Description
Ford refreshed the first generation of the Focus lineup in 2001, just three years after the model’s introduction and two after the reveal of the sedan-shaped version.
In January 2001, Europe switched to the Euro 3 emission standards, meaning that all vehicles registered there had to comply with the new rules. Like all other automakers who sold vehicles in Europe, Ford had to adapt its engines. Unlike some of the other automakers, the blue-oval brand also improved the 2001 Ford Focus Sedan, even though the car was just two years old. Besides the upgraded drivetrains that offered better fuel efficiency, the facelifted version had several improvements on the exterior and on the interior. In addition, the automaker added more features not available when it launched the lineup in 1998.
The 2001 Ford Focus Sedan kept the same New Edge design language from the non-facelifted version, but there were some changes in the car’s aspect. At the front, the automaker removed the turn signal lamps from the bumper and placed them inside the triangular-shaped headlights in the lower inner corner. In addition, customers could get the car with Xenon headlamps as an option. The wrapped-around plastic bumper had to be refreshed and sported a trapezoidal-shaped air intake in the middle. A pair of angular-shaped scoops that housed the available round fog lamps flanked it. Previously, these were placed inside the lower center grille.
Changing a car’s profile was challenging, and Ford didn’t want to invest too much in the facelifted version of the 2001 Ford Focus Sedan. However, some subtle changes were made here and there to improve the car’s look. On the front fenders, behind the flared wheel arches, the triangular blinkers had clear lenses instead of orange, as for the 1999 model year. In addition, customers had new wheel options for the car. The base version of the car featured black rubber stripes across the doors, while the upper grades, including the Ghia version, had body-colored ones. Out back, the automaker installed new taillights. Even though they had the same shape as those installed on the non-facelifted version, they had a new layout, and the reversing lamps were installed on their lower inner area.
Inside, Ford offered new options for upholstery and new plastic trims on the dashboard across the range. The automaker installed a fresh in-dash six-CD changer for those with deeper pockets. Furthermore, the automaker started installing navigation systems with a color screen on the center stack. Fronting the driver was an updated instrument cluster. It still had the same elliptic shape, with sharp corners on the sides, but had a new design for the letters and the needles. The front bucket seats were very comfortable and fit for adults. In the back, the bench seat could accommodate three passengers on short jaunts.
Ford expanded the engine range for the 2001 Ford Focus Sedan. It added the 1.4 gasoline unit as the base version. Those looking for a more fuel-efficient but still potent powerhouse could get the new 1.8 TDCI (turbodiesel common-rail injection) unit. All versions were paired with five-speed manual transmissions.
