INSPIRATION from the latest Mondeo has led to a mid-life make-over for the second generation Ford Focus to give it a sharper family profile.

Benefiting from Ford's kinetic design' approach, the trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes.

Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a body-coloured upper rear spoiler. Inside, the upmarket aura continues.

New soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by new seat fabrics plus a variety of fascia trimmings.

The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved.

In addition, the Titanium now includes a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look.

In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box.

Another feature available as an option from the beginning of 2008 is the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter.

The aesthetic appeal of Ford's latest Focus is matched by a range of mechanical introductions, including an all-new automated Ford PowerShift transmission which will be available from early 2008 in the Focus as well as the C-MAX, in combination with the 136bhp and new 110bhp versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

As a result, in this configuration, the average fuel consumption improves by around 10 per cent, and CO2 emissions will be lower, compared to a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

ä From page 43 Another new development is the Ford Focus "ECOnetic" which features an array of aerodynamic efficiencies and is powered by a 109bhp 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Average consumption for the Focus ECOnetic is 65mpg and an average CO2 emission of 115g/km.

As a result of the Ford ECOnetic initiative, all Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variants will achieve 119g/km CO2 and this is regardless of power rating, body style or wheel dimensions.

Flexifuel versions of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol - or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine.

The 2008 Focus range will initially be offered across Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim grades.

Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms, Coupe-Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in spring 2008.