Ford Transit Drives into 2009 with many more options

• New Double Cab-in-Van model on a MBW platform with low roof
• Chassis cab with converted rear compartment for safe storage
• Light tint glass option now available on Tourneo
• New shift indicator light for optimum driving economy
• Thatcham alarm option now available on double chassis cab

A host of new options are now available for businesses to help them continue to use Ford Transit as the backbone of Britain.

Transit Double Cab Utility Chassis has been introduced as a Special Vehicle Option (SVO) featuring unglazed second row cab doors with the rear seats removed. An additional option means customers can also combine this new style of cab with a panel van bulkhead to form a secure load area for valued equipment. Consequently, a bed-mounted box is not required which would add weight, take up load space and reduce payload. The 'Utility' will be available to order next Spring, prices will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

For the growing number of businesses requiring dual usage from their vehicles to move both crews and equipment, the Transit Double Cab-in-Van (DCIV) range provides the answer. A new front wheel drive, medium wheelbase, low roof model comes with a choice of three 2.2-litre TDCi powertrains – 85PS, 115PS, 140PS. With a GVM of 2800kg and a payload of 903kg to 915 kg. It is on sale now, priced from £17,420.

The eight- and nine-seat Transit Tourneo is now available with a light tint glass option priced at £80.00 to cater for the private hire operators who need tinted windows to gain local authority approvals to operate their taxi business.

A new standard fitting on all diesel engine Transits is the shift indicator light (SIL). Located in the instrument cluster, it illuminates for a short period at the optimum time to change to a higher gear. This can improve fuel economy, reduce CO2 emissions and decrease wear on engine and transmission components. It does not illuminate during periods of high acceleration, braking or when the clutch pedal is depressed.

A Thatcham approved Category 1 alarm is now available as an option priced at £175.00 on all Transit double chassis cabs.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "We are always looking to build on Transit core values of cost, economy and durability. Large and small companies alike are always looking for security options, a good environment for the driver and a vehicle that is bespoke for their needs. Listening to those requests for new options creates the strength of Transit and its siblings."

For more information regarding the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

New Chairman And Managing Director For Ford Of Britain

• Joe Greenwell appointed chairman, Ford of Britain
• Nigel Sharp appointed managing director, Ford of Britain
• Roelant de Waard becomes vice-president of sales, Ford of Europe

Joe Greenwell has been appointed chairman, Ford of Britain, and Nigel Sharp has been named managing director, from January 1, 2009. They replace Roelant de Waard, who has held both roles since February 1, 2006. Roelant de Waard becomes vice-president of sales for Ford of Europe.

Joe Greenwell has been Ford Motor Company's UK-based vice-president for governmental affairs since 2005, and was previously chairman and CEO of Jaguar and Land Rover.

Nigel Sharp became sales director on January 1, 2006 after holding senior finance, sales and marketing appointments across Europe, including stints as managing director of Ford's operations in Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Turkey.

In his new role, Roelant de Waard will be responsible for sales across the company's European organisation, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Russia. He will be based at Ford's European headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

"Roelant has done an excellent job of leading the Ford of Britain organisation since February 2006. With these appointments, we are putting in place the final elements of a re-organisation of our sales organisation which we started planning following Stephen Odell's move to Volvo earlier this year," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president, marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.

"We have created a structure which, under Roelant's leadership, will allow us to maximise our sales opportunities across all of the 51 markets in which Ford of Europe is now represented.

"In Britain, we felt the requirement for the company and the industry to have a strong voice with government and other key external organisations meant it was appropriate, once again, to separate the chairman and managing director roles. Joe Greenwell has considerable experience in this field, including as chairman and CEO of Jaguar and Land Rover. He was recently confirmed as the 2009 president of the UK automotive industry's trade organisation, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. As Ford of Britain chairman, Joe will play a vital ambassadorial role for the company and he and Nigel Sharp will make a formidable team," Sviggum added.

Other changes to the sales organisation announced today include:
Jon Wellsman replaces Nigel Sharp as sales director, Ford of Britain Bernhard Soltermann, currently managing director of Ford Austria, is appointed regional director of the newly-integrated Ford Austria and Ford Switzerland

Wolfgang Kopplin moves from his position as managing director Ford Switzerland, to become director of product marketing for Ford of Europe, replacing Wellsman

For more information on the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Five What Van? 2008 Awards for Ford Commercial Vehicles

• Transit wins Best Security, Panel Van
• Transit Connect wins Best Security, Light Van
• Transit wins Best Minibus
• Transit is highly commended as Small Panel Van of the Year
• The Ford One Stop Shop range is highly commended

Judges at Britain's leading van magazine, What Van? have recognised Ford's range of commercial vehicles as winners and leaders in their 2008 awards.

What Van? editor, Neil McIntee, presented the awards at a special London ceremony. Transit collected the Best Security award for the fifth successive year and Transit Connect won Best Security for the seventh time. Transit Minibus triumphed for a third consecutive year. Also recognised was the Transit, highly commended as Small Panel Van of the Year and the Ford One Stop Shop range – highly commended for its wide range of specialist applications and bespoke conversions.

Commercial vehicles director for Ford of Britain, Steve Kimber, said: "The strength of our brand is in its constant evolution. Security is paramount to all business operators and alongside economy, cost-of-ownership and durability, security is always high on our agenda."

For more information regarding the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Van Centre

Ford Hits Vital CO2 Targets

• Ford has the UK's most comprehensive range of low CO2 cars
• Low CO2 models provide tax, fuel and environmental benefits

Ford's latest C-MAX MPV delivers the lowest CO2 emissions in its segment. Engineering developments to Ford C-MAX 1.6 TDCi models have resulted in emissions of just 119g/km of CO2.

As a result vehicle excise duty (VED) for these models reduces immediately from £120 to £35. There will be a further reduction to £30 from April 2009, when new VED bands come into force. The official European Drive Cycle combined fuel consumption figure for these models is improved to 62.8mpg*.

C-MAX is one of over 50 Ford models emitting under 120g CO2/km. A total of 51 different Ford C-MAX, Focus, Fiesta, Fusion and new Ka models provide the tax, fuel economy and environmental benefits attached to sub-120g motoring.

After April, Fiesta 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi models will pay only £20 VED since they will fall in to the new 101g CO2/km to 110g CO2/km bracket. Fiesta ECOnetic models already qualify for zero VED because they emit just 98g CO2/km. Fiesta ECOnetic has an official European Drive Cycle combined figure of 76.3mpg*.

Larger cars benefit too
In the larger car segments Ford offers the most comprehensive UK line-up of sub-160g CO2/km cars of any manufacturer. This is particularly important for fleet buyers who can take full advantage of the changes to capital allowances which will be introduced in April next year.

Ford’s sub-160g line-up includes a comprehensive range of Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models.

The latest addition to the sub-160 range is a new Ford Kuga with front-wheel drive which emits just 159g/km of CO2 from its 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. This new addition shares the same standard equipment and option line-up as the all-wheel drive Kuga.

From April 2009, fleets will be able to write down the asset value of cars purchased outright which emit 160g/km of CO2 or less by 20 per cent a year, while cars emitting 161g/km or more will have to be written down at 10 per cent a year. Fleets with Fiesta TDCi models will benefit from the 100 per cent write down that applies to cars emitting under 110g/km of CO2 – meaning considerably less corporation tax to be paid.

Additionally, after April any leased cars emitting 160g/km or less will qualify for 100 per cent of their finance payments to be offset against corporation tax, with no disallowances applied.

