Ford’s new keyless entry and ignition technology enables drivers to start their vehicles at the push of a button

Ford has a new keyless entry and ignition technology on the Focus and the new Mondeo, which is to be launched in India this year: you no longer need to insert the key to unlock a door. In fact, you don’t need to press a button either, whether on the key or on the key ring. If the key is in your pocket, all you need to do is pull on the door handle and get into the car, then push the start button to get the engine running. This is done with the help of a transponder in the key.

An obvious benefit is the elimination of the need to hunt for the key when your hands are full. If the keys are in your pocket or bag, the car’s electronics confirm the valid key’s presence, unlock the doors and, if dark, activate the car’s puddle lights in the wing mirrors immediately once door or boot handle are pulled.

The start button excludes the need for an ignition slot. Touching the power button with the clutch pedal depressed fires the engine up. Pressing the button without engaging the clutch is the equivalent of turning the ignition on so all equipment operates without starting the engine. Switching off the engine is done by simply pressing the button again. To cut the engine while in motion, hitting the button three times in quick succession or once for longer than three seconds does the job. Pressing a lock button on the driver’s door handle or boot-lid will lock the car. As emergency back-up, a conventional key is contained within the electronic fob. Keyholes are also present in the driver’s door for access and steering wheel mount for ignition.

The keyless entry system operates via radio signals between the key fob and door handles to enable entry. The door handle-mounted antennae recognise the key fob’s signals within a two-metre radius. Encrypted communication between antennae and fob ensures that the car only responds to the right key holder. No chance of picking up the wrong, higher-spec car by accident from the parking lot, then. Pity.