Description
Ford introduced the second generation of the Focus hatchback for the European market in late 2004 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in both three- and five-door versions that were among the best-selling versions in the lineup.
After a successful start with the first generation of the Focus, Ford tried to push its designers and engineers harder to create an even better vehicle. As a result, the second generation of the Focus three-door hatchback became a sought-after car for young customers. The car looked sharper and bolder than the Volkswagen Golf or the Opel Astra, which with it competed. Furthermore, it kept the all-wheel independent suspension that made it a great handling vehicle, even though comfort was somehow affected. However, Ford tried not to create such a polarizing car as the previous generation of the Focus, so it made a few changes that pleased more people.
At the front, the triangular swept-back headlights that were unique on the market were replaced by a pair of more conventional ones with a horizontal layout. However, they still had a curved upper line that made them look different than other cars in the segment. They flanked a rectangular grille surrounded by a chromed trim. On the lower bumper, depending on the grade, the automaker installed a narrower or wider trapezoidal air intake, the latter being reserved for sportier versions. But both variants featured side scoops for the available fog lamps.
From its profile, the arched roofline of the 2004 Ford Focus three-door resembled a coupe vehicle. Its long front doors and the broad triangular side rear windows were a promise for an airy-looking cabin. The flared wheel arches from the 2001 model year remained, but they didn’t look as bold as before. At the back, the automaker created slim, raked-forward C-pillars. They sported the rectangular-shaped taillights that followed the upper line of the posts. Between them, the wide tailgate with its generous glass area ensured customers that they would get great rear-view visibility. Strangely, even though the automaker was often criticized for the location of the reversing and the fog lights on the lower side of the bumper, it didn’t relocate them.
Inside, the automaker changed the design language. Instead of the elliptic instrument cluster, now the driver fronted a semi-circular one, just like any other car from the segment. The large dials of the speedometer and the tachometer were flanked by the engine thermometer on the left and by the fuel level gauge on the right. Atop the center stack, the 2004 Ford Focus 3 Doors had the new rectangular vents that replaced the oval-shaped ones from its predecessor. These were followed downward by the stereo and the round knobs of the HVAC control panel. On the passenger side, Ford installed one of the largest gloveboxes in the segment. In the back, the split-folding bench seat could enlarge the already generous trunk space of the car.
Ford convinced its customers with the sporty platform of the car. Thanks to the all-wheel independent suspension and stiffer dampers for sportier versions or packages, the 2004 Ford Focus 3 Door was a desirable vehicle for young customers. Furthermore, thanks to the wide engine range that started with a punny 80 PS (78 hp) inline-four powerhouse, it wasn’t expensive to buy, run, or insure. However, those craving for fuel-efficient vehicles could get the newly-developed 1.6-liter turbodiesel powerhouse that could average an excellent 49 miles to the gallon (4.8-liter/100 km) on a combined cycle.