Reducing CO2 output also increases fuel economy: the recent development of the 2.0-litre TDCi engines in S-MAX and Galaxy to reduce emissions below the sub-160 threshold also improved the official European Drive Cycle combined figure to 47.1 mpg*.

* Note: Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.

Ford more information regarding the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford Vans Retain Fleet Industry Crown For 14th Year

• Ford vans rewarded for best reliability and low running costs
• Ford Transit awarded Fleet Panel Van of the Year for the 14th successive year
• Transit Connect wins Fleet Light Van for the sixth successive year

Fleet insiders at the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) have once again given their top commercial vehicle award to Transit and Transit Connect. Ford Transit was awarded Fleet Panel Van of the Year for the 14th successive year and Transit Connect won Fleet Light Van for the sixth successive year.

ACFO represents professional businesses running vehicle fleets across the UK. Members have a wealth of knowledge about which cars and vans can give them the reliability and low running costs imperative to good fleet management.

Ford’s director of fleet operations, Kevin Griffin, said: "Claiming the ACFO title for the 14th consecutive year is testament to Ford's understanding of the van business and our laser focus on reliability, cost and service support."

For more information on the Ford Range please visit Lifestyle Van Centre

Ford Collects Ultimate Fleet Van Award

Ford claimed the ultimate accolade at the inaugural Fleet Van Awards ceremony this week (Tuesday) - Van Manufacturer of the Year. The award was based on a recent survey conducted by Fleet News on more than 169,000 vans. The Fleet Van Awards was launched by Fleet Van magazine to reflect the growing size and importance of the light commercial vehicle sector and the critical role it plays in keeping Britain's economy moving. The awards were judged by a team of experts, selected by Fleet Van magazine. The judges utilised industry research to choose winners in each category. On collecting the award, Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: “We know that Ford vans are famed for their reliability and cost of ownership, and to have this recognised by real users is always rewarding.Together with our dealer partners we can see that our efforts to keep our van range evolving is paying off. Thank you Fleet Van!" For more information about the Ford Van range please visit Lifestyle Ford Van Centre

Flying Finn steers Ford Focus RS into spotlight

Spectators at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for the final stage of the second leg of Wales Rally GB in December will be treated to a world-first spectacle - the driving debut of Ford’s fastest-ever European production car, the new Focus RS.

Behind the wheel of the Performance Blue machine will be a man well qualified to appreciate the Focus RS’s awe-inspiring capabilities – 'Flying Finn' Marcus Grönholm, former double World Rally Champion and ex-Ford WRC driver. But this time he won't be in competition.

The much-anticipated Focus RS, which goes on sale early in Spring next year, will take pride of place at the stadium in a cavalcade of heritage Rallye Sport (RS) cars stretching back nearly 40 years.

The new car is powered by a turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine. With its unique camshafts, revised cylinder head and gasket, intake and manifold system, the unit is designed to deliver 300PS and 440Nm peak torque.

Combined with a six-speed transmission, this translates to 0-62mph acceleration in under six seconds and a targeted top speed of 161mph. Yet the designers have succeeded in combining high performance with a car that is eminently practical for everyday use.

The combination of Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential and innovative RevoKnuckle front-suspension system allows a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance to be derived from front- as opposed to all-wheel drive, with consequent power-to-weight advantages.

A wider track, enhanced drive-shafts and rear anti-roll bar, revised springs and dampers, retuned steering and uprated brakes all contribute to outstanding sports handling. A specially developed version of Ford's ESP system provides added safety.

The metallic Performance Blue of the car Marcus Grönholm will drive reflects the livery of Ford's World Rally Championship Focus cars, though the RS will also be available in 'Ultimate Green' and Frozen White.

Similarly, the black twin-blade rear spoiler echoes both RS models of the past and the World Rally-winning Focus RS WRC that inspired the latest version.

The RS badge was last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002. Over 38 years it has also graced Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models, as a Cardiff RS cavalcade will reflect.

The Cardiff stage of Wales Rally GB, the last round of the FIA World Rally Championship, takes place on 6 December. It looks set to attract big crowds, keen to see the much-anticipated Ford v Citroen battle at close quarters.

Until this year, Marcus Grönholm would have been a competitor. The 40-year-old driver started his rallying career in a Ford Escort in 1987, going on to win 30 world rally victories, and becoming World Champion in 2000 and 2002.

In 2006 and 2007 he drove the Ford Focus RS WRC and helped secure two world manufacturer titles for Ford before retiring from full-time competition.

To find out more about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

All New Ford Fiesta named Scottish car of the year

The all new Ford Fiesta has been named "Scottish Car of the Year 2008" at the 11th annual Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) awards dinner in St Andrew's, Scotland.

A jury of 17 Scottish automotive journalists reviewed every new car available and, in an exhaustive selection process, short-listed eight category winners. At the ceremony, the new Fiesta was crowned with the prestigious award thanks to its qualities of style, dynamic driving and value for money.

This is the second successive year that the ASMW has honoured Ford with the title of Scottish Car of the Year – in 2007 the award went to the Ford Mondeo. Also this year, recognition was given to the new Ford Kuga, which collected the category award for "best 4x4 crossover" vehicle.

The awards were presented by President of the ASMW, Bill Caven, who commented: "To win the Scottish Car of the Year once is a marvellous achievement for any manufacturer. However to triumph again the following year is absolutely unbelievable.

"The all new Ford Fiesta was simply streets ahead of everybody else when it came to offering something fresh, dynamic and value for money. Within hours of getting our first drive in the car we were all blown away by the experience. And when you consider the high calibre of the other new models up for consideration it is a truly tremendous feat by the Blue Oval."

Bill added: "There is always a degree of trepidation amongst motor manufacturers when it comes to replacing a best-selling model with the next generation car. Will it live up to past reputation and appeal? Will it take the brand forward? Ford has maintained from the outset that the all new Fiesta would set the benchmark in its sector. It has certainly delivered big time and been true to its word. This is going to be an enormous seller for them in the coming months, and deservedly so."

On receiving the award, Ian Slater, Vice-President Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe, said: "We are delighted the all new Ford Fiesta has been voted the 2008 Scottish Car of the Year. I am especially pleased for the Fiesta project team of designers and engineers, that their vision and hard work has been so generously rewarded. Everyone at Ford joins me in thanking the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for this accolade."

For more information about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford announces prices of all new Ka

• All new Ford Ka priced from £7,995
• Improved economy and sub-120g/km CO2*
• Affordable personalisation options from £300
• Diesel engine now available

All new Ka is available with 1.2 69PS petrol and 1.3 75PS diesel engines, sub-120g/km CO2 emissions and a host of big car features. There is a wide choice of specification and trim options, each with comprehensive and imaginative equipment levels.

STUDIO from £7,995
The Studio model provides small-car buyers with an affordable and stylish package. Standard features include Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), height-adjustable steering wheel, ABS brakes, driver and passenger front airbags, headlamp courtesy delay system and body-coloured bumpers. Six speakers, CD radio with MP3 compatibility and AUX-in connector also come as standard on all models.

STYLE from £8,495
Style boosts Ka's specification with powered and heated body-coloured door mirrors, electric front windows with driver-side one-touch up and down, body-coloured door handles, remote/central locking, driver seat height adjust and 50/50 rear split seat, rear headrests and driver seat memory function.

STYLE + from £8,995
Upgrading to the Style + adds air conditioning and heated windscreen.

