Having admitted to pricing issues that dulled the impact of the launch of its Fusion model, Ford has announced the price of the Focus derived C-MAX flexible hatchback ahead of its launch date of 18 October. Prices will start from £13,175 on-the-road, and Ford is also promoting 'highly competitive' insurance ratings starting from 5E.

C-MAX customers will have a choice of two petrol engines and two diesel engines, in four trim levels: Studio, LX, Zetec and Ghia. With the ever-growing popularity of Ford's TDCi diesel technology, UK Focus C-MAX sales are already projected to be 37 per cent diesel, while the most popular model is expected to be the 1.8-litre petrol Zetec.

Most models also offer Ford's 'Comfort Seat System', turning in seconds the conventional five-seater into a four-seater. Making its debut in the Focus C-MAX range in November is the Duratec 1.6-litre 16v petrol engine, delivering 100 PS at 6,000 rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The Focus C-MAX range also includes a 110 PS, 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, 120 PS, 1.8-litre Duratec petrol and 136 PS, 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi. Available by the end of 2003 will also be an all-new Durashift CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) option, initially to be offered with the 110 PS, 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi.