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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Ford Focuses on a Winner

Staff, Friday May 31, 2002.

Page 1 of 1

Ford President Geoff Polites said the Focus had been on Ford Australia?s shopping list for some time.

?We?ve always said we would love to have the car in Australia if the figures stacked up and I?m glad to say we have been able to put together a solid business case for importing the vehicle,? he said.

?Focus is a real driver?s car, combining rally-bred driving dynamics with chic European styling.

Focus will be sold in a range of three-, four- and five-door variants, from the entry level 1.8 litre CL to the sporty two-litre ST170 ? due for release in 2003.

Mr Polites said the Focus would be a great asset to the Ford product line-up.

?We want all the cars in our line-up to share a common identity ? a Ford DNA. That strategy is the main driver behind our decision to introduce Focus. We want to create a family resemblance with our cars ? from the way they look to the way they drive,? he said.

Mr Polites said the arrival of Focus, together with the launch of the new Falcon later this year, would invigorate the Blue Oval brand.

?The two cars, while very different in their execution, are similar in their intent. It?s all about providing an exhilarating and exciting driving experience in a distinctive and innovative design,? he said.

?Focus is very much a car for enthusiasts. It combines exceptional driving dynamics with great looks and a surprisingly spacious and practical interior that sets new standards in craftsmanship and quality,? he said.

The range will feature three body variants, three engine choices and five models.

The entry-level CL and the higher-spec LX will be available as a five-door hatch or four-door sedan. They will be powered by either:

• a 1.8 litre engine coupled with manual transmission, producing 85kW of power and 156Nm of torque or;
• a two-litre engine with automatic transmission producing the same kilowatts, but 162 Nm of torque.

The Focus CL?s interior has a youthful and spirited feel, with stylish fabrics and a wide range of standard features including remote central locking, steering column-mounted audio controls, as well as driver and passenger vanity mirrors.

The safety package includes a centre rear lap-sash seatbelt, standard driver?s airbag, anti-submarining front seats and front seat-belt pre-tensioners.

The Focus LX is aimed at buyers who are looking for that little extra in comfort and safety.

Standard equipment includes power front windows, titanium-effect interior finishes, electric heated side mirrors, air-conditioning and a CD-player. Safety features include a standard passenger airbag and a centre-rear head restraint.

The Focus Zetec model is an affordable sports variant, with more power, sports suspension and unique styling.

Powered by a revised two-litre engine producing 96kW of power and 178Nm of torque, the Zetec will be available in both manual and automatic, with three- and five-door variants.

The Focus Zetec will provide similar equipment levels to the LX, but will be set apart by a lower ride height, unique 16-inch alloy sports wheels and a chrome-tipped exhaust.

Inside, Focus Zetec models will have bolstered sports seats, metallic highlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a unique sports instrument cluster. 17" alloy wheels will be optional and traction control will be available as part of an optional VDC Advancetrac package.

The top-of-the-range Ghia model will be available as an automatic sedan, powered by the 85kW two-litre engine.

Aimed at the prestige market, the Ghia will be visually distinguished from other models through a series of subtle styling cues, including a different grille treatment and Ghia badging.

Additional features include side airbags, power rear windows, cruise control, woodgrain and chrome interior highlights, and climate control.

The hero car for the range will be the Focus ST170, a sleek and sporty three-door hatch that builds on Ford?s rich rally heritage. The Focus ST170 is due for release in 2003.

The rally-bred sports hatch is powered by a high performance derivative of Ford?s two-litre Duratec engine, developing 127kW of power at 7000rpm and 196Nm of torque from 5500pm.

Mr Polites said the Focus ST170 would appeal to the enthusiast driver, with its exceptional driving dynamics, responsive steering and distinctive sports styling inside and out.

From the heavily-bolstered front seats to the 17-inch wheels, heavy duty brakes, sports suspension and throaty exhaust note, the Focus ST170 provides plenty of feedback for the driving enthusiast.

All Focus models will feature the innovative control blade independent rear suspension system ? similar to that used by the Jaguar X-type and the new Falcon later this year ? offering superior handling characteristics and excellent driver comfort.

Pricing and more detailed specifications will be released closer to the launch of the vehicle.

FOCUS MODEL RANGE

For further information contact:
Ford Australia Communications,
Phone: (03) 9359 8491

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