ZETEC from £9,495 (£10,195 for 1.3 TDCi)
Expected to be the most popular choice, Ka Zetec will account for more than 40 per cent of sales. Additional features to the Style+ include 15in alloy wheels, front fog lamps, remote central locking, upgraded instruments and trip computer, as well as theatre dimming interior lights. The optional 1.3 diesel engine offers lower CO2 emissions and even better economy.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Mark Simpson, said: “We're really excited about the launch of the all new Ka. It gives us a great opportunity to appeal to an even wider audience and keep the Ka as Britain's top super-mini.”

An array of personalisation options is also on offer from £300. Full price list including all options is attached.

Series Studio 1.2 69PS
CO2 119g/km
Combined mpg 55.4
On-the-road price £7,995

Series 1.2 69PS
CO2 1199/km
Combined mpg 55.4
On-the-road price £8,495

Series Style+ 1.2 69PS
CO2 119g/km
Combined mpg 55.4
On-the-road price £8,995

Series Zetec 1.2 69PS
CO2 119g/km
Combined mpg 55.4
On-the-road price £9,495

Series Zetec 1.3 TDCi
CO2 112g/km
Combined mpg
On-the-road price £10,195

To arrange a Test Drive in the new Ford Ka please Click Here

Franchised Dealer Website of the Year: Lifestyle Europe

AS NEW starts go, they don’t get much more successful than this! Lifestyle Europe launched their new website just two weeks before the judges picked it as number one in the Car Dealer Ewards – and the dealer group couldn’t be happier.

The firm’s winning website was produced by G-Forces – whose marketing director Tim Smith sits on the Ewards judging panel – and it was only launched at the beginning of October.

Lifestyle Europe has nine sites across Kent and Sussex with franchises for Ford, Mazda, Renault, Isuzu and Subaru. The company is run by managing director Peter Isted and chairman Marc Matthew after the pair launched the firm following a management buy-out of the HMG Group in 2001.

‘It’s good to know that this Eward was voted for independently,’ said Isted, pictured accepting his Eward from the editor. ‘We’re delighted with the work G-Forces have done for us, but it’s nice to know that the other judges had to allocate their points to our site for us to pick up the title. We’re delighted.’

And Isted is right – the site wouldn’t have secured the number one slot without the points from the majority of the judging panel and it certainly impressed our web experts.

HPI’s automotive director Daniel Burgess said: ‘LifestyleEurope.co.uk is an example of a stylish website that provides real impact and fantastic user content.’

All judges were impressed by the clear and clean appearance that is easy to understand and interact with. The use of sound and animation was singled out for praise as was the large amounts of pictures of stock.

Isted explained huge emphasis is placed on this with each dealer in the group given targets for the amount of cars they’re expected to upload each month. ‘Staff can’t add a car without a minimum of six pictures and they can add up to nine,’ he explained.

‘We know it’s important for the site to be fresh and up-to-date so our dealers are given targets for the number of cars they must upload – some have to put on 60 a month.’

The website is co-ordinated by the firm’s group IT manager Carys Jukes, who Isted singles out as instrumental in the new site’s success. ‘She has been so dedicated to getting it look the way it does,’ he says.

Jukes was tasked with coming up with a more professional offering to the outgoing website with an emphasis on search engine optimisation that would catapult the group up the rankings.

Isted, and his management team, also wanted to be able to modify the site in-house rather than rely on an outside agency.

‘The original site had just got too complicated and we’d added to it and chopped and changed too much, so with the new one we had to take a step back and start again to get it right,’ explained Isted. ‘I think we’ve done that.’

So, just how important is the internet to the Lifestyle business? Absolutely vital, says the MD. ‘You only need to look at the fact that we employ a staff member full-time to look after the website to see the importance we place on the web,’ he explains.

‘We’ve doubled our spend on it this year and cut back on local press advertising which wasn’t working for us. A good 75 to 80 per cent of customers say they used the website before coming to see us and that’s a huge number of people.’

While chatting to Car Dealer, Isted produced a half-inch thick marketing report that listed huge amounts of statistics on the website. He explains it is produced monthly for the directors and goes to show how key the web is to the firm.

‘Who’s emailed in, when the busiest and quietest days are for traffic and how many people have visited the site are all included – this all helps us plan our next step online,’ he says.

Traffic is increasing too. Despite the latest figures only detailing stats prior to the new site launching, they still showed a 20 per cent increase in traffic. What helps drive this traffic is the huge amount of information provided on the site. Ewards judges were particularly impressed with the detailed listings for the cars that include the ability for customers to make the dealer an offer and work out finance calculations on the page.

So, how did the firm plan the new site? One of the hardest parts of getting things right online is knowing what you want, but Isted said they had clear objectives.

‘We did a large amount of research and looked at a number of other car dealer websites when planning ours,’ he explains. ‘G-Forces helped us out immensely too in terms of the homepage look and putting the branches that feed off it in place. The web is going to become so important to the car trade in the years ahead.

‘At the moment there are still people out there that can’t turn a computer on let alone log on to a website, but you only have to look at your kids to see how important the web will be in the future. My children – I have four – are always online and that shows how things will grow.

‘If car dealers aren’t online then that’s ultimately going to cause them to falter and will be inherent in their downfall. It’s as simple as that in my book.

‘We know how important the internet is and it’s why we’ve invested in the new site. The team has put in a lot of work recently, so winning this Eward means a huge amount to Lifestyle Europe. We get really passionate about things like this and are delighted to win.’

Our headline sponsor Motors.co.uk says: ‘The Lifestyle site is bright, colourful and very lively. It’s great that when you click through to the franchise you want from the group’s homepage it brings up special offers and other really useful information. It’s a very good site.’

To see the site in full please visit Lifestyle Europe

Multi-million pound investment to produce new low CO2 engines

Ford is announcing a new investment programme at its high-tech Bridgend engine plant in Wales to produce next generation low CO2 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines.

This latest investment totals £70 million for the plant, where this year employment rose to over 2,000 for the first time in its 28-year history.

Investment at Bridgend has amounted to £315 million in the last five years alone. This additional investment increases the plant's production capability to almost 1,000,000 units per annum. Today's announcement includes Welsh Assembly Government support of £13.4 million.

Investment in global technology
The new 1.6-litre engines will go into production within two years and demonstrate how Ford is meeting future global customer needs by delivering affordable and relevant new technology. They will be among the first of a new generation of global petrol powertrains, known as EcoBoost, featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology.

Ford EcoBoost petrol engines will deliver improved fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance and providing an alternative route to hybrid or diesel efficiency.

Compared with current larger displacement petrol engines of similar power, these new engines are expected to provide up to 20 per cent better fuel economy, 15 per cent lower CO2 emissions and superior driving performance.

EcoBoost engines will join the existing Ford ECOnetic range of frugal, ultra-low CO2 diesel engined vehicles launched this year – the Focus ECOnetic (115g CO2/km), the Mondeo (139g) and all-new Fiesta (98g) capable of over 76mpg (European Drive Cycle)*. A new Ford Ka ECOnetic has also been confirmed.

Bridgend's expanding plant
The last new engine added at Bridgend plant was a premium 3.2-litre power unit in 2006. Used by Volvo in its vehicles, the compact in-line six-cylinder engine (SI6) is assembled on a Bridgend line that also produces V8 units and features flexible technology – enabling operators to switch between different products. The SI6/V8 flex line installed in 2004 represented a £245 million investment.

