Design and Launch: Early Years
The MK1 Focus was launched in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show and contrary to popular belief that it was an instant success, it was initially met with caution from a conservative buying audience. Predominantly a similar audience that experienced the launch of the “Jelly mould” Ford Sierra in 1982 which wasn’t the success that Ford had projected. However customer expectations were changing, new competition meant Ford could not rest on their laurels and launched the Mondeo in 1993 to showcase their new vanguard approach to their line-up, this represented a turning point for the company’s design philosophy. This new bold-design philosophy was matched by the all-new Ford Ka in 1996 and the Focus in 1998 which was codenamed C170.
The styling was a massive risk for the company, moving away from traditional boxy edges and trying something more curvy but with angular lines. The interior also replicates the exterior design language. Despite Ford accountants being nervous over the whole project the design was given the green light. Without the insistence of Chief Engineer Richard Parry-Jones the car may never have presented so radically. It was his vision that drove Ford through the 90’s and utilised skills in the current engineering team, most of whom had been involved in the past Escort designs.
Richard-Parry Jones drove the project through, his engineering ethos always concentrated towards the steering, chassis, braking and shifting. Which to this point in a mainstream family car was always a compromise. The most critical piece of the Focus that almost didn’t happen was its famous “Control Blade” independent rear suspension. It was an ingenious design which combined the packaging of a trailing-arm system with the geometry of a double-wishbone set-up. This would achieve the desired dynamics and lower NVH levels, but at a cost of $50 a car. Luckily Richard-Parry Jones won the argument with Ford management.
The powertrain choices were decided from the offset. Both Ford ‘Zetec’ and ‘Sigma’ petrol units were already established across other models and were joined by the updated and economical TDDI ‘Lynx’ diesel which had been known historically as the ‘Endura DE’ for some years in Ford’s line-up. The petrol units were considerably well-suited to the car being free-revving lightweight engines and naturally aspirated. Something which was still popular with the buying public despite the onrush of small turbocharged engines from their rivals. The manual transmission choices were already well-proven too alongside a new electronic automatic option.
The interior was designed deliberately with a higher driving position, which was a standard feature in the emerging and fast growing MPV market. Richard Parry-Jones insisted this was incorporated in the design to reinforce the driver feeling of “being in control”. Other features such as the generous glass area supported that feeling as well, it wasn’t all about the dynamics, it was how the driver felt behind the wheel. Interior space was also increased by having a higher-than-average roofline.
In 1999 it quickly became the best selling car in the UK and was awarded the prestigious ‘European Car of the Year’. It obtained plaudits from all the motoring media on its comfort, packaging and handling capabilities. Other accolades include the ‘Millennium Products’ and ‘What Car? Security and Comfort’ award. Even picking up 1999 ‘Golden Steering Wheel‘ award in Germany and the 2000 ‘North American/Canadian Car of the Year’ award.
The only car to win all three awards!
“The Ford Focus isn’t simply ‘good’, it’s absolutely incredible… take it from me, you don’t want to buy a Megane, or a Golf or an Astra… you most definitely want a Focus”
Jeremy Clarkson, The Sun, September 3rd 1998
“There is no double edged sword to Ford’s victory here. It is the car the class has been waiting a decade for. It is the car that redefines the standards by which all family transport must now be judged. It’s the best car we have drive all year”
Autocar, September 9th 1998
“The Focus is the most desirable, the most able, the most well thought out – the one you most want. Until you try you won’t believe how far ahead of the game it is…”
What Car?, November 1998