Ford renews Focus on connected cars

Automotive manufacturer Ford rolled out an updated version of its Focus model this week in Barcelona, showcasing advanced drive assist and mobile connectivity features.

The Focus will be the first European model to feature the company’s SYNC 2 suite of technologies, building on an installed base of more than eight million vehicles with the original SYNC, which launched in the US in 2007.

The upgraded version of the car control and connectivity suite makes much use of voice control as well as a high-resolution, eight-inch colour touch screen. SYNC 2’s navigation system also offers for the first time in Europe a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views, and the Michelin guide.

The car will also include Perpendicular Parking, a hands-free parking technology that helps drivers reverse into spaces alongside other cars. The current Focus introduced parallel parking aid Active Park Assist that, at the push of a button, uses ultrasonic sensors to locate parking spaces and steer the vehicle while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. The addition of two new sensors to the rear of the new Focus enables Perpendicular Parking to operate in the same way.

Ford’s MyKey technology meanwhile, enables owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and can disable it altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts. The system can prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control and Active City Stop, which can help mitigate or prevent low-speed collisions.