Focus is the highest-volume Ford passenger vehicle to-date to benefit from the new SYNC 4 communication and entertainment system, which uses a sophisticated machine learning algorithm to learn from drivers’ behaviour and deliver more accurate suggestions and search results over time.
SYNC 4 is supported by an all-new 13.2-inch central touchscreen, with an intuitive interface that means drivers never are more than a touch or two away from any application, information or control they need. The new touchscreen also incorporates controls for functions such as heating and ventilation that were previously activated using physical buttons, resulting in a cleaner and less cluttered centre console. The system also delivers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility, allowing seamless integration between smartphone functions and SYNC 4.
Advanced speech recognition allows occupants to use natural speech in 15 European languages, combining on-board data with Internet searches – enabled by FordPass Connect – for quick, accurate responses to commands for everything from entertainment, phone calls and text messages to climate control and weather information.
The SYNC 4 system also enables Ford Power-Up wireless software updates that will improve the new Focus over time, and can install much of the new software in the background or at pre-scheduled times, with many updates requiring little to no action by customers. These upgrades can help improve the ownership experience and may help reduce the need for repair trips, as well as enhancing features, quality, experiences, capability and convenience.
Using the FordPass app, a range of connected services can be accessed using a smartphone, allowing the customer to stay connected with their car from anywhere with a data signal and utilise features such as Vehicle Status – for checking fuel levels, oil life and more – and Remote Start. Ford’s SecuriAlert system can provide extra peace of mind by using vehicle sensors to monitor for any attempt to enter the vehicle – even if a key is used – and send alerts to the user’s phone.
New Focus vehicles with SYNC 4 benefit from complimentary trial access to Connected Navigation and Ford Secure subscriptions, which enables features such as live traffic, weather and parking information as well as Local Hazard Information for an enhanced customer experience.