual-mass flywheel (about 100,000 km). The total cost of repairs can be about 25-30 thousand rubles. Another common problem is air leaks due to cracking of the intake system pipes. The cost of repairs is about 1000 rubles.

Transmission

The model range used two manual (MTX-75 and IB5) and one automatic transmissions. Both manual transmissions are quite reliable, and the IB5 is the most widely used. With age, the likelihood of wear of bearings and synchronizers increases. In IB5, the 5th gear gears are most vulnerable. They are located at the very top of the box, and therefore the loss of even 200 ml of oil “dehydrates” the gears, which leads to wear.

The 4F27E automatic transmission is quite durable, and before the first major repair it lasts 250-350 thousand km. The solenoids give up a little earlier - at the interval of 150-250 thousand km. This is one of the few machines that can be sorted without removing it from the car. A major overhaul will require about 50-70 thousand rubles.

American version

The Focus, after the first generation Mondeo, became Ford's next international model. In the USA it was named ZX3, ZX4, ZX5. The number indicates the number of doors. From a purely practical point of view, the American versions of the Focus are not of much interest. The compact with a weak two-liter engine and automatic transmission is power hungry and requires too much money for its low level of comfort. Corrosion is another problem common to most inexpensive cars that have survived the journey across the ocean.

Technical specifications Ford Focus I

Gasoline versions

Version	1.4 16V	1.6 16V	1.8 16V	2.0 16V	2.0 ST	2.0RS
Engine	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol	Benz. turbo
Volume	1388 cm3	1596 cm3	1796 cm3	1988 cm3	1988 cm3	1988 cm3
	R 4/16	R 4/16	R 4/16	R 4/16	R 4/16	R 4/20
Maximum power	75 hp	101 hp	115 hp	131 hp	173 hp	215 hp
Max. torque	123 Nm	145 Nm	160 Nm	178 Nm	197 Nm	310 Nm
Speed	171 km/h	185 km/h	201 km/h	201 km/h	216 km/h	232 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	15.1 sec	10.4 sec	9.2 sec	9.2 sec	8.2 sec	6.7 sec
Average consumption in l/100 km				10.5		13.0

Diesel versions

Version	1.8 TDDi	1.8 TDDi	1.8 TDCi	1.8 TDCi
Engine	turbodiesel	turbodiesel	turbodiesel	turbodiesel
Volume	1753 cm3	1753 cm3	1753 cm3	1753 cm3
Cylinder/Valve Arrangement	R 4/8	R 4/8	R 4/8	R 4/8
Maximum power	75 hp	90 hp	100 hp	115 hp
Max. torque	175 Nm	200 Nm	240 Nm	250 Nm
Dynamic indicators (manufacturer data)
Speed	165 km/h	180 km/h	185 km/h	196 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	14.4 sec	12.4 sec	11.6 sec	10.7 sec
Average consumption in l/100 km