|  |  | | This complex development process met all set objectives: New Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet is exactly 4,509mm long and offers the largest luggage volume among C-segment vehicles with retractable hardtops. As a Coupe, the new model has an impressive maximum capacity of 534 litres. With the roof stowed in the boot, the remaining 248 litres of available space under and around the stowed roof panels still represent a best in class figure irrespective of how many roof partitions competitors use for their vehicles.
Compared with core Focus models, the seat height was lowered 20mm closer to the center of gravity. This provides passengers with sufficient headroom when the roof is closed and enhances the open air experience with the roof open. Also, a higher beltline and instrument panel add to a feeling of confidence and protection as well as better integration into the vehicle.
With sport seats, the balanced ergonomics of all driving controls, and a shifter placed relatively high in the centre console, any driver should be able to find a perfect fit.
Inside, Focus Coupe-Cabriolet offers 1,216mm of shoulder room for the rear passengers more than any competitor. The rear seats offer comfortable accommodation for adults even in Coupe mode. This level of comfort is possible because of the hardtop's efficient and reliable folding mechanism, which doesn't use the rear side panels for stowage.
"The task of meeting all our objectives was demanding. But we came up with feasible solutions because the departments involved worked together so closely. We're very satisfied with what we have achieved!" summarises Gesang.
INTERIOR DESIGN
"In order to create a consistent look, we wanted to translate obvious exterior elegance into the interior design - to evoke the feeling that you are sitting in a very special car. Our objective was to create a high quality experience and an impression of Italian elegance." Ulrike Dahm, Senior Colour & Materials Designer
As with a vehicle's exterior, the interior is also subject to an intensive process of creativity and harmonisation. Not only is the form of interior elements important for the overall impression the vehicle creates, but in order to make an emotional connection with a new car, the choice of matching colours, textures and materials is crucial.
New Focus Coupe-Cabriolet shares its dashboard layout with the core Focus models. However, to distinguish it, a new colour scheme was developed, designed to match the vehicle's overall elegance.
Dahm explains: "We paid great attention to the choice of exterior body colours when we created the vehicle design. We selected a set of exclusively developed paint colours, which beautifully underline the car's elegance, and we wanted to match these to some appropriate interior treatments".
Two fundamentally different colour schemes were chosen: Dark and sporty Ebony/Flint and the warm and elegant Iris/Camel. If customers choose the latter, the dashboard's soft-feel upper section is dominated by "Iris", a dark violet tone, while "Camel" forms a bright contrast for its lower part and the remaining interior surfaces.
High quality materials enhance this colour concept. Specially developed, attractive seat fabrics offer high levels of comfort and air circulation. Leather seats are available for the higher "Titanium" series while aluminium applications throughout emphasise the vehicle's premium appeal.
previous page | go to page 8 |
| |