The offer is open even...
The offer is open even to those who only have the rescue group"s most basic cover. If the vehicle can"t be repaired at the roadside, the AA patrol will take the member to the nearest Europcar centre to collect one of the brightly coloured Smarts. And if a bigger car is needed, an upgrade option is available for a small fee.
Bosses at Ford have...
Bosses at Ford have released prices for the eagerly awaited new Focus. Starting at ÷£11,495, it is only ÷£250 more expensive than outgoing model, but comes with a host of extra equipment.
The re-structured range now consists of Studio, Style, Zetec, Titanium and sporting ST trim levels. An electronic stabilty programme is now standard across all versions, together with four airbags and the Easyfuel capless refuelling system.
The expected best-seller will be the Zetec, and this gets a comprehensive kit makeover. Dark headlamp surrounds, 16-inch alloy wheels and a new rear spoiler combine with the revised bodywork to give the newcomer a distinctive look. Prices start at ÷£14,695 for the three-door version fitted with a 98bhp 1.6-litre petrol.
New to the range is the clean running ECOnetic model. With aerodynamic body styling and tweaked 1.6-litre TDCi motor, it emits just 115g/km of CO2. Based on the Style trim level it is available as both a five-door hatch or verstatile estate and is priced at ÷£15,795.
And the good news for hot hatch fans is that the rapid ST model still retains its bargain price of ÷£17,995.
The first examples of the revised Focus should hit showrooms in January 2008, with Coupe-Cabriolet and ST versions following on a few months later.