This illustrates the breadth of production at Ford Bridgend: four-, six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines with capacities ranging from 1.25 to 4.4 litres, which will be supplemented by this important new low CO2 engine.

John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO, said: "We're pleased to be able to invest further in the Ford Bridgend facility. The Bridgend team will play an important role in delivering these new engines, which add an innovative ingredient to petrol engine technology and deliver a combination of low emissions and efficient performance that will be vital to meet future customer needs around the world."

For more information about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford cars go digital

Ford's latest models are tuning in to the digital future by offering a wider choice of the latest in-car entertainment technology.

The Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy are now available with Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio and USB ports to plug in a flash drive 'memory stick' or an audio source such as an iPod.

With DAB radio and USB connectivity, Ford's large cars join the Focus, C-MAX and Kuga ranges which introduced the features earlier this year. Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy are now equipped with DAB as standard on Ghia, Titanium, Titanium X and Titanium X Sport derivatives, while other series offer DAB radio as an option.

Markus Pazina, Ford navigation and connectivity engineer, said: “Our latest DAB systems and connectivity options provide Ford customers with digital sound quality from a broad choice of media. We have paid special attention to making the systems simple to operate, so that drivers can access the music they want safely and with a minimum of fuss.”

The Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy – as well as the all-new Ford Fiesta on sale this month – also come with a USB port, so that drivers can listen to their choice of music or other audio files stored on memory sticks, MP3 players or mobile phones.

When this type of digital source is connected to the USB port, drivers can browse audio files via the centre screen and on the display (where Convers+ fitted) between rev counter and speedo using the car's steering wheel-mounted controls. Certain key functions, such as track number selection, can even be operated using the voice control feature.

Apple iPod players can be linked by a special connector (available from Ford dealers), which enables full control of the iPod’s functions using the main audio system controls.

The DAB audio systems provide a wider choice of radio stations with a sound quality free from the type of interference which can affect traditional AM and FM broadcasts. Drivers can check coverage and reception of DAB stations in their area at getdab.com.

DAB AUDIO SYSTEMS

What is it?
In-car audio capable of receiving digital radio broadcasts, delivering high-quality sound.

How to get it
Standard for Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models on Ghia, Titanium, Titanium X and Titanium X Sport derivatives.

Available as an option on Ford Mondeo Edge, Zetec and ECOnetic, Ford Galaxy Edge and Zetec, and Ford S-MAX Edge and Zetec.

What's the cost?
£300 for Sony DAB CD and £500 for Sony DAB 6CD versions.

USB CONNECTIVITY

What is it?
USB port located in the glove box or centre console of the car allows drivers to play MP3 audio files, and also provides an in-car charging facility. Drivers can access digital audio from a range of devices connected through the USB.

How to get it
Available as an option on all Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models where Sony DAB CD/6CD or navigation systems are fitted. On all-new Fiesta, USB comes with Bluetooth and voice control package.

What's the cost?
£50 on three large cars.
£200 for USB, Bluetooth & voice control on new Fiesta Zetec, Zetec S & Titanium models.

For more information about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford unveils all-new 'custom' Ka at Paris Motor Show

Colourful option packs help all-new Ka owners stand out from the crowd

Three striking design themes: Digital, Tattoo and Grand Prix

Collection of exciting equipment options also available

Ka-crazy customers who want to make their new 'pride and joy' stand out from the crowd will be able to choose from a tempting array of option packs when the new model hits the road in January 2009.

Three factory-fitted packs have been specially developed for the all-new Ka, offering a combination of exciting interior and exterior designs based on very different themes:

Ka Digital
Vibrant ‘street fashion’ style, using a fresh, high-contrast green as the base colour. The exterior pack features patterned body stripes and solid green grille surround and door mirror cappings. The interior pack includes seats with patterned inserts and green headrests, green door panels, and a solid green finish to the centre console bezel, door pulls, instrument cluster shroud, steering wheel and the rings around the air vents. Finishing touches include a gear knob and handbrake handle combining green leather with an aluminium finish, and velour floor mats with green stitching.

Ka Grand Prix
An exciting motorsports theme with a chequered flag motif based on either a red or white exterior colour scheme. The exterior pack comprises patterned body stripes with solid colour grille surround and door mirror cappings, and can be combined with a rear spoiler and white alloy wheels. The interior pack features red seats with an embossed white pattern and white headrests, red door panels and red leather trim on the steering wheel. A gear knob and handbrake combining red leather with an aluminium finish, and velour floor mats with red stitching complete the package.

Ka Tattoo
A fashionable and fun tattoo design with a heart at its centre, created in bold metallic colours. The exterior pack includes a large decal of the tattoo logo on the roof and a smaller decal on the fender. The interior pack features seats with silver-grey fabric inserts and the tattoo logo embossed on the backrest, silver-grey headrests and door panels, and anthracite leather trim on the steering wheel. Velour floor mats with silver stitching and embroidered tattoo emblem round things off, along with a gear knob and handbrake combining anthracite leather with an aluminium finish. There is also a unique leather seat option which has a special metallic finish on the insert panels and an embossed tattoo emblem.

All three option packs are available on the standard Zetec model only and prices will be announced closer to the on sale date.

Extensive Ka personalisation choice

There is also a full range of options that can be ordered individually, and these include:

• Chrome door handles and tailgate handle, and chrome exhaust trim
• Leather seats with a choice of colours to match light or dark interior environments
• Leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake
• Unique centre console storage unit with elastic nets, finished in a choice of coordinated colours
• Premium velour floor mats with Ka logo
• Body-colour rear spoiler
• 14-, 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels in a range of styles, including a white 15-inch design

“The new Ford Individual range for the Ka provides customers with a very attractive choice of high quality, factory fitted parts to customise their vehicle,” said Bernhard Mattes, Vice President of the Customer Service Division, Ford of Europe. “Using its bold design as their starting point, our designers have created a unique selection of features for the cheeky new Ka, giving owners an expressive array of interior and exterior options.”

For more information about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford Mondeo takes Caravan Club towcar honours for second year

Ford's latest generation Mondeo has won a Caravan Club Towcar Award for the second year in a row.

The Mondeo Titanium X Estate triumphed against tough competition in the £25,000 to £32,000 category at the Caravan Club's ceremony, the UK's longest running towing vehicle competition.

Caravan Club Chairman, Grenville Chamberlain, said: “The returning champion, Ford Mondeo, had a lot to live up to, but it triumphed again. The estate model’s huge load space makes it a very practical caravanning car. The five-cylinder turbo petrol engine has tremendous pulling power, the gearbox ratios (six-speed manual) are just right and both brakes and steering inspire confidence. The icing on the cake is great build quality.”

Roelant de Waard, chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain, commented: "We are delighted the Ford Mondeo’s outstanding practicality, versatility and quality have once again been acknowledged and rewarded by the Caravan Club. This is a hugely prestigious award which pitched us against some tough competition. The independent judges’ decision confirmed what the growing number of Ford Mondeo owners already know about this exceptional family car."

The Caravan Club is the largest touring organisation of its kind in Europe and claims over half the UK caravanning population as members. The Towcar of the Year Awards were launched 26 years ago.

For more information about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford Kuga's on-board safety camera zooms in on blind spots

Ford Kuga drivers can park and manoeuvre more safely thanks to a high-tech miniature rear-view camera system which reduces blind spots behind the car.

