Sharper styling for new-look low-tax Focus

There’s an all-new look for the Ford Focus.

It goes on sale late 2007.

There’s a new front grille and bolder wheelarches – styling that places the car much closer in appearance to the new Mondeo.

The interior has been given a quality makeover.

There are new soft-touch plastics and a new-look dashboard.

But the other big change is where you can’t see it. Under the bonnet.

All 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engines – either 90PS or 110PS – will have their emissions cut to 119g/km CO2 or lower.

This move slashes the company car tax banding of the Focus from 18% to 13% for the forthcoming 2008/09 tax year, which features a special low-tax banding for cars with emissions below 120g/km.

If the new proposals for the London Congestion Charge go ahead, it will also mean these cars will be charge-exempt.

Other improvements include a new dual-clutch automated transmission for faster, smoother changes and improved fuel economy.

New Ford Focus: key points

• New Mondeo-like styling
• Better interior quality
• New tax-friendly 1.6-litre diesel engines
• New-style Focus 3dr, 4dr, 5dr and estate on sale end 2007
• New-style Focus Coupe-Cabriolet and ST by spring 2008

Focus gets the Mondeo treatment – and low tax engines