New Focus in April

The new generation Ford Focus will arrive in Ireland in early April, and though late in the buying year, the company expects to sell 3,000 units of its best selling nameplate this year.

That will rise to 5,000 units next year, and the most popular version is expected to be the Style 1.6 TDCI with 95hp.

It will be a Band A car for tax purposes, and though prices are not yet finalised it is expected to roll out at around €22,000.

Two petrol options will be available in the range, both 1.6 units in Band B, with choice between 105hp and 125hp versions.

Since the model first arrived in Ireland a decade ago, 98,471 Focus units have been bought here.