2008 Ford Focus Update
June 21, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Images of the cosmetically enhanced 2008 Ford Focus have surfaced on the net. UK website AutoExpress had the exclusive shots of the new Focus, designed by Martin Smith – (designer behind the new Mondeo).
Apart from the updated looks, Autoexpress reports the car will benefit from an upgraded interior and more and a more advanced cabin control systems.
The new Focus will initially debut in left-hand-drive at the Frankfurt Motorshow this september, the Brits expect the new Focus in right hand drive before years end.
We recently begged Ford to bring back the Focus RS, unfortunately, work on the rally car has stalled as Ford attempts to focus more on volume sellers. Although not all hope is lost, there is a possibility of a Focus RS in 2009.
Although the Focus ST, which is the Focus XR5 here in Australia, will continue. We asked Ford Australia when we should expect the new Focus. Will update once we know.
Print it: 
I think it’s stunning, the most successful interpritation of the Iosis concept yet.
Could this be our best hint of the 2008 falcons design direction, I can only hope!
SEX-C.
Now that is damn fine looking car… I already rate the general look of the current Focus and instead of totally transforming it they have kept the same general structure and given it a more modern look… especially in regards to the headlights, no projectors was abit of a negative in the current model and detracted slightly from its looks. Better start saving.
Although in saying this, fingers crossed Toyota develops and AWD Corolla… actually provide some competition for the XR5T. But as of now, Id have to say the XR5T is the winner at $40k driveaway.
but the XR5T is front-wheel drive?
Toyota already has an AWD Corolla, called the Toyota Blaede in Japan, they just dont think there is a market for it here in Aus
Yeah I meant if the AWD Corolla was in Australia… Id then get that over the XR5T because its only FWD.
As for there actually being one, well given that its disappointing because their is a market for it, I go around a few Toyota forums and the Corolla sportivo was abit of a hit… an AWD Corolla would be huge. And personally I think the market is slowly going towards smaller cars, I know Id prefer an AWD Corolla even over an AWD TRD Aurion (if they eventually did do that) because fuel is only going to cost more in the future! And I did some calcs in another aricle, and a difference of only 2L per 100km/h, which a hatch obviously does even better then…. doesnt sound like much of a difference but equates to around $600 more per year! Only issue is that these smaller cars like the Corolla would struggle to fit a reasonably sized family in them.
The RS if brought out is rumoured to be AWD.
I have never understood why Ford haven’t got a Hi-Po AWD Focus, with their success in the WRC and the popularity of the impreza and evo there is a market for it. Could be a supply problem as they a very popular in Europe.
As for the corrolla, I just can’t shake the granny image with it, hey don’t get me wrong I have owned one and it was a good car, but it never gave me that street cred feeling.
A regular Corolla isnt meant to get your street cred… an AWD Corolla on the other hand pumping out 160kw+ on the other hand… that is what changes an image!
Hopefully both decide to bring AWDs to Australia, the more competition the better.
Well Toyota will need something Paul, I just went into town for lunch and drove past Toyota to see the new range of Corrolla’s out front – YUCK!!
What have they done. It looks like a Korean throwback.
One of the most ugly face lifts I’ve seen, this one puts the AU Falcon to shame.
It will be interesting to see if it keeps it’s number 1 small car spot after this one.
Lol it aint that bad!! Definitely an aquired taste and its definetely uglier then the Focus… but Im not sure if this will have a major dent on sales anyway, most people, including fleets, buy the Corolla because of its reliability… essentially a car that they can rely on will start first time every time and get them from A to Z. A car like the focus on the other hand despite its great looks hasnt had a great record, I believe a survey conducted recently had it at the worst or 2nd worst for reliability in its sector (ie having to take it to the dealer) within the first 6 months of purchasing (the survey was only for that period).
Oh and even granted its looks aernt stunning… Id still take an AWD Corolla over a FWD XR5T, especially if they were the same price!
N e way its all talk really, although I dont know why they dont bring and AWD Corolla to Australia… the market is now completely open given that the previously affordable performance car in the WRX is now a joke.
Remember the Celica GT4, Supra and the MR2, I suppose there is hope on the horizon for you Toyota fans with the Aurion TRD, now that should be AWD!
Yes the new WRX looks to be a let down, but I like the direction Ford is heading with it’s new range.
Look at the XR4 – back to basics big engine little car 24k pocket rocket, now that’s affordabilty.
so Paul would you prefer a AWD Subaru Liberty GT/-B over the FWD Toyota Aurion TRD?
That Focus looks amazing, I don’t see it coming out anytime soon though… sadly
To much of a major update for a car only four years old
Guys, Subaru backed off because they sh*t themselves when they heard the Lancer GSR was to return as the Ralliart Lancer. Seriously, would you blame them?
is this the concept/final design or a photoshop job?
QUOTE = so Paul would you prefer a AWD Subaru Liberty GT/-B over the FWD Toyota Aurion TRD?
No… I do like the Liberty GT, very nice looking car, but Toyota still has it over them in quality, reliablity and the Aurion is also larger. Some bias comes into it as well!
QUOTE = Guys, Subaru backed off because they sh*t themselves when they heard the Lancer GSR was to return as the Ralliart Lancer. Seriously, would you blame them?
Riiiight… if that was the case they would have scrapped the WRX, they havent, using your logic they are now costing themselves more instead of keeping the tradtional WRX and losing some sales they have changed completely and will lose LOTS of sales. It has nothing to do with that, they obviously see potential in the market for more conservative people who want the assurance of AWD and the power of the WRX without the hoon stigma attached to WRX’s of old.
absolutely love it, very good looking little car
i also agree that they should make a hi performance version. rs is great but doesent cut it
can see everyone is doing the flared guards thing now which is a mostly audi design cue (not m3). ohhh i love audi, always ahead of engineering
anyway cant wait to see it hit aus
Yeah, looks pretty slick. I am seriously impressed with Ford’s design direction. It’s so European. WHy couldn’t they do this 5 years ago when they would have made more of an impact?
I hope it comes out before I end up finding something to buy. This looks the ducks nuts!
The current Focus I test drove a few weeks ago I liked. The only thing I hated was that it felt like I was sitting on the seat, not in it. And the review on this site said the same thing. I knew I was right in thinking it wasn’t just me.
WOW…….the new focus and mondeo look quality. they make the daewoo holdens look like what they are..cheap shit !!!!!!!!!!!
I just hope they release this with TDCi + DSG..
I test drove a Corolla Conquest Hatch auto and a Focus diesel yesterday. I loved the overall look of the Corolla but I felt there wasn’t enough power for me. On the other hand the Focus diesel was magic to drive. I am not too sure on the quality of manufacture on the Focus,a door trim was starting to come off the demo, but the Corolla looked superbly made. Since I am coming down from a V8 I want something with a bit of grunt. I am going to test drive the Corolla manual and a Citroen C4 diesel next for a comparison.
It’s a little gas..OOPS!I mean it’s a little Mondeo.
Sorry, I was just thinking about the old Escort ad slogans there.
When will we see this new face lift in Australia? I was looking at getting the Zetec this month (November 2007), and now with news of a new and quite major face lift for 2008, I thinking I should maybe wait? then again, if the wait is going to be until mid to late next year, im just gonna buy now….
i brought a new Focus 12 months ago mate i turn the key starts every day mate