Ford Focus prices increased as entry variant dropped

Ford has revised the Focus lineup in the UK, with the removal of the entry-level Style model, a new trim grade added and small price increases on certain models. The dropping of Style trim, a model often ignored by buyers in favour of better equipped trims, means that the Focus now starts from £20,645 for the Zetec grade – £2,100 more than before. That brings it to a similar pricing point as the new Puma, which is available to order in higher trim grades for the time being. A series of small price rises have also been implemented elsewhere in the range, according to the firm’s latest pricing lists which are in the process of being incorporated into the online configurator. All Zetec, Active and ST-Line grades see a bump up of £250, while estates rise by £100 and petrols rise by £500. Two new variants are now available to order, too. Joining the current two-strong lineup of ruggedly-styled Active models is a flagship Active Vignale, available from £27,045, which brings the extensive kit tally from the standard Vignale model onto the higher-riding car. The tweaks follow a more minor revision of the Focus which regards to one model, quietly implemented earlier this year. The 1.5-litre petrol engine has been switched from the multi-link rear suspension to a cheaper, simpler torsion beam setup, leaving only the 2.0-litre diesel models with the multi-link
Origin: Ford Focus prices increased as entry variant dropped

Ford revises Focus range with entry variant dropped

Ford has revised the Focus lineup in the UK, with the removal of the entry-level Style model, a new trim grade added and small price increases on certain models. The dropping of Style trim, a model often ignored by buyers in favour of better equipped trims, means that the Focus now starts from £20,645 for the Zetec grade – £2,100 more than before. That brings it to a similar pricing point as the new Puma, which is available to order in higher trim grades for the time being. A series of small price rises have also been implemented elsewhere in the range. All Zetec, Active and ST-Line grades see a bump up of £250, while estates rise by £100 and petrols rise by £500. Two new variants are now available to order, too. Joining the current two-strong lineup of ruggedly-styled Active models is a flagship Active Vignale, available from £27,045, which brings the extensive kit tally from the standard Vignale model onto the higher-riding car. The tweaks follow a more minor revision of the Focus which regards to one model, quietly implemented earlier this year. The 1.5-litre petrol engine has been switched from the multi-link rear suspension to a cheaper, simpler torsion beam setup, leaving only the 2.0-litre diesel models with the multi-link
Origin: Ford revises Focus range with entry variant dropped

Ford to reveal Mustang-inspired electric SUV next month

Ford will reveal its new Mustang-inspired electric SUV, conceived as a high-performance rival to the Tesla Model Y, next month. The American firm has released a teaser featuring a sketch of the new machine’s profile, confirming it will be launched on Sunday 17 November, just ahead of the Los Angeles motor show where it will likely be shown in public for the first time. Due to go on sale in 2020, a concept will be unveiled later this year, Ford claims the as-year-unnamed model will transfer the spirit of the iconic Mustang pony car into a truly 21st century model. The new model was given the ‘Mach 1’ tag during early development because of strong public opinion against the use of the branding historically reserved for Mustangs. However, the Blue Oval recently applied to trademark the ‘Mach-E’ nameplate, which seems a perfect fit, given the car’s brief. The new car will be the first Ford designed as an electric car from the ground up, with a bespoke new platform enabling both rear and four-wheel drive. It will crown the brand’s wide-reaching electrification plan under which European customers will be offered a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric version of every new model launched. The only technical detail Ford has officially revealed is the car’s range: it will be capable of 370 miles of WLTP-certified range on a single charge, beating the Tesla Model X (351 miles) and Jaguar I-Pace (292 miles). A less expensive version with less battery capacity and range is also expected. Ford claims charging will be “effortless” and it is “redesigning the ownership experience to ensure it addresses customer pain points that currently hold back broad (electric car) adoption”. The car’s performance remains undisclosed, although chairman Bill Ford has previously claimed it “is going to go like hell”. At a Bank of America summit last month, a Ford presentation showed that it would offer a higher-performance variant of the electric crossover, targeting the more accelerative versions of Tesla’s EVs. Although it is not officially confirmed, reports suggest Ford will reveal the car’s name along with the concept before the year is out. Like many of Ford’s recent models, it’ll be a globally engineered vehicle with few changes between regions. UK deliveries are tipped to start in late 2020. It’s not the only EV in Ford’s product plan, because the Michigan-based maker is also working on a more affordable electric crossover. Codenamed CX430, it will be based on the latest Focus platform and be similar to the Kuga. The CX430 has been in Ford’s product plan for several years. The long-awaited push into electrification comes after news that Ford will be dropping former best-sellers from its US line-up: the Taurus, Fusion and Focus, alongside the Fiesta. Ford’s supermini never found huge popularity in the US, but the momentous decision to end Ford’s 110-year presence in the US passenger saloon market sent a clear signal that profitability, not diversity, is the new focus for the
Origin: Ford to reveal Mustang-inspired electric SUV next month

