Ford Focus Red and Black editions to bolster range

Ford will introduce special Red and Black editions to its Focus range, Auto Express has learnt. Set for a UK launch towards the end of this year, Focus Red and Black editions will add extra kit, boast a visual makeover and are likely to be available with a range of petrol and diesel engines.

Just like the Fiesta Red and Black editions, the Focus is based on the Zetec S trim level. For Red edition cars, there's Red Race paintwork with black grille detailing, roof and mirror caps. Black edition cars reverse the combination with Panther Black paint and red detailing and trim.

There's a healthy use of honeycomb mesh in the front grille of both cars and a front splitter is added while towards the rear there's a boot spoiler. Focus ST side skirts and 18-inch five-spoke black alloys with red brake callipers complete the look.

Inside, Focus Red and Black editions get red stitching, stainless steel pedals, scuff plates, an aluminium gear lever, and red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift gaiter.

The Fiesta Red and Black editions only come with Ford's 138bhp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, but the Focus is likely to come to the UK in 123bhp 1.0- and 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol guises. There is also likely to be a choice of 118bhp 1.5-litre and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesels with six-speed manual gearboxes on all models.

Auto Express understands that the Focus has gained the special models on the back of strong sales of the Fiesta Red and Black editions. Around 3,500 cars have been sold across Europe and the editions account roughly 50 per cent of all Fiesta Zetec S sales in the UK.

While UK pricing hasn't been announced yet, Auto Express understands the Focus Red will cost around £500 more than a Focus Zetec S and the Black will cost a £1,000 more, so expect prices to be around £21,295 and £21,795 respectively. 

Get more of the top stories from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.