The tailgate-mounted camera – a Ford first on a passenger car –shows objects that would otherwise be hidden on a large 7-inch colour display. The system is activated whenever reverse gear is engaged and the camera’s wide-angle view clearly shows obstructions within its field of vision such as low obstacles, animals or even children.

The camera system in Ford's new compact crossover is enhanced by special graphics that are superimposed onto the camera image. Two yellow lines indicate the total width of the vehicle including mirrors. A third line marks the vehicle’s centre line to assist line up a tow hook with a caravan or trailer. The lines move to show the path of the vehicle based on the current steering angle.

Joerg Luemmen, Ford systems engineer, said: “Many customers lack confidence when manoeuvring in tight spaces or hitching a caravan to their vehicle. The Ford Kuga rear-view camera helps drivers to reverse safely and accurately, providing a clear view of that critical area immediately behind the vehicle.”

The rear-view camera, located near the tailgate's Ford badge, is fitted as standard to the Ford Kuga when customers specify the optional premium DVD touchscreen navigation system.

If the Kuga is also fitted with Park Assist sensors, the display graphics help the driver judge exactly how far objects are behind the vehicle by providing additional coloured bars which indicate distances of 0.3m, 1.0m and 2.0m.

Kuga rear view camera:

What is it?

Tailgate-mounted camera system providing safer and more accurate reversing.

How to get it

Rear view camera system is fitted as standard to Ford Kuga Zetec and Titanium when customers specify the optional premium DVD navigation system with 7-inch colour display

What's the cost?

Optional cost of DVD navigation system including rear-view camera, dual electronic automatic temperature control and heated front seats:

£1,500 on Kuga Zetec

£1,000 on Kuga Titanium

To find out more about the Ford range please visit Lifestyle Ford

Ford Smart driving cuts fuel bill for motorists

Smart driving tips save £325 a year and improve mpg by over 33 per cent

Ford Focus ECOnetic returned 78.5mpg on Challenge

Figures achieved by 500 drivers in the Ford Focus ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge show how much money, fuel and CO2 can be saved by using eco driving techniques.

The Energy Saving Trust, which ran the Ford Smart Driving Challenge with low CO2 Ford Focus ECOnetic models, has reported:

• Fuel saved after deploying smart driving tips equated to £325 per year for the average motorist


• Drivers improved their miles per gallon by 33.4 per cent


• Associated CO2 impact improved by 22.5 per cent


• Best fuel consumption recorded for Ford Focus ECOnetic was 78.5mpg (compared with official combined figure of 65.6mpg)

Ford's summer Smart Driving Challenge ran at seven locations across the country, including the British International Motor Show in London. Other regional challenge events were at Murrayfield, Scotland; Tynemouth; Knowsley, Merseyside; West Midlands; Longleat, Wiltshire; and Cornwall's Eden Project.

The 500 drivers taking part tackled a three-part test. The first was to establish existing smooth driving skills, with fuel consumption/CO2 output recorded.

Next came eco driving instruction from the Energy Saving Trust before a second mpg/CO2 measure was produced –expressed as an annual fuel saving. Smart driving techniques deliver environmental, financial and safety benefits by reducing fuel consumption thanks to a smoother driving style aimed at eliminating wasteful acceleration and braking.

Nigel Underdown, Energy Saving Trust's head of transport advice, said: "These are great results proving that a few simple smart driving techniques make a huge difference to fuel consumption.

"Typical annual savings equate to £325 or 650kg of CO2 per car. If all drivers reduced fuel consumption by the same proportion, more than 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions would be avoided every year."

The Ford Smart Driving Challenge featured Ford Focus ECOnetic TDCi models, which combine aerodynamic styling, low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced engine oils to achieve CO2 output of 115g/km. Ford Mondeo ECOnetic (139g CO2) and Fiesta ECOnetic (98g CO2) models have also been launched.

Independent analysis by cleangreencars.co.uk shows that if customers continue their move into such lower CO2 and higher mpg Ford models, 83,818 tonnes of CO2 a year could be avoided – equivalent to annual emissions from around 13,000 homes.
Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "The combination of economical cars driven frugally can have a dramatic impact, as our Ford Focus ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge has highlighted. Our sales of low CO2 cars are up 42 per cent this year so far as Ford meets the modern day imperatives of family motoring – lower fuel costs and CO2 emissions from affordable vehicles."

What is eco driving?

• Change up through the gears at between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm


• Ease your speed. Driving at 70mph uses around 15 per cent more fuel than at 50mph


• Anticipate to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking


• Use auxiliary equipment selectively, eg air conditioning


• Switch off the engine whenever safe to do so


• Check and adjust tyre pressures regularly, according to load and speed driven


• Remove unnecessary cargo from the car to reduce weight


• Reduce aerodynamic drag whenever possible, eg close windows or remove roof racks

What are the benefits?

• Reduced fuel consumption


• Lower fuel bills


• Less CO2 emissions


• Lower accident rates as a result of improved anticipation

For more information about the Ford please visit: Lifestyle Ford

All new Ford Fiesta Van revealed at Hanover show

The all new Ford Fiesta van has made its public debut at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, bringing practicality, style and fun to the light commercial vehicle segment.

• World premiere of the all new Fiesta van at Hanover Show


• Fiesta van delivers 110g/km CO2 and 4.2l/100 km (67.3mpg)*


• On sale Spring 2009 in the UK


• New for Transit: 2.2-litre 115PS Duratorq TDCi engine and 6-speed manual transmission

Based on the all new Ford Fiesta hatchback which is about to go on sale in Britain, Fiesta van is designed to meet the needs of professional and personal use customers and will be available in the UK in Spring 2009.

"A commercial vehicle is not just a tool that has to deliver goods in a reliable and cost-efficient way – it's also a business card," said Steve Kimber, Ford of Britain's Commercial Vehicles Director. "The all new Fiesta van shares many of its key qualities with the car on which it is based. From its driving quality to the latest technologies, this is a practical van for today's image-conscious business world."

The sturdy yet lightweight three-door body shell is a solid foundation for a safe and agile driving experience, high levels of durability, low fuel consumption and emissions, and good payload capacity.

These attributes make it the ideal choice for urban express delivery, service fleets and artisans thanks to its van practicality and car-like styling.

The rear side windows are replaced by body coloured solid panels, and the rear passenger seats are removed to provide space for a clean and step-less load box area.

Preliminary technical data shows that the load box volume is targeted to exceed 1,000 litres, with a maximum useable load length of round 1,300mm, as well as a maximum load box width of 1,278mm (1,004mm between the wheel arches) and a height of up to 936mm. Final measurements will be confirmed closer to launch. A half-high bulkhead and solid DIN-compliant tie-down hooks are standard.

Low Cost of Ownership
The new Fiesta van is available with a choice of engines: 1.25-litre 82PS Duratec 16V petrol unit, a frugal 1.4-litre 68PS Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel, and a top-of the-range 1.6-litre 90PS Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel with standard closed-loop coated DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).

The fuel economy figures of the Fiesta van are targeted to match those of the Fiesta three-door passenger car. With a combined fuel consumption of just 4.2 l/100 km (67.3 mpg)* and average CO2 emissions of just 110g/km on the diesel engines.

Safe and Enjoyable
Using the three-door all new Fiesta passenger car as the basis for the Fiesta van means that commercial customers can benefit from a wide range of technologies and features designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable working environment for their drivers.

