Ford Focus XR5 Turbo: New Kinetic Design

Motoring Channel Staff - 20/June/2008

Melbourne, Australia — Providing its flagship Focus model with a dynamic European look, Ford has just released the new XR5 Turbo.

Along with a host of other upgrades, the new LV model Ford Focus XR5 Turbo incorporates Ford's 'kinetic' design philosophy, which is also in evidence on the Ford Mondeo.

Already on sale in some metro dealerships around Australia, the new XR5 Turbo sells for $36,990 and will widely available next month (July 2008).

It is powered by a 166kW, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers strong performance.

The new design benefits from biggets changes at the front end, featuring new a headlight style that has Ford's 'kinetic' design written all over it. As well as the new front apron with a wide front air dam, new look fog lights also adhere to the kinetic design ethos.

Sitting on newly designed 18-inch wheels, the new XR5 Turbo also gains new side skirts and a new rear apron.

The rear apron incorporates an "integrated lower diffuser framing two generously proportioned exhaust pipes" according to Ford. It also gets LED brake lights and a large rear spoiler.

Body stripes will also be offered ($350) and are dependent on the car colour.

At present only the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo has been given the facelift, as it is built in Germany where the new Focus is already being rolled out. 

The other Ford Focus models sold in Australia are built in South Africa and will be updated at a later stage. Focus models will eventually be Australian-made in 2011.

However, Ford has added a range of new safety features, such as side front airbags as standard across the Focus range. "Safety is an essential want for small car consumers, so we have taken the step of standardising side front airbags on every Focus sedan and hatch model," said Mr Winslow.

Previously scoring 4 out of 5 in a Motoring Channel road test and still arguably one of the best turbo hot hatches for under $40,000, the new look 2008 model Ford Focus XR5 Turbo gets a slew on new interior features:

 Premium centre console
 Bluetooth with voice control
 Easyfuel capless refuelling system with mis-fuelling inhibitor
 New 'Ford Power' start button

According to Ford, the new premium centre console creates a flow-through effect from the centre of the instrument panel and helps to create a cockpit feel for the driver and front passenger.

"The Focus XR5 Turbo has established itself as a firm favourite amongst Australian performance motoring enthusiasts and changes introduced with the new model will further strengthen its position as a performance and dynamics leader," said Ford Australia Vice President Marketing and Sales, Mark Winslow.

"These enhancements will position Focus XR5 Turbo as one of the most desirable, functional and versatile hot-hatches available," added Winslow.

Ford has seen to it that much of the Focus XR5 Turbo's materials were improved as well, claiming the interior is a more sophisticated place to be.

As well as a new handbrake cover and leather gear knob plus alloy sports pedals, a new carbon-effect trim on the centre of the instrument panel, centre console and switch bezels has been implemented.

A unique leather 3-spoke steering wheel complete has also been added, and Recaro-branded front sports seats are likewise standard on the Focus XR5 Turbo and "provide optimal lateral support during spirited driving". 

Some of the options include Recaro leather seats ($2,000) which are heated and add 10-way adjustable functionality for driver and front passenger, and there's a power tilt/slide sunroof ($1,900). Prestige paint ($310) and the Electric Orange colour ($1,800) are also options.

One of the best features of the Focus XR5 Turbo is the turbocharged 2.5-litre inline 5-cylinder engine. 

Cranking out 166kW @ 6000rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1600rpm, the Volvo-derived engine has been tuned for a strong mid-range and more top end power.

Ford's small hero car will rival vehicles such as the Honda Civic Type R, Holden Astra SRi Turbo and Renault Megane Sport 225.

It will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 241km/h, but also has strong brakes good safety systems.

As well as six airbags, dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA) and reinforced passenger cell, the hazard lights automatically blink on during heavy or emergency braking, warning those behind of the sudden deceleration.

"Ford set a real benchmark in hot-hatch motoring when the original Focus XR5 Turbo was launched a little over two years ago," said Mr Winslow.

"We believe we can cement this position with the introduction of a fresh new, feature laden, sports-performance Focus XR5 Turbo which offers unparalleled levels of functionality and versatility," concluded Mr Winslow.

The retail price for the LV model Focus XR5 Turbo is $36,990.

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