Sunday, July 2, 2006

Ford lifts lid on Focus drop top

Ford is blowing the lid on the Focus with the arrival of the Coupe-Cabriolet model.

ford focus 1ford focus 2ford focus 3After much huffing and puffing about its Vignale concept, shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2004, we've been waiting for the Focus drop top.

We'll have to wait a little longer as the car does not go on sale in the UK until October, but we do get a first look at the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet's world premiere at the British Motor Show from July 20-30.

Italian design house Pininfarina has been closely involved with the design and the collaboration has resulted in sleek lines for the open top, with a unique rear end to accommodate the folding metal roof.

The interior has also come in for some re-working to distinguish it from lesser Focus models, but space has been preserved in the rear to seat four people.

Ford is claiming best in class practicality and cites 534 litres of luggage space with the roof up and 248-litres with the roof folded. Under the bonnet, engines are taken from the usual Focus staples.

The entry-level Coupe-Cabriolet will use a 1.6-litre petrol engine, with a two-litre petrol and 134bhp two-litre turbodiesel completing the line-up.

Ford is keeping schtum about prices, but we've been told they will be very competitive compared to a Vauxhall Astra TwinTop's.

© Source: original article on topgear.com