Next generation Ford Focus unveiled

Some official bits:

The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 per cent parts commonality around the world.

Production will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.

The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford�s European small and medium vehicle centre of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford�s technical centre in Dunton, England.

The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of  Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines � including the 1.6-litre unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 per cent compared to the outgoing model.

..and some unofficial bits:

Since no detailed technical specs are available, the only comments I can make are related to the design of the car. There are some Korean influences in the exterior and to be more specific, I can see some "Ceed" elements in that nose. For sure, Ford has evolved kinetic design language, but some details, such as the rear lights, don't look neat.

In terms of the interior, there is a lot of "drama" going on and I can see also some elements from Honda's Civic. Ford is promising that the quality and feel have been improved, but only time will tell as Ford interiors are not particularly good in aging.

Overall, in this segment, I feel that the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra looks much better.