The balanced chassis setup with MacPherson struts in the front and a rear twist-beam suspension is designed for a safe and controllable ride under all loading conditions. The new EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) system delivers high levels of steering accuracy and contributes to lower fuel consumption thanks to the absence of a hydraulic device that would increase inertia and raise fuel consumption.

The safe and agile chassis setup is complemented by standard active safety features like ABS anti-lock brakes including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). ESP is available as an option with all engines and includes Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). The passive safety feature list includes standard front airbags.

All new Fiesta van is equipped with the acclaimed Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling system which is clean and easy to use and also has a mis-fuel inhibitor that prevents the wrong fuel filler nozzle being inserted. This feature is a major benefit to commercial customers, particularly for mixed fleets and vehicles that are used by multiple drivers.

In addition, a wide range of options and accessories is available to make the Fiesta van a tailored professional tool. Options include various audio systems such as Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone interface. Different levels of security systems can be specified, including remote controlled double-locking and a perimeter alarm.

New TDCi Transit Engine
For all front-wheel-drive (FWD) Transits, a new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine with a maximum power output of 115PS and standard six-speed manual transmission is now available, succeeding the previous 110PS/five-speed combination. The new 115PS engine reaches its peak power at 3,500 rpm, and delivers maximum torque of 300Nm at 1,800-2,000rpm – an improvement of 15Nm over its predecessor.

The transmission fitted as standard with the new engine is the well-proven Ford Durashift six-speed manual (VMT-6), a compact three-shaft design. This transmission offers a wider range of available gear ratios, allowing greater potential for optimisation of fuel economy, while the power and torque upgrade offer rewarding performance on demand.

The 'shorter' gearing in first gear allows for improved pull away performance and increased towing capacity (up to 5,500kg GTM), while the 'longer' gearing in top gear provides improved highway fuel economy of around five per cent with reduced engine revs for a given vehicle speed, further reducing cab noise for more relaxed motorway cruising.

As an additional aid to drivers on this and all Transit TDCi models, a shift indicator lamp is now integrated in the tachometer and shows the optimum time for gear changes to deliver best fuel economy, reduced engine wear and smooth driving.

DPF Availability
As a further contribution to a cleaner environment, from October 2008 all TDCi versions of the Transit can be ordered with a closed-loop coated Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF).

Thanks to the special coating on these cDPFs, the filter devices are targeted to be completely maintenance-free during normal operating conditions, while the closed-loop design and link to the engine management system provide a very high filter efficiency of around 95 per cent.

The offering of cDPFs for all Transit TDCi diesels builds on the cDPF availability for all Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect vehicles with 90PS and 110PS diesels that was introduced in February 2008.

For more information about the Ford range please visit: Lifestyle Ford

All-new Ford Ka makes global debut at Paris Motor Show

Replacing the iconic original, the all-new Ford Ka is stylish, modern and great fun to drive

Expressive styling combines Ford’s latest kinetic design language with the youthful and cheeky spirit of the original Ka

Suspension, steering and chassis have been meticulously tuned by Ford engineering specialists to deliver the most exciting driving dynamics of any small car

Efficient to run and environmentally friendly with two economical, low emission engines

Both petrol and diesel models available with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions

Available in the UK by late 2008/early 2009

The all-new Ka retains all of the qualities which made the Ka brand so popular – compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality – but presents them in a fresh all-new package.

With its striking interior and exterior design, outstanding dynamics and unique character, the all-new Ford Ka sets a new standard for affordable small cars. Practical, safe, cheap to run, and friendly to the environment, this bold new model starts a new chapter of the Ka success story.

Production of the all-new Ford Ka commences in the autumn of 2008, and the vehicle will go on sale in the UK in late 2008/early 2009.

Stylish and fashionable
With the introduction of all-new Ka, Ford has extended its kinetic design language to the smallest car range.

The all-new vehicle has a stylish, fashionable appearance which combines Ford’s latest design thinking with some of the youthful and cheeky spirit which made the original Ka so popular.

Designed for a young target audience who enjoy making a bold statement in their choice of car, the all-new Ka has the same compact proportions as its predecessor, but with a chunky and expressive style all of its own.

A number of visual cues from the outgoing car ensure that the new design is recognisably a Ka, yet it has the dynamic qualities which mark it out as a member of the kinetic design family.

Bold, colourful interior
The interior of the all-new Ka has a stylish, dynamic design, just like the exterior. The same kinetic design philosophy used to shape the body is applied inside the vehicle, ensuring that the fresh and modern character of the external design is matched by the interior style.

Bold contrasts and expressive colours have been deliberately chosen to reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka customer. These are combined with some imaginative design details to give the interior a fashionable and fun personality which is quite unique in the B-car segment.

The all-new Ka is practical too, with generous interior space and comfortable accommodation for four adults and their belongings. The high seating position, carefully placed controls and excellent visibility make the all-new Ka a pleasure to drive for drivers of all ages.

Exciting driving dynamics
The original Ka was renowned for its go-kart like handling, and the all-new Ka has been designed to be just as fun and rewarding to drive, with the most exciting driving dynamics of any small car.

Ford’s own chassis engineering experts have tuned the suspension, steering, and chassis, with the same meticulous attention to detail which has made Ford a leader in vehicle dynamics.

Final testing was conducted using a combination of public roads, proving grounds and race tracks – including the legendary Nürburgring in Germany.

During the engineering process, information was exchanged with the team developing the all-new Fiesta, and certain components, such as the tyres, were jointly developed for both models.

Economical and environmentally friendly
The affordable all-new Ford Ka is designed to be both cheap to run and kind to the environment. It uses two economical, low emission engines: a 1.2-litre 69 PS Duratec petrol engine and, for the first time on Ka, a 1.3-litre 75 PS Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel.

Both petrol and diesel models are available with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions.

The 1.2-litre petrol model, which is expected to be the largest seller in the all-new range, has cut fuel consumption by 21 per cent compared to the previous 1.3-litre Ka.

The diesel model – available on the Ka for the first time – improves economy still further, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 67.2mpg.

Safe and secure
The all-new Ka may be a small vehicle, but it has been engineered to meet Ford’s strict in-house safety design guidelines.

At the heart of the vehicle is the bodyshell, which has been developed to provide an incredibly strong, stable crash structure to protect passengers in case of an accident.

The bodyshell is combined with an Intelligent Protection System (IPS), which integrates airbags, restraint systems and seating technologies to provide a highly effective occupant safety system.

Ka choice
The all-new Ford Ka is available in four series –Studio, Style, Style + and Zetec – each offering a combination of value and equipment. Option packs are available to provide customers with maximum choice when specifying their vehicle.

Specify the Bluetooth-enabled Connectivity Kit, and the Ka comes equipped with Bluetooth® mobile phone connectivity, a USB port to play music files through the sound system and steering wheel controls.

Combine this with the superb six-speaker CD sound systems, and the all-new Ka provides all the necessary equipment to keep its passengers connected and entertained.

Unique among vehicles in the small-car segment, the all-new Ka also offers heated windscreen and heated seats, invaluable for safe and comfortable driving in cold winter conditions.

Development and production
The all-new Ford Ka has been developed as part of a common project with Fiat. The vehicle is produced at the modern Fiat manufacturing plant in Tychy, Poland, sharing the production line with the Fiat 500 model.

Ka history
The original Ford Ka was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1996. It was immediately acclaimed for its exciting “All-new Edge” styling and for bringing new levels of driving enjoyment to the class.

