Changan Ford begins selling new Focus in China

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai April 23) - Changan Ford's new Focus has finally made its market debut in China today, auto.163.com reported. The new Focus is available in both sedan and hatchback versions, with a total of 12 different trim levels available. Starting prices range from 119,900 yuan to 169,900 yuan ($19,070-$27,023).

The third-generation Ford Focus (pictured) was shown off two years ago at the Auto China exhibition in Beijing. From its Chinese debut to the start of domestic production in February and finally to its market debut today, Changan Ford has spent a total of two years prepping the car for the market. The amount of time that Changan Ford has devoted in preparing the Focus is evidence of how important the model will be for the joint venture.

The Focus hatchback has two engine options available: a 1.6 L Ti-VCT gasoline engine and a 2.0 L GDI one. Only the former option is available for the sedan version. The 1.6 L engine has a maximum output of 92 kW and can produce up to 159 Nm of torque, while the 2.0 L boasts a maximum output of 125 kW and can produce up to 202 Nm of torque. Both five-speed manual and six-speed PowerShift automatic transmissions are available.

The exterior of the 2.0 L Focus has some clear differences from the 1.6 L version. The 2.0 L comes with optional HID xenon headlights with LED daytime running and static cornering lights. The new Focus' interior design inherits styling cues from its predecessor, with cloth stitched seats for the most basic model and partial leather trim for the higher end models. Electronic seat controls are exclusive to the sedan versions. Certain trim levels will come with the Microsoft-powered Sync in-vehicle communications and entertainment system, which has been localized for the domestic market with Chinese voice recognition technology.