Sign in

(6)

---

Full details have been released of the new Ford Focus, which is set to arrive at UK dealers in March.

Priced from £15,995, the new Focus will have some impressive features, many new to the hatchback class, such as Adaptive Cruise Control.

Also available will be Ford's Low Speed Safety System, which uses a laser to monitor the area in front of the car and automatically brake if an imminent collision is detected.

Driver Alert monitors the car's position for tell-tale signs of a drowsy driver and can trigger an alarm. Lane Keeping Aid monitors the car's position between lanes, and can actively steer it back into a lane, not just alert the driver of wandering.

Traffic Sign Recognition uses a camera to 'read' speed signs and flash up speed warnings on the dashboard, while Auto High Beam switches the headlights between main and dipped beam automatically.

Engines range from a 1.6-litre in both diesel (94 or 113bhp) and petrol guises (104, 123 and 148bhp), to a 2-litre diesel with either 138 or 161bhp. Transmissions include five or six-speed manuals plus a six-speed PowerShift automatic.

The thirstiest turbo petrol (a 1.6-litre unit) averages 41.7mpg and 139g/km of CO2, while the cleanest 1.6-litre diesel manages to average 67.3mpg while emitting 109g/km of CO2.

Efficiency has been further honed by making the Focus seven per cent more aerodynamic, aided by an Active Grille Shutter, which closes when the engine is cool to improve aerodynamics, and opens when needed.

Start and stop is fitted to key models in the range, to save fuel when stopped in traffic.

(6)