P5er

Here is quote from focaljet:

"Freeze! New Focus In View

xclusive images in the current issue of Auto Express magazine reveal Ford's top-secret new Focus cold weather testing on frozen lakes in northern Europe. Set to make its world debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, this is the first time a working prototype has been caught on camera.

Until now, the only cars photographed have been carefully disguised test mules. And as the images in the magazine show, you can see the mature look of the finished vehicle is clearly inspired by the current Mondeo. Although there will be Focus drivers who mourn the passing of the 'new edge' design, Ford says it's certain the conservative makeover will improve the car's standing among affluent buyers.

The firm also points out that there will be many more variants to choose from, including high-style sports cars. As you might expect, the all-new Focus is promising to set fresh standards of performance, space and refinement in a class it already dominates. Despite the recent launch of rivals such as the radical Renault Mégane and updated Nissan Almera, sales of the blue oval's hatch remain strong.

But that might not be enough. The new model is expected to have a far greater fight on its hands from the forthcoming new VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra, both of which will debut alongside the Focus at Frankfurt in September.

Based on Ford's all-new C1 platform, the car will be bigger than at present. The versatility of this floorpan allows technicians to lengthen the wheelbase without the need for drastic reengineering. That means passengers will have more head and legroom.

Safety standards are expected to be boosted, too. Fitted with Ford's IPS (Intelligent Protection System), the Focus is aiming for a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Using many ideas developed for the Mondeo, it will also strive to be easy to maintain and repair, keeping running costs as low as possible. Options such as satellite-navigation and live traffic information will also be available for the first time. The new packages are being fitted in response to the threat posed by VW's next Golf, which is likely to offer levels of luxury previously limited to limousines when it arrives early in 2004.

The Focus engine line-up is also expected to add a new dimension to the car's appeal. Entry-level models will be given an updated version of the current model's 1.6-litre Duratec unit. However, two new direct-injection petrol units are expected to debut, offering variable-valve timing and coming in 1.6 and 1.8-litre formats. There will also be new 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel units. At launch, the 2.0-litre oil-burner will be the most powerful engine of the new range, producing 135bhp and 300Nm of torque. Clever electronics will be used to reduce turbo lag. And to ensure wheelspin is kept to a minimum, Ford is expected to include an uprated ESP system and even an all-wheel-drive option. All models will be offered with a choice of three gearboxes.

The first, a conventional manual, will have six speeds. A new automatic is also expected, but most exciting is a new semi-auto unit similar to Audi's excellent new Direct Shift Gearbox. Capable of changing ratios in the blink of an eye using paddles behind the steering wheel, the system is likely to help maintain the Focus's reputation as the best driver's car in its class. Dan Strong"

I thought it's very interesting because Mazda3 will share it's excelent platform and engines (almost the same) with Focus
This new TDCi turbo desiel would be such a great option for Mazda3 , with tons of tourqe and unreal fuel economy.
I would love to see those new and very modern transmissions on Mazda3 , new semi-auto sounds great and 6 speed is not bad either.
All wheel drive and I hope that this new platform will be good enough to fight off new (Focus inspired) VW's GolfV multi-link rear suspension (where Focus has a big edge over current Golf/Jetta)
Future looks very bright for Mazda and.... Ford (Europe) unfortunately we in N.America are only getting scraps of new great designs comming out of Ford Europe.