Sales soon took off across Europe, and the Ka gained the popularity which has stayed with it throughout its lifetime, with a total of over 1,460,000 vehicles produced. In the UK alone, the Ka has found 500,000 customers, and has been segment leader since 2000.

Derivatives, such as the exciting StreetKa and SportKa models expanded the Ka family, and helped to broaden and reinforce the model’s appeal.

The Ka has inspired tremendous loyalty amongst its customers, with many owners coming back to the model time and time again. Based on Ford research, Ka customers have the highest customer brand loyalty of any Ford model.

For more information about the Ford range please visit: Lifestyle Ford

Only 2,999 to go!

‘Lifestyle Group lead by example’

Mr Peter Isted, Managing Director of Lifestyle Europe Limited the leading Ford, Mazda, Subaru and Renault dealer group for the South East of England, planted the first of three thousand trees that the Lifestyle Group will plant this year.

Each new car sold to a retail customer will have a tree planted for them by Lifestyle Europe Limited.

Mr Isted said: “Everyone is aware that we must reduce carbon emissions, however there is a reality that we need personal transport. We offer a superb range of ultra efficient engines producing some of the lowest CO2 emissions in the market today. Lifestyle wish to demonstrate to its customers that is a Carbon conscious company, and what better way than to plant a tree with every new car sold. This will mean that the trees will absorb over three thousand tonnes of CO2 in their lifetime, and at the same time release life giving Oxygen into the atmosphere.”

The trees will be planted on the Alladale reserve some 23000 acres in north east Scotland.Alladale is situated in the heart of the ancient Caledonian Forest. This area that was once known as the Great Wood of Caledon is undergoing a massive reforestation project, this year 2008 the target is to plant over 100,000 trees on the reserve.

Each customer will receive a certificate that a tree has been planted in their name, when they take delivery of their new car.

To find out more please visit Lifestyle Europe

New Ford Fiesta Econetic is UK's greenest family car

Ford's new ultra-frugal Fiesta was unveiled at the British International Motor Show today, completing the company's small, medium and large car ECOnetic line-up.

The wraps came off the 76.3mpg Ford Fiesta ECOnetic – Britain's greenest family car with CO2 emissions of 98g/km. On sale from £11,800 by the end of this year, Ford Fiesta ECOnetic joins existing Mondeo and Focus ECOnetic models.

Ford Focus ECOnetic has led a 38 per cent sales surge in the first half of this year generated by Ford's sub-120g/km CO2 vehicles – all powered by Dagenham's 1.4/1.6 TDCi engines. Earlier this month the sub-140g/km Ford Mondeo ECOnetic went on sale.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic
The Fiesta ECOnetic becomes the most fuel efficient new five-seater family car in the UK. With CO2 emissions at under 100g/km, Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is zero rated both for road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) and for the 'showroom tax' element of VED introduced for the first year of ownership in this year's Budget.

Aerodynamic body styling, lowered suspension, low resistance tyres and low friction oil all help the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic achieve ultra low CO2 emissions. Additionally a green shift indicator in the instrument cluster highlights the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "Many drivers are prepared to be green - but still want comfort, performance and an affordable price. ECOnetic answers that demand.

"Ford's ECOnetic range, complete with new Fiesta, delivers style with a green conscience."

Fiesta ECOnetic – what's different?

• Aerodynamic rear air deflectors
• Lowered suspension
• Optimised rolling resistance tyres (175/65R14) and low friction oil
• Green shift indicator light
• Modified engine calibration
• Transmission final drive ratio changed from 3.37 to 3.05

ECOnetic technical spec

1.6 Fiesta TDCi 3-door 90PS

Urban (mpg) - 61.4
Extra urban - 88.3
Combined (mpg) - 76.3
Price - £11,845

1.6 Fiesta TDCi 5-door 90PS

Urban (mpg) - 61.4
Extra urban - 88.3
Combined (mpg) - 76.3
Price - £12,445

For more information on the Ford range please visit: Lifestyle Ford

New Eco Fords can slash UK CO2 over 80,000 tonnes

Ford's new range of super frugal ECOnetic models showcased at this year's British International Motor Show is leading the company's bid to cut UK CO2 emissions by over 80,000 tonnes.

Independent industry analysis shows that if customers continue their move into lower CO2 and higher mpg Ford models, 83,818 tonnes of CO2 a year would be avoided – equivalent to annual emissions from around 13,000 homes.

Leading eco motoring website, Clean Green Cars, calculated the environmental effect of all Ford buyers switching to the lowest CO2 model in the current range without downsizing.

Today's launch of the 76.3mpg Fiesta ECOnetic, producing 98g CO2/km, hands the title of UK's greenest car to Ford. Its potential impact based on Cleangreencars' calculations would be to remove a further 10,750 tonnes of CO2 if chosen by all new Ford Fiesta buyers so far this year.

The new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic joins the Ford Focus ECOnetic, which went on sale earlier this year and achieves CO2 emissions of 115g/km and fuel consumption of 65.6mpg (combined cycle). The Ford Mondeo ECOnetic went on sale this month and offers large car comfort combined with fuel economy of over 53mpg and CO2 of 139g/km.

Cleangreencars' figures were based on all Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo customers opting for ECOnetic models within the same range – and drivers of other models choosing the most fuel efficient Ford in the range. The company's car sales of 236,636 across nine segments in the first half of the year were multiplied by the segment's average Ford CO2 and compared with the best available from ECOnetics and other green Fords over 10,000 miles.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: "This research shows the full potential of an accelerating trend towards greener motoring. In the first half of this year, we have seen a 38 per cent rise in sales of all Fords achieving under 120g CO2. Thanks to Cleangreencars we've seen what could happen if this swing continues within each of our model ranges."

The Cleangreencars website lists three Ford Focus models including ECOnetics in its top five small family cars based on eco friendly credentials. The 44mpg Ford Kuga, with 169g CO2, is named its cleanest greenest 4x4 and Ford Mondeo ECOnetic is shortlisted as an eco large family car.

Jay Nagley, website publisher, said: "Cleangreencars has criticised car manufacturers for not reducing CO2 emissions quickly enough – and will continue to do so. However, these figures show that consumers can also play their part: when car manufacturers make lower CO2 cars available, consumers are able to choose accordingly.”

At the same time that the Fiesta ECOnetic is being launched, Ford is announcing that all Ford dealerships in the UK will offer service customers the option of offsetting their vehicles' CO2 from September this year. Ford will be the first auto manufacturer in the UK to launch this initiative spanning service intervals based on engine size and mileage. CO2 will be offset via BP's Targetneutral scheme.

For more information please visit: Lifestyle Ford

New Ford Focus RS - A Legend Returns

The legendary Ford RS performance car brand is returning in the shape of the exciting new Ford Focus RS, which will be previewed on July 22 at the 2008 London International Motor Show.

The new Focus RS will go on sale in early 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles.

For performance road car enthusiasts, the new model will mark a welcome return for the Ford RS badge. This will be the second Focus model to carry the RS mantle and promises another exciting chapter in an exciting 40-year story that began in Germany in the late 1960s and gained momentum across Europe with the launch of the 1970 Escort RS1600.

Capito said: “We want the new Focus RS to be a serious high performance car – as much a car for driving enthusiasts as the one before it and classic Ford RS models of the past. We’re staying true to the core RS principles of an exciting, yet affordable performance road car you can live with every day.”

Authentic RS presence and style
Before it even turns a wheel, the new Focus RS exudes the presence, sporty style and lowered, ‘meaner’ appearance expected of a genuine Ford RS. Overt performance styling details mix with subtle revisions to create a planted, powerful stance and the promise of an exciting drive.

