Ford’s all-new Focus range, priced from £16,995, will introduce an impressive equipment list of high technology smart features to the medium car market when it goes on sale in March 2011.

Standard equipment on all models will include Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control technology which debuted on the new Ford C-MAX. This electronic system balances the distribution of engine torque between the driven front wheels to optimise grip and stability irrespective of driving conditions or road surface. Also included on all new Ford Focus models are digital radio (DAB), Bluetooth and USB connectivity, voice control of key convenience features, Thatcham Category 1 alarm, Ford Easy Fuel (to prevent misfuelling), front, side and curtain airbags, ESP, ABS and Isofix child seat attachments.

Mark Simpson, Ford of Britain marketing director, said: “Ford Focus set the class benchmark for ride and handling at launch in 1998 and the all-new model will set another new standard in the segment – this time for next-generation features and smart technology. “Ford Focus is firmly established as one of the UK’s favourite cars, and this all-new range is set to grow that reputation even further thanks to its sporty exterior styling, advanced technology-laden cabin and rewarding dynamics,” he added.

The lead-in model, the Ford Focus Edge, is priced from £16,995 for the 1.6-litre 94bhp TDCi. The Zetec model, forecast to be best seller, starts at £18,495 and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, Quickclear heated front windscreen and door mirrors, leather steering wheel, front fog lamps and sports-style seats. The luxurious Titanium series, from £19,745, comes with supplementary features including keyless start, dual electronic automatic temperature control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), rain-sensing front wipers, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control with speed limiter, premium Sony audio and Ford’s tyre deflation detection system. Topping the range is the Titanium X (from £21,245 for the 1.6-litre 113bhp TDCi), which adds partial leather trim, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Park Assist, Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED day running lights, headlamp jet wash, power driver’s seat and power-fold mirrors. Option packs will offer Low Speed Safety System, Lane Keeping Aid and Ford’s Blind Spot Information System. Those choosing Sony DAB Navigation will also enjoy the benefits of a rear-view camera.

Customers can select from four diesel engines. These are the upgraded 1.6 TDCi and 2.0 TDCi powertrains with six speed manual transmission (and optional dual-clutch PowerShift automatic on the 2.0-litre). The 1.6-litre TDCi come with auto start-stop as standard. All powertrains achieve sub 140g/km CO2 emissions, with the 1.6-litre TDCi (115PS), achieving 109g/km – the only car in its segment with CO2 emissions under 110g/km across all series.

To complement its sporty styling, all-new Focus is offered in two new eye catching colours – Candy Red and Candy Yellow.