Ford announces prices for new Focus

Ford has announced prices for the new Focus which goes on sale in March 2011. Prices will start at £15,995 (which includes VAT at 20%) for the Focus 1.6 105PS Edge model and standard equipment on all models includes DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, voice control, USB connectivity, a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and Ford's Torque Vectoring Control system.

This electronic system cleverly balances the distribution of engine torque between the driven front wheels to optimise grip and stability irrespective of driving conditions or road surface. Other features include the Ford Easy Fuel system (to prevent misfuelling), front, side and curtain airbags, ESP, ABS and Isofix child seat attachments.

The lead-in model, the Ford Focus Edge, is priced from £15,995 for the 1.6-litre 105PS petrol and £16,995 for the 1.6-litre 95PS TDCi. The Zetec model, expected to be best seller, starts at £16,995 (1.6-litre 105PS petrol) and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, Quickclear heated front windscreen and door mirrors, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps and sports-style seats.

The luxurious Titanium series, from £18,745 (1.6-litre 125PS petrol), comes with extra features including keyless start, dual electronic automatic temperature control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), rain-sensing front wipers, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming rear-view mirror,  cruise control with speed limiter, premium Sony audio and Ford's tyre deflation detection system.

Topping the range is the Titanium X (from £21,245 for the 1.6-litre 150PS EcoBoost petrol), which adds partial leather trim, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Park Assist, xenon headlamps, LED day running lights, headlamp jet wash, power driver's seat and power-fold mirrors.

Option packs will offer Low Speed Safety System, Lane Keeping Aid and Ford's Blind Spot Information System.  Those choosing Sony DAB Navigation will also enjoy the benefits of a rear-view camera.

Customers can choose from three petrol engines including the new 1.6-litre 150PS Ford EcoBoost engine, which debuted in the Ford C-MAX along with four diesel engines.  These are the upgraded 1.6 TDCi and 2.0 TDCi powertrains with six speed manual transmission (and optional dual-clutch PowerShift automatic on the 2.0-litre).  The 1.6-litre EcoBoost and 1.6-litre TDCi come with auto start-stop as standard. All powertrains achieve sub 140g/km CO₂ emissions, with the 1.6-litre TDCi (115PS), achieving 109g/km - the only car in its segment with CO2 emissions under 110g/km across all series.

To complement its sporty styling, all-new Focus is offered in two new eye catching colours - Candy Red and Candy Yellow. Ford official recommended list prices in general will be raised from January 4 to reflect the increase in VAT from 17.5 to 20 per cent that is effective from the same date. The price rises are broadly in line with the amount necessary to reflect the change in VAT.  In some cases prices have been rounded up, or down, by a small amount to maintain sensible price points for individual models.