New Ford Focus prices and specs announced

Ford has today confirmed prices and specifications for their all-new Focus, which goes on sale in March 2011.

Their evergreen 5-door mid-sizer starts at £15,995 (including the dreaded VAT increase) and comes with some useful standard equipment, namely; DAB digital radio, Ford's Torque Vectoring Control system (like an advanced traction control), a Thatcham Category 1 alarm, Bluetooth, voice control, USB connectivity, Ford Easy Fuel (to prevent misfuelling), front, side and curtain airbags, ESP, ABS and Isofix child seat attachments.

Ford is keen to build on Focus' reputation as a fine driver's car, this time topping off the handling and comfort with some extra focus on safety and technology.

Mark Simpson, Ford of Britain marketing director, explains: "Ford Focus set the class benchmark for ride and handling at launch in 1998 and the all-new model will set another new standard in the segment - this time for next-generation features and smart technology.

"Ford Focus is firmly established as one of the UK's favourite cars, and this all-new range is set to grow that reputation even further thanks to its sporty exterior styling, advanced technology-laden cabin and rewarding dynamics," he added.

In line with market trends, Ford is offering the Focus in a simplified range of four trim levels with familiar names, and seven engine choices; three petrol and four diesels, with the lowest CO2 output being a healthy 109g/km from the 1.6-litre TDCi (115PS). This diesel engine also returns 67.3mpg.

Their predicted best-seller, the Zetec model, starts at £16,995 for the 1.6-litre (105PS) petrol and comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a Quickclear heated front windscreen and door mirrors, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps and sports-style seats.

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.

I'll be test-driving lots of new Fords in the coming days, so fans of the Blue Oval stay tuned...