News

Ford Invests More Locally, Focus with SYNC 3, Fiesta ST Gets Hotter and Smarter (549)

• Ford is investing in Australia like no other automaker with $2 billion in R&D the past six years and even more to launch a record number of products. New updates for the LZ Focus will begin arriving in Australia in July and WZ Fiesta ST models will go on sale from September as part of the company’s strategy to drive more retail sales.
• LZ Focus becomes Ford’s first vehicle in Australia with SYNC 3, the all-new Ford communications and entertainment system that features faster performance, conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and an easier-to-understand graphic interface.
• With two new option packs, the Focus will include the option of a Technology Pack across all series offering a host of driver assistance technology. The optional Sports Executive Pack (Sport and Titanium models) provides further customisation with the option of a power sunroof and Bi-Xenon HID headlamps.
• The WZ Fiesta ST brings key technology updates such as a reverse camera and satellite navigation to the 2015 Carsales best performance car under $100,000 enhancing an already great value proposition for our customers.
• Fiesta ST also adds appealing painted alloy wheels with red brake calipers to bring it visually in line with the recently released LZ Focus ST.

Ford Australia is upgrading its already impressive Focus and Fiesta range as the company shifts focus of its small car customers with a richer mix of retail sales as customers value the vehicles and innovations more.

The announcement is yet another example of how Ford’s commitment to Australia continues to grow beyond billions in local R&D as it expands its award-winning lineup.

“We are investing heavily to offer a lineup of innovative vehicles with outstanding fuel efficiency, safety and quality – including for Fiesta and Focus,” said Graeme Whickman, President and CEO, Ford of Australia. “We also are increasing our mix of retail sales by offering more of this value to customers, improving their experience today while giving them more reasons to come back to us tomorrow.”

LZ Focus Loaded with SYNC 3 and New Options Packs

Already an impressive offering, Ford Australia is adding SYNC 3 as standard to the LZ Focus Trend, Sport and Titanium models as well as new options packs to the LZ Focus range, for those vehicles which begin arriving in Australia in July 2016.

SYNC 3 is the all-new Ford communications and entertainment system that features faster performance, conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and an easier to understand graphic interface.

Since 2012, SYNC has evolved with new features and services customers’ most desire. SYNC is designed to help customers stay connected to their busy world, while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

SYNC 3 Highlights:

New Home Screen provides;

• At-a-glance access to phone, audio and navigation
• Static Home button in the top-left corner returns to this screen
• Buttons for Audio, Climate, Phone, Navigation, Apps & Settings visible at all times

New SYNC 3 8.0” Touchscreen features include:

• New captive touch technology for pinch and swipe capability on select features, similar to a smart phone or tablet
• New unique daytime and night time views, depending on customer preference

The SYNC 3 experience is simplified and user-centric:

Screens appear streamlined with just the most relevant information in view

Buttons appear large throughout the system and are easily identified by what they do

New Options Packs:

New options packs for the LZ Focus will comprise of:

Technology Pack – Trend / Sport Model

• Lane Keeping Aid
• Lane Departure Warning
• Driver Impairment Monitor
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Active City Stop
• Blind Spot Detection
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)
• Auto High Beam Control
• Technology Pack – Titanium Model
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Lane Departure Warning
• Driver Impairment Monitor
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Auto High Beam Control

Titanium vehicles already have Active City Stop and Blind Spot Detection w/CTA fitted as standard.

Trend vehicles optioned with the Technology Pack will also receive a Leather Steering wheel at no additional cost.

Sports Executive Pack – Sport / Titanium models only

• Sunroof
• Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps (incl. static cornering lights)

Technology Pack – Trend and Sport Models:

• Lane Keeping Aid & Lane Departure Warning: If the Lane Keeping System detects that the vehicle is drifting without the indicator on, it alerts the driver by vibrating the streering wheel. If the vehicle continues drifting, the vehicle applies torque to guide it back into its lane. Designed to operate at speeds over 65 km/h on multi-lane roads with clearly visible lane markings.
• Driver Impairment Monitor: Uses the forward facing camera and on-board sensors to detect if the driver is drowsy. If it notices signs such as drifting off course and sudden corrective streering inputs, the system warns the driver with gradually louder signals.
• Auto High Beam Control: A front-mounted camera actively identifies and classifies light sources like traffic and streetlights, and automatically activates the high beams as needed.
• Active City Stop: Helps drivers avoid or mitigate accidents at speeds up to 50 km/h by applying the brakes automatically and reducing engine torque if it detects a braking, slower-moving or stationary vehicle in front of it and determines that a collision is likely, and if the driver has not taken any action.
• Blind Spot Detection with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA): When changing lanes, indicator lights in your side mirrors let you know if there’s a vehicle detected in your blind spot. The CTA system can also alert you to traffic coming from either direction when reversing out of a parking spot or driveway.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Can help slow the vehicle if it senses traffic is slowing. When the traffic clears, the vehicle returns to its pre-set speed.

LZ Focus 2016.75MY Pricing:

*Recommended MLP only. As awlays, the offer price of any vehicle/option is entirely at the discretion of the Dealer. Prices shown exclude Dealer delivery and statutory charges.

Fiesta ST Soon to be an Even Hotter Hot Hatch:

Awarded Carsales Best Performance Car under $100,000 in 2015, the Fiesta ST will offer even more standard features, including.

Interior:

• Satellite Navigation
• Reverse Camera
• 5” TFT (Thin film transistor) Screen (non-touch)

Exterior:

• Illuminated Scuff Plates light up with eyecatching ‘ST’ logo when front doors open
• Red Brake Calipers add to performance vehicle feel
• 17” Grey Metallic Alloy Wheels boost hot hatch looks

WZ Fiesta ST Pricing:

The upgraded WZ Fiesta ST1.6L GTDi Manual has a recommended Manufacturer List Price (MLP) of $27,490 (inc. GST). As always, the offer price of any vehicle is entirely at the discretion of the Dealer. The price above excludes Dealer delivery and statutory charges.

The Fiesta will go on sale from September 2016.

Ford’s Commitment to Australia

The updates to the Focus and Fiesta ST reinforce Ford’s committment to Australian small car consumers and performance vehicle buyers. In 2016 Ford Australia continues the launch of five performance vehicles; Falcon Sprint, Mustang, Focus ST, Fiesta ST and the upcoming Focus RS.

More broadly, Ford’s ongoing commitment to these shores has seen $2 billion invested into R&D in Australia over the past six years. By 2017 Ford Australia will be the largest auto employer in the nation.