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The all-new Ford Focus has had a surprise unveiling at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit. With striking lines and a bold new grille design it "takes kinetic design to the next level."

There's a radical change in the cabin too, which now features a 'cockpit' design - the dashboard stretches out to meet the centre console cocooning the driver and front passenger.

New Fiesta owners will recognise the design theme inside, although the mobile phone-style dashboard controls have been replaced by a large touchscreen in the Detroit show car.

Ford's new SYNC software is accessed via the screen and features voice control, Bluetooth, sat-nav and connection points to personal media devices.

The model will go on sale in Europe and America simultaneously in 2011, with 80 per cent of the Focus' components shared globally.

Consumption of diesel TDCi engines drops between 10 and 20 per cent compared with outgoing models, and Ford's 1.6-litre Ecoboost turbocharged direct injection petrol engine will be available in Europe for the first time.

Ford claims a leap in cabin refinement has been achieved, helping to promote the premium feel of its new cabin.

The Focus will be at the centre of Ford's new global small family car strategy, with ten unique vehicles sharing a common platform around the world by 2012.

This strategy will include the Ford C-Max and Ford Grand C-Max which debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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