Ford is recalling 1,500 Rangers in Canada for fire risk

Ford is recalling 1,544 Ranger pickups in Canada because of the fire risk posed by their blower motors.A total of 19,509 trucks from model year 2019 are affected in North America.On affected trucks, there may not be enough clearance between an electrical terminal and a base plate inside the HVAC systems blower motor, making a short circuit possible.If an electrical short does occur, the blower could overheat, smoke, melt or catch fire.Ford has not heard from any Ranger owners affected by the issue though one warranty claimant did report smoke in the cabin, possibly due to the short but six trucks were affected prior to their delivery to dealerships.Ford will replace the parts in affected
Origin: Ford is recalling 1,500 Rangers in Canada for fire risk

First Drive: 2020 Ford Escape

Louisville, KY If imitation is the highest form of flattery, Porsche should be blushing over what Ford has done with its 2020 Escape. From the headlights to the overall silhouette, the all-new Escape takes on some very Porsche Macan-like features. Heck, even the side moldings and lettering on the rear deck look so Macan-like, it would be easy to mistake one for the other in the dark.Toyota, too, might be impressed: the rear taillights of the Escape essentially mirror those of the 2019 RAV4, currently the hottest vehicle in the small SUV category today, a segment once owned by the Escape until a few years ago when the spunky little Ford began to look and feel its age. Having soldiered on for some seven years, the third-gen Escape ran well past its best before date in a segment that was producing fresher produce in the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, RAV4, Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Rogue.Ford only admits to looking at its own sports cars for inspiration, the trapezoidal grille and lower front end borrowed from the sixth-generation Mustang and Ford GT, although some see a bit of Tesla in there as well. Maybe all new cars are starting to look the same; but the new Escape is definitely attractive, far better looking and more aerodynamic than ever before, sitting lower, wider and longer, but also dropping some 90 kilograms thanks to a new platform with plenty of lightweight, high-strength steel. That platform is Fords scalable architecture found beneath the all-new Focus (which we wont get) and the new Lincoln Corsair. And, holy, has the chassis change made a difference. Where the former Escape rode more like a rhino, the new generation glides almost as quietly as a Lincoln, with front seats that are especially comfortable. The new Escape far exceeds the ride quality of its biggest rival, the RAV4, both in plushness and sound. Only a hint of tire or wind noise can be heard. While the suspension may not feel as responsive as the Toyotas, the Ford seems better able to eat up so many deficiencies in the road. Electronically assisted steering is accurate with good weight, and the brakes feel positively excellent. A drive mode select, standard on all models, allows for even more adjustment to the throttle and transmission, with Normal, Eco, Sport and Slippery settings.Even the engine in the base model feels sprightly. Standard on S, SE and SEL trim levels, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque pulls the Escape quickly off the line, but runs out of breath into the mid and upper range. It should be efficient, too, with cylinder deactivation that enables the 1.5L to run on just two of the three. Engine noise is evident but not horribly bothersome, with some growl and an absence of smoothness, which isnt surprising given theres only three pistons at play. Far more impressive is the revised 2.0-litre turbo thats available on the two highest trims, the SEL and Titanium. The 2.0L EcoBoost is a thrill to unwind, with 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft., able to scamper the Escape forward with surprising force, even with ample cargo aboard. Exhibiting little turbo lag, the 2.0L remains calm and collected right until redline, although theres no real exhaust note to speak of. It can be optioned with paddle shifters and can tow 3,500 lbs when paired with the tow package, compared with just 2,000 lbs for the 1.5L. Both engines are bolted to a smooth shifting eight-speed automatic, controlled by Fords simple-to-use rotary dial near the right knee. The dial will automatically click into park if the driver opens the door while still in gear with the seatbelt unbuckled.All Escapes are powered by the two front wheels, but AWD is now available on all trims.In spring, a hybrid Escape arrives with an all-new, 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine married to a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid engine will come standard on the Titanium trim in FWD or optional AWD. In the hybrid, a briefcase-sized, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery sits beneath the right-side floor, so it doesnt take up space in the cabin. More impressive is its 880-kilometre range on a single tank of fuel. A plug-in hybrid with an electric range of 48-kilometres is also coming in 2020, but it will only be FWD. Pricing for the base S starts at $28,549 for FWD and $30,049 for AWD; the SEL with AWD and the 2.0L engine costs $37,049 while the Titanium with the 2.0L and AWD crests the $40k threshold by $49. The Titanium hybrid with FWD, meanwhile, sits at $36,549 but $38,049 with AWD. Add $1,850 for freight and delivery.Fuel economy figures have not been released, but in our anything-but-slow drive through Kentucky, we were able to achieve a respectable 9.4 L/100 km with the 2.0L EcoBoost. Expect the hybrid to be significantly better.Also taking a giant leap forward is the interior, which can for the first time be optioned with a head-up display, although the white numerals are reflected on a small piece of
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Ford Escape

