11 Sep 07
Ford's best seller will look more like the recently launched new Mondeo in 2008. New headlights, grille, wheel arches and tailgate head the list of tweaks to the Focus, and upper-grade versions will gain new chrome trim and a body-coloured spoiler. There's also Ford's Easy Fuel capless filler, and tyre pressure monitoring is also available.
Ford has aimed for a more upmarket effect in the cabin, with softer-touch plastics for the instrument panel, new seat fabrics and new fascia trim. Restyled instruments now have red illumination, and the audio and air conditioning controls have been modified. Titanium-spec models gain a new centre console with movable armrest and four-litre stowage box, and this can be further augmented by a 230-volt socket or USB audio input.
Other options include a 'power' button: Ford's not revealing any details on this yet, but we assume it remaps engine and throttle response characteristics.
An all-new automated manual gearbox, the double-clutch Powershift, will be offered with the 136bhp and upcoming 110bhp versions of the 2.0-litre diesel engines, giving better fuel economy than a traditional six-speed auto. For real economy, though, there's the new ECOnetic model with the 109bhp 1.6 TDCi engine. This returns 65mpg and emits just 115g/km of carbon dioxide. All 1.6 TDCi versions now return 119g/km, giving a tax advantage over their predecessors.
UK sales of these revised models start next February, with Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium versions arriving first. ST models, and revised versions of the coupe-cabriolet, come later in the spring.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
