.

.
February 26, 2003
.
This Week:

• Fiat premiers with two models at the Geneva Auto Show

• New Beetle Cabriolet launches the 2003 open-air season on 21st February

• All-New Ford Focus C-MAX And FUSION + at the Geneva Auto Show

• Valmet Automotive presents the Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof Concept Car

• World premieres in four Mercedes-Benz model series at the Geneva Auto Show

• Alfa Romeo returns to the International Geneva Motor Show with three world premières

• General Motors Announces Opening Of Technical Centre

• Toyota to Introduce Lexus Brand and Revise Sales Network in Japan

• Peugeot 307 to be Built in Argentina in 2004

• Renault Twingo Oasis limited edition

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
All-New Ford Focus C-MAX And FUSION + at the Geneva Auto Show

Ford Focus C-Max

BRENTWOOD - The automotive catwalk at Geneva is being prepared for the debut of the sleek and stylish Focus C-MAX. Following C-MAX into the spotlight to make its international debut, is the smartest Fusion to date - the Fusion +. Take it to the MAX The new Focus C-MAX extends Britain's best-selling Focus range into the MAV sector. Ford's research shows that 89 per cent of customers considering a MAV want the best of both worlds; space, flexibility, car-like driving quality and above all style. Focus C-MAX is targeted at customers who want a five-seat, elegantly styled, family car with the availability of flexible seating to provide even more room when two adults are in the back seats. Few of these customers have the need to transport seven people.

"Flexibility, space and versatility are usually the enemies of style and innovation. Our target customers tell us they don't want a MAV that looks like a van with windows," said Peter Fleet, director of marketing, Ford of Britain. "The Focus DNA and style in C-MAX means that we have not compromised on the attributes which these customers value most - stylish and ergonomic design with car-like driving."

Due to go on sale in the UK Autumn 2003, Focus C-Max comes with an impressive safety and technology package:

All seats have anti-submarining ramps. 'Tip & Tumble' individual and removable rear seats. Two all-new common-rail turbo-diesel engines. New Duratec HE petrol engine. ISO Fix fixings for a child seat. ABS with mechanical brake assist, six airbags: side, curtain and front, three point seat belts with load limiting retractors for all occupants. Electronic handbrake. New 6-speed transmission.

Ford Fusion +

Ford Fusion +

All Photos: Ford

Sharing the limelight will be a range-topping addition to Ford's small car family -Ford Fusion Plus, badged Fusion +.

On sale in the UK this summer, Fusion + combines Fusion's high seating position and outstanding visibility with innovative interior and exterior enhancements.

Main features of the new Fusion + include:

Exterior design enhancements including unique 16" alloy wheels, a perimeter styling kit, a unique frontgrille and privacy glass. DVD rear seat entertainment system with a central ceiling mounted screen, with passengers listening to the sound track via infra red headsets. They can play video games and the system also has CD and MP3 capability. A rear seat centre activity console providing up to 10.7 litres of additional stowage space, plus a 12-volt rear seat power point. Four new stowage pockets for small items: one on the front edge of driver's seat cushion, one on the inner face of driver's seat backrest and on each corner of rear seat cushions. Continued New interior fabrics and loadspace carpet with integrated protective runners. A choice of three engines, including the 1.4-litre 68 PS Duratorq TDCi, plus a new Durashift EST model and optional Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Supporting cast

The new Streetka offers fun, open-air driving in a stylish yet affordable two-seater package. Sportka hits the show as the hot performer of the Ka family, on sale in the UK this summer. Fun-to-drive character with enthusiastic handling and purposeful attitude it has a new 95 PS, 1.6-litre Duratec 8V engine mated to a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox. With 0-60 in 9.7 seconds, it has a top speed of 108 mph. Mondeo TDCi further refined with a new six-speed transmission for higher-output models in the range, starting with the 130 PS Duratorq TDCi 2.0-litre engine. On sale in March in the UK, it gives in-gear performance flexibility and top speed potential with improved fuel economy, and brings reduced engine revs at cruising speed to result in quieter operation. Britain's best-selling MPV, Ford Galaxy, gets more power with a new 130 PS Turbodiesel engine. Galaxy now offers three diesel engines and a 2.3-litre Euro Stage IV petrol engine. The new 1.9-litre TDi turbodiesel engine is available across the range and inflatable side curtain air bags extend Galaxy occupant protection.

(February 20, 2003)