Detroit Motor Show

By Dan Strong

18th January 2007

	Ford also used the Detroit exhibition to show seatbelts that inflate like airbags to limit whiplash injuries

This daring-looking coupé is the blue oval's new American version of the famous family car.

tarring at the Detroit Motor Show, the model is based on the chassis originally designed for the MkI Focus, and forms part of a two-car line-up, which also includes a standard saloon.

As part of an effort to revive the firm's US fortunes, the newcomer gets a bold set of headlamps, upmarket interior, plus fresh engines and suspension. Inside, there's a smart metallic finish on the dashboard, and customers will be offered an ambient lighting package that allows them to choose to illuminate the footwells and cubbies.

Chief designer Lon Zaback said: "We've taken cues from fashion and home design to create the interior, and tried to make the package more inviting." Top-selling models are expected to be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre engine returning around 32mpg, mated to either a five-speed manual or four-ratio auto gearbox. Ford also used the Detroit exhibition to show seatbelts that inflate like airbags to limit whiplash injuries, and revealed it had been working on new four-point belts to replace three-point set-ups for greater comfort and safety.

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