2017 Ford GT sells at auction for triple its original price

A 2017 Ford GT 66 Heritage edition just crossed the block at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas for US$1.54 million, more than three times its original sale price of US$450,000.The GT only had 30 miles (50 km) on the odometer, which is even less than a previously pristine example that sold at Bonhams during Monterey Car Week. The Bonhams car had 120 miles (193 km) on the odo, and sold for US$1.05 million.A third GT recently sold by RM Sothebys in Monterey fetched US$1.24 million; it had 400 miles (643 km) on the clock, but was painted in a standard shade of orange.The contract that buyers of the incredible Ford supercar originally signed barred them from reselling the vehicle for two years. Fords original plan was to deliver the vehicles only to customers who would actually want to get out and use the highly capable car on the track, or at least show it off. Instead, it seems like the two-year no-sale period just served to add value to the vehicles, with those who invested waiting until auction day to make a big profit.John Cena infamously tried to sell his blue GT well before the two-year clause in his contract had come up, and ended up getting in serious trouble. After making its way through various auctions, the highest price it ever sold for was US$1.4 million.The highest price ever paid for a GT so far was US$2.5 million, as part of a charity auction put on by Ford before the official two-year no-sale restriction was lifted. That car was also a Heritage Edition, though it was different from a 66 Heritage
Origin: 2017 Ford GT sells at auction for triple its original price

Respect Your Elders: The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a love letter to the 1960s

The iconic highlight of Bullitt is the scene that sees a Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback, driven by Steve McQueen as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, chase a black Dodge Charger R/T through the streets of San Francisco. It’s regarded as one of the most influential chase sequences in movie history the inclusion of close-ups showing McQueen doing the driving himself makes it the scene by which all others are measured, and this in spite of the Charger losing no fewer than eight hubcaps. The scenes most enduring moment arrives when the bad guys are searching for Bullitt he suddenly appears in the Chargers rearview mirror.Fast forward to today, and we pit a replica of the original against the 2019 Mustang Bullitt that pays homage to the movies sassy co-star.The restoration of the replica 1968 Mustang has been meticulous, to say the least. It was built on the same assembly line two weeks after the movie cars, and it came with the same options, including the S-code package. After the body was stripped, it was painted using the original PPG Highland Green paint, has the same door mirror from a 1966 Mustang, and the radio antenna was moved to the right rear fender to keep it out of the shots of McQueen muscling the steering wheel. Further adding to its accuracy, the replica has an Autolite battery and alternator, both of which are rare finds. The original Mustang GT 390 had a 390 cubic-inch V8 that got its go-juice from a four-barrel Holley carburetor. It produced 320 horsepower, 427 lb.-ft. of torque, and drove the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The engine was bored and stroked, now measuring 435 cubic-inches and produces 500 horsepower insert a very big smile here. The hitch in the powertrain is the manual gearbox. It has a less than defined gate and the throws are just shy of a time zone, but in fairness, the gearbox does whats required. The long ratios and the engines flexibility see the two work together rather well, once youve gotten used to the setup.The 2019 Mustang Bullitt counters with 5.0-litre V8 pushing out 480 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed manual and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential at the back wheels. The transmissions throws are short, the spacing just right, and clutch action light. It also benefits from a rev-matching system, blipping the throttle on a downshift. I do have one wish for the new Bullitt, however: Its been 50 years, so 10 horsepower for each year would put an even 500 under the hood. Im not complaining about what it has, but 500 just seems like such a nice, round number.Any Mustang without a proper exhaust note would be an utter travesty. Both cars have that and then some, and unlike so many modern cars, none of the wonderful sound is man-made. The 68 has more or less straight pipes all the way through, so it blasts a deep, guttural growl whenever the gas pedal is worked. The key difference with the new Bullitt is the exhaust modes at one end of the spectrum, theres a quiet mode for a stealthy getaway, while at the other is Track mode. Now, Ford does warn against using Track mode on the road, but when you encounter a silly Civic at a red light with a baked bean can for a muffler, a quick switch to Track mode will show them whos boss. The performance differences proved to be surprisingly small. The original 320-horsepower Mustang GT 390 ran from rest to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, while the 2019 Bullitt chops that to 4.9 seconds. Considering theres five decades between the two cars, the original holds its own with its big-block heads high. With its enlarged
Origin: Respect Your Elders: The 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a love letter to the 1960s

