BillyCabrio

iTrader: (1)

We're lifting the lid on Ford's fantastic plans for 2005 and beyond. With new cars on the way in nearly every sector of the market, there will be something for everyone in what is the blue oval's biggest new model assault in recent history.

Part of a plan to launch 50 new cars globally by 2010, top of the bill is the production version of the eagerly anticipated Focus coupé-cabrio, as seen in this week's mag's exclusive pictures. Merging the sleek appeal of the Vignale concept, first revealed at last year's Paris Motor Show, with the forthcoming Focus ST's sporty styling has created a real head-turner, and a drop-top which will take on Vauxhall's forthcoming Astra CC.

At the rear, Ford's designers haven't managed to avoid the inevitable large rear deck which makes room for the roof, but the coupé-cabrio still has a stylish look. Under the bonnet, buyers will have a range of petrol engines shared with the Focus hatch to choose from, but Ford is still undecided as to whether a diesel powerplant will be offered.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but the sleek drop-top is likely to start at around £17,000 for entry-level variants. Engineers and designers will be working flat-out throughout 2005 to add the finishing touches to the open-top Focus, and order books will open towards the end of the year. The final production version will be unveiled at next year's Geneva Motor Show, with deliveries expected to start in the summer.

But if you can't wait that long for your new Ford, don't worry, as there are more models on the horizon. First to appear will be a revised version of the Ka. Set to debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February, the city car will get a tweaked interior with a redesigned dashboard, some new switchgear and trim level upgrades. An all-new Ka won't go on sale until 2009.

Next will be one of Ford's most important concepts of the decade. At the Geneva show in March, the covers will be pulled off a prototype which will point the way for an all-new people carrier. Called the S-MAX, the five-seat MPV will be inspired by the engineering of the Fairlaine concept seen at the recent Detroit expo. It will be the first model based on the new Mondeo platform, and will go on sale in the UK early in 2006.

Geneva will also see the arrival of the Focus ST concept, while standard four-door variants will debut, too. Auto Express had sensational scoop shots of the high-performance hatch in issue 839. However, buyers who want to enjoy the ST's 220bhp, 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged powerplant will have to wait until January next year to take delivery. The hardcore RS version won't appear until 2007.

The S-MAX won't be Ford's biggest new people carrier, though. September's Frankfurt Motor Show will be the venue for the unveiling of a seven-seat MPV concept which will become the next-generation Galaxy. Using a long wheelbase version of the all-new Mondeo platform, the Renault Espace rival will be launched in the summer of 2006.

However, while designers still deliberate over the people carrier's design, fans of conventional family cars will have to wait until 2007 for the next-generation Mondeo to finally appear.

And that's not all! Ford will also unveil revised versions of the Fiesta and Fusion at Frankfurt, with both models getting significant styling tweaks, fresh dashboard designs and revised prices. First deliveries will be made in October.

*Anna*

Looks like an Audi.

But then again Ford's designs never look the same when they come out as to what they look in the pics

mark_J

All of these new ford designs will catch on, they always do

MadMac

Hmmm undecided, will work it out when I see it for real cus I didn't like the new focus untill I saw it in person.