The new Ford Focus will cost just under £16,000 when it goes on sale in March. Initially, it will be available as a five-door hatch only, with a bigger estate version arriving in September.
An Econetic version will be added towards the end of next year, with the high performance ST joining in 2012.
The entry level, £15,995 Edge is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine. A 94bhp 1.6 litre TDCi version is £16,995.
All come with Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control technology, which balances the distribution of engine torque between the driven front wheels to optimise grip and stability, as well as a DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, voice control, front, side and curtain airbags and an Easy Fuel system.
Zetec models cost £1000 more and add 16″ alloy wheels, Ford’s excellent Quickclear windscreen, leather steering wheel, fog lights and sports seats.
Titanium models start at £18,785 and have keyless start-up, dual zone climate control, hill start assist, automatic wipers and headlights, cruise control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Top of the range Titanium X models come in at £21,245 and give you part leather seats, 17″ alloy wheels, parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights, daytime running LEDs, electric drivers seat and electric folding door mirrors.
The new Focus has an options list that wouldn’t be out of place on an executive Mercedes or Lexus.
Highlights include a low-speed crash avoidance system that automatically brakes the car, a lane departure warning system, blind spot monitor, and Sony navigation system with rear view camera.
The full engine line-up has three 1.6-litre petrol engines, producing 104bhp, 123bhp and 148bhp, and 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels with 94bhp, 113bhp, 138bhp and 161bhp.
The 2.0-litre diesels are also available with Ford’s dual-clutch gearbox, while the smaller diesels get stop-start as standard.