The New Ford Focus and The Driver Assistance Pack Presented With A Special Award

The new Ford Focus has been presented with the Special Award at the 2011 Auto Express Awards, for its driver assistance features.

The Ford Focus features a digital camera system which is utilised by seven driver assistance features that increase safety behind the wheel.

Graham Hope, Acting Editor, Auto Express said: "This year's Special Award has been handed to the Ford Focus because it puts the kind of high-tech safety kit you expect to find on expensive executive cars within the reach of the motoring masses. Its innovative Driver Assistance Pack breaks fresh ground in the family sector by including a raft of potentially life-saving features at a surprisingly low price."

Anthony Ireson added: "The all-new Focus is the first Ford to offer six driver assistance features based on an advanced digital camera system. With parking and other safety aids, the all-new Focus is grabbing a lot of attention. The Auto Express Special Award is recognition that driver assistance is fast becoming the most sought after feature in the market."

The camera, mounted next to the rear view mirror, faces forward and scans the road ahead by an on-board computer. The Driver Assistance Pack is priced at £750.

Ford Focus Driver Assistant Pack Features Traffic Sign Recognition

This technology will identify traffic signs and has the ability to display two different signs on the instrument panel. When the car is over the speed limit, it will flash.

Auto High Beam

This is a night driving-aid, which works when the automatic headlights switched on. It will temporarily dip the headlights when oncoming traffic or another vehicle up ahead is detected. It will also automatically return them to high beam.

Active City Stop

This system will assist the driver through slow moving traffic and at speeds under 20 mph. If its sensors detect the car in front has unexpectedly stopped, the car will automatically apply the brakes.

Lane Departure Warning

If the driver drifts out of lane, they will be alerted by the steering wheel vibrating. The level of vibration can be adjusted to three levels. A visual alert also appears in the driver information cluster.

Lane Keeping Aid

When there is a slow reaction or no response to a Lane Departure Warning, the Lane Keeping Aid will apply gentle steering input in order to help the keep the car in the correct lane.

Driver Alert

This system will constantly monitor driving behaviour, detecting any deviation which is caused by driver fatigue. In such an event, a warning icon will appear in the display to suggest that the driver should take a break.

Blind Spot Information System

The Blind Spot Information System uses radars and is designed to see things that the driver might not - such as vehicles hidden in blind spots. If the sensor detects a car in the blind spot, an orange light in the door mirror will alert the driver to other vehicles coming.