FORD has boosted its ageing Focus range with a nose job and a minor interior makeover, but the important news is the addition of a special dual-clutch manual gearbox known as Powershift on the underrated TDCi diesel models. More than a match for the Golf TDI, it brings an auto-like transmission to arguably the most dynamic mainstream small car available, boosting the diesel’s already high appeal. A palpably better-presented cabin completes the changes that are designed to carry the LV Focus series through until the all-new, Australian-built, third-generation models come on stream sometime in 2011.

Ford LT Focus
Released: July 2007
Ended: April 2009
Family Tree: FocusONE of the most invisible ‘facelifts’ in modern automotive history, the change from LS to LT Focus was limited to a revised front air intake, the deletion of side rubbing strips and the launch of the long-awaited and much admired 100kW/320Nm 2.0-litre TDCi turbo-diesel model – in six-speed manual-only mode. A Ghia hatch also arrived, powered by the same 107kW/185Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the base CL, mid-range LX and sporty Zetec. Gearbox choices for these South African-built Focuses were a four-speed auto or a five-speed manual. Ford also imported the German-made LT XR5 Turbo, using Volvo’s rorty 166kW/320Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. From November 2007 the Italian made (by Pininfarina) CC Coupe-Cabriolet also joined the range, using the 2.0L petrol engine.
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