Ricardo unveils military-spec Ford Ranger pick-up

British engineering firm Ricardo has unveiled a military-spec version of the Ford Ranger pick-up, developed in collaboration with specialist vehicle manufacturer Polaris. Ricardo, which specialises in developing engines and transmissions but has also developed the Land Rover Wolf and Foxhound armoured personnel carriers, has equipped the Ranger with a range of features aimed at improving safety, fuel economy and durability. The most obvious visual difference over the standard model is the addition of an optional external roll cage, which, as with the firm’s military Land Rover, incorporates a circular cut-out at the rear for the mounting of firearms. Underneath, the Ranger gains an armoured ballistic underfloor, rock sliders and improved waterproofing, while armoured glass and strengthened front and rear bumpers further improve safety in the event of an impact or explosion. Modifications inside include the addition of four-point harnesses for all the seats, while upgrades have been made to the truck’s 24V electrical system to better cope with the demands of military use. The model is powered by Ford’s twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox that’s said to enhance fuel economy. Optional suspension, brake system and tyre upgrades are offered as a means of raising ride height and towing capacity. Ricardo’s special vehicles director, Paul Tarry, said: “The adaptation of existing and well-proven automotive platforms for defence roles provides an opportunity to deliver a robust, fit-for-purpose and highly cost-effective package that is easy to maintain, benefiting as it does from an established international supply chain of parts and service. “However, it is also crucial in such adaptations to engineer a solution that meets the exacting requirements of the intended applications; even the most robust of commercially available vehicles is unlikely to meet this threshold without careful, role-specific adaptation of the type that Ricardo is ideally placed to provide.” Although the firm claims its new Ranger-based model demonstrates that it is well suited for military applications, it has not yet been confirmed that it will enter
Origin: Ricardo unveils military-spec Ford Ranger pick-up

Ford recalling 4,300 heavy-duty trucks in Canada because axle may fracture

Ford is recalling 4,316 new heavy-duty trucks in Canada because an axle shaft made from a bad batch of steel may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash in traffic, or of a rollaway in park.A total 28,579 examples of 2019 model year Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups are also affected by the recall in the U.S.On affected vehicles, the electronically locking rear-axle assembly may have been assembled with a passenger-side axle shaft made from a steel not up to Fords specifications, which may fracture.If the vehicle is driving in two-wheel-drive mode when this happens, it could stop or slow the truck in traffic; if stopped without the parking brake applied, the vehicle may be unable to hold park and could move.Ford is advising owners to use the parking brake when the truck is parked until dealers inspect and repair the axle shafts in affected
Origin: Ford recalling 4,300 heavy-duty trucks in Canada because axle may fracture

Is this a Ford Bronco pickup — and with a removable roof?

Fords upcoming new Bronco might morph into a pickup truck with a removable roof, putting it nose-to-nose with the Jeep Gladiator, at least according to some newly-unearthed patent drawings.According to Ford Authority, the patents show a truck that appears to be the Ford Ranger yes, the same midsize that will donate its platform to the Bronco sport-utility.The patent shows a removable hardtop, with a windshield header, rear body structure and roof cap that clamps on.The patent application says the roof caps mounting system would allow it to be installed or removed by one person, a tougher job that takes two on a Jeep. The patents include a version with a sliding rear window.Previously-discovered Ford patents show a vehicle, believed to be the Bronco, with removable doors. Theyd undoubtedly be included alongside a take-off top, allowing a Bronco pickup to shed doors and roof as the Gladiator can. Putting a removable roof on the Bronco sport-ute would also put it in the same category as the completely-openable Wrangler. Given that the Wrangler begat the Gladiator, were pretty sure Ford wont turn down an opportunity for its Bronco to similarly shift into a truck as well.As youd expect, Ford isnt saying a word about the patent drawings. Were not even sure when the Bronco will formally break ground, although it may happen at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November the same venue where, at the 2018 edition, the Gladiator made its first appearance, bumping up over a set of stairs on its way to the
Origin: Is this a Ford Bronco pickup — and with a removable roof?