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Five-door and estate models head new Ford Focus range

THE all-new Ford Focus goes on sale at the beginning of 2011.</p><p>The new Ford Focus range will include a five-door hatchback and five-door estate model, along with the recently announced Ford Focus C-MAX models.</p><p>However, Ford said that there will be no three-door model in the range, nor will there be a coupe-convertible option.</p><p>"Having taken the decision to adopt such a sleek, coupe-like design for the five-door hatchback, there was little space in the line-up for a three-door version," explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Product Development at the recent Paris Show where the car was launched.</p><p>"The three-model Focus range provides the ideal blend of sporty, dynamic looks and every-day practicality. And for buyers wanting the same dynamic appearance but with extra space, we also offer the stylish new C-MAX, so customers really can find the perfect car to suit their needs," Mr Kuzak added.</p><p>The Ford Focus range will feature economical petrol and diesel engines, along with stop-start fuel saving technology. Ultra low emission ECOnetic models will follow later in 2011.</p><p>Small business users will be particularly interested in the brand new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol units, available in 150PS and 180PS versions.</p><p>The lightweight aluminium engine features turbocharging to boost power but remain economical. Ford says the more powerful 180PS unit can return 47mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.</p><p>There's also the option of a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine which will be available in two different power ratings: 95PS and 115PS. </p><p>This diesel engine provides exceptional 67mpg economy and CO2 emissions of 109g/km

Industry & Market News

New Lexus hatchback hybrid starts at L23,485

IF YOU'VE always fancied a compact Lexus but the idea of the IS saloon wasn't practical enough, then the new Lexus CT200h could be the answer. It's a Golf-sized hatchback that offers an alternative to the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3.</p><p>As you would expect from Lexus, there's a luxurious specification and thanks to the hybrid drivetrain, very low levels of benefit in kind company car taxation.</p><p>The Lexus CT200h's emissions of just 94g/km means the company car tax banding is 10%, while fuel economy is 68.9mpg.</p><p>There will be three grades of the CT 200h: SE-I; SE-L; SE-L Premier.</p><p>Standard equipment includes 16 inch alloy wheels if you prefer a refined and comfortable driving experience, or for a more dynamic appearance there are 17 inch alloy wheels.</p><p>There's also a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights and rear privacy glass. SE-L specification includes leather, while SE-L Premier includes first-in-segment LED headlights, smart entry system, electrically adjustable front seats, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, HDD satellite navigation, Lexus Remote Touch multi-function control and rear parking monitor.</p><p>According to Lexus, the CT 200h represents not only a superior benefit in kind company car tax position compared with a BMW 118d and a 2.0D A3, but also a better standard of specification.</p><p>"As well as commanding an advantage in terms of fuel economy and low emissions, the Lexus CT 200h offers drivers a competitive price advantage, when like-for-like specifications are compared," explained Ewan Shepherd, general manager for Lexus fleet.</p><p>"For example, to meet the equipment features of the CT 200h SE-I - the model expected to account for the majority of sales to business car drivers - BMW 118d SE drivers would need to find almost an extra L1,700," added Mr Shepherd.</p><p>The new Lexus CT 200h goes on sale in January 2011; Lexus centres are taking orders now.</p><p><strong>Further information</strong></p><p>To download a pdf with the prices and specifications for the Lexus CT 200h, click on the highlighted link: <a href="https://www.businessmotoring.co.uk/pages/downloads/LexusCT200hPricesAndSpecification.pdf">New Lexus CT 200h prices and specifications</a>.</p>

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Industry & Market News

2010 finance offers on Mercedes C-Class

A REVISED Mercedes C-Class is on the way next year, but there is still time to take advantage of deals on the existing model as Mercedes prepare to clear stocks ahead of the new car's arrival.</p><p>This deal caught our eye: a manual Mercedes C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon for just L319 a month on contract hire following an initial three months down-payment of L957.</p><p>The Executive SE spec includes styling enhancements such as the Sport grille and chrome trim on the boot lid and tailpipe, as well as 16inch alloy wheels and the very easy to use COMAND navigation system with hard-disk navigation. Mercedes says the extras included in the price save you L2,200 compared to purchasing the equipment separately.</p><p>This particular C-Class has CO2 emissions of 157g/km, which means a company car tax rate of 20% for this financial year, rising to 21% in the 2011/12 tax year. Tax payable at 40% is L2015 this year rising to L2116 in 2011/12. Average fuel consumption is 42.2mpg.</p><p>Other C-Class offers available through Mercedes-Benz include:</p><ul><li>C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE Saloon auto, <strong>L299</strong></li><li>C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Saloon manual, <strong>L309</strong></li><li>C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport Saloon auto,<strong> L385</strong></li></ul><p>You might have to hurry, though, to register your interest because the offer currently expires on 31 December.</p><p><strong>Editor's note:</strong> Mercedes refers to these deals as an 'operating lease'. This is the same as a contract hire agreement.</p>