The London show car previews the design intent for a final production vehicle, though as development work continues, some final details may change before volume production begins.

The vehicle is finished in a special bright green paint with inlaid metallic flake, a striking, modern interpretation of the 1970s Le Mans Green of the Escort RS1600 era.

The vibrant exterior colour is contrasted with a number of performance styling details highlighted in gloss ‘piano black’, including the strip at the leading edge of the bonnet, the deep housings for the integrated front fog lamps and door mirrors with integrated side indicators.

Front and rear quarter panels have been revised to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complemented by revised, deeper side rocker mouldings. In another visual reminder of the car’s performance potential, triangular, RS-badged vents sit behind the front wheel arches. Two classic-style bonnet louvres are both a styling hint at the power beneath and a practical requirement, maintaining correct system temperatures.

The completely new front bumper design for Focus RS incorporates a deep front airdam with a large, mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid. Stylish and practical, this prominent feature represents the latest Ford 'kinetic design' face and also is finished in piano black. Above, chromed xenon headlamps stand out like cat’s eyes and are framed by matt-black housings with unique additional vents running underneath.

At the rear, a deep new rear bumper incorporates a large venturi tunnel to its lower edge with small vents at each corner of the bumper, emphasizing the car’s width. Two impressive chromed exhaust tailpipes sit each side of the black venturi, creating a purposeful rear view for the car.

Above, a unique, twin-element, black RS rear spoiler sits at the Focus RS’ roofline, echoing both RS models of the past and the World Rally-winning Focus WRC that has been its inspiration.

“We believe it’s vitally important that a Focus RS looks like both a Focus and an RS – it needs to be individual, distinctive and overt in its performance styling, but it also needs to show a clear progression from and relationship to Focus ST”, said Stefan Lamm, Chief Exterior Designer, Ford of Europe.

High performance interior
Inside, this theme continues with a unique and appropriately performance-oriented interior, dominated by bespoke, sculpted Recaro high-performance sports seats, specially designed and trimmed for excellent support, even when driving enthusiastically. Each is colour-matched to the exterior, with ebony leather accents and ‘RS’ and ‘Recaro’ logos stitched into each backrest.

Elsewhere, colour brings new excitement to the Focus interior, building on the sporty interior theme of Focus ST with more use of accents matched to the exterior colour, brushed aluminium highlights and overt performance styling. Even the rear seats feature higher side bolsters and a microfibre finish to echo those up front.

The centre console is finished in a stylish gloss, carbon-look trim and metallic highlights abound, from air vents, door grab handles, switchgear and gearshift surround, to unique RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills. These highlights contrast with a black-trimmed roof lining, emphasising the sporty, cockpit feel.

The driver is reminded this is a special Focus at every touch, with a gear lever finished with a six speed gear shift graphic in RS blue, a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, finished with ‘Ford’ and ‘RS’ logos and even aluminium foot pedals. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including turbo pressure, sitting atop the centre console and angled toward the driver’s eyeline.

Powerful RS heart
At the heart of the all-new Focus RS is a specially developed, turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this powerplant is targeting an impressive power output of 300PS and over 410Nm of torque, contributing to an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Such significant increases are not simply the result of altering engine management or boost pressure: starting with the Duratec 2.5-litre block, Ford RS engineers developed unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and exhaust manifold system for the car.

Although the car is still in development, prior to its launch in early 2009, early performance testing indicates a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of under six seconds.

A traction ‘Revo’-lution
Throughout Focus RS’ development, Capito and his team have been keeping a sharp focus on creating a car that delivers excellent performance and traction.

Various innovations, developed as a result of customer feedback from previous performance Fords, have allowed engineers to keep the new Focus RS as front-wheel drive, with a limited-slip differential, while still achieving demanding targets for traction, handling and steering.

The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a ‘RevoKnuckle’, which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer, the impact of torque on steering in front-wheel driven vehicles. Torque steer occurs during hard acceleration, cornering or driving on uneven surfaces, when torque on the driven wheels exceeds grips levels. It is characterised by sudden turning force on the steering wheel and can be exacerbated by vehicles with wide tyres and limited-slip differentials.

In Focus RS, the RevoKnuckle works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. Ford Team RS engineers have worked closely with Ford's Advanced Research Centre in Aachen, Germany to develop the RevoKnuckle technology specifically for the high performance Focus RS. It allows the simplicity of a traditional McPherson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimize steering disturbances and torque steer, principally a reduction in steering offset.

“The Ford Focus is an excellent base for a high performance car – agile, responsive and stable,” explained Capito. “We studied at length how best to enhance these qualities for a high performance model. Our work has shown clearly that our approach in combining a tuned RevoKnuckle with the Quaife differential is an ideal solution for a high performance front-wheel-drive road car like Focus RS.

“As you would expect, we gave all-wheel-drive careful consideration, but by combining and tuning these elements and learning from Ford’s expertise in industry-leading handling, we have managed to eliminate the weight of AWD from the car and still have been able to target a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance.

“The result is a lightweight set-up, that will deliver the right blend of traction and razor sharp controllability – in a way no one would have expected from front-wheel-drive, and we believe we have made the right choice,” Capito concluded.

Dynamic, agile and responsive
A genuine Focus RS must maintain and enhance the reputation for responsive, precise handling for which Focus is acclaimed and considerable engineering effort has ensured that the new Focus RS will do just that.

Driving quality developments for Focus RS include a 40mm wider track, stronger, longer driveshafts, revised springs and dampers and a thicker, longer rear anti-roll bar. At the same time, the steering system has been retuned to provide an even sharper steering response and very precise feedback.

Brakes also have been uprated, with 336mm ventilated front discs and 300mm rear discs generating vice-like stopping power on road or track. Large calipers peek out from behind unique 19-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/35 low profile Continental tyres.

A special version of Ford’s ESP system has also been developed for Focus RS, designed to allow a very sporty driving style before activating. Intensive work to refine the natural handling abilities of the car has allowed the ESP system to carry a full de-activation option for enthusiast drivers and especially for track use.

“We are refining all the handling characteristics of Focus RS without ESP, to hone its natural responses, rather than use ESP to help its handling. In Focus RS, ESP is a pure safety device”, explained Capito.

Reliable and durable
In creating the new Focus RS, Ford’s Team RS engineers have had to meet the same stringent targets for durability and reliability as those set for the rest of the Focus range.

Despite its many bespoke engineering and styling elements, Focus RS will be built entirely on the main Focus production line in Saarlouis, Germany and offered with a standard Ford of Europe warranty.

A great heritage
The new Focus RS represents a significant moment in the heritage of both the Focus and Ford RS brands.

It is 10 years since the Ford Focus was first revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, paving the way for a range of Ford vehicles whose exciting design was matched by class-leading driving quality. Since this time, more than 5.3 million Ford Focus models have been built in Europe, including Russia, with the car also built and sold in North America and Asia.

At the same time, the new Focus RS marks the return of the famous but rare Ford RS badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a distinguished heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models.

“RS is uniquely important to us in terms of our performance heritage and World Rally Championship success, while the Focus has played a major part in establishing Ford’s excellent reputation for driving dynamics," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO. "The all-new Focus RS will embrace and celebrate both of these – it will be a genuine RS and a genuine Focus and I’m confident it won’t disappoint in either area."

For more information on the Ford range please visit: Lifestyle Ford