Ford confirms XR4 Fiesta, Falcon LEs

FORD Australia has attempted to offset declining consumer interest in the Falcon by announcing several limited-edition sedans and utes at the Melbourne International Motor Show this morning.

It has also fast-forwarded details of Fiesta and Focus models not due for another three months, confirming that the Fiesta XR4 and Zetec five-door are coming and that the Focus range will gain a coupe-cabriolet version, a turbo-diesel engine and a series-wide facelift.

For Falcon, a limited-edition Falcon ES will be offered, building on the optional "Euro sports pack" released late last year – with its six-speed ZF automatic transmission, DSC, sports suspension and 17-inch alloys – by adding premium exterior and interior features.

The ES will be available in limited numbers for just $1250 but offer more than $8000 in new equipment over the standard Falcon XT five-speed manual. An E-Gas dedicated-LPG ES will also be offered.

Two special Falcon utes will also go on sale in April, the limited-edition Rip Curl XR ute and the tried-and-proven Tradesman ute, offering more than $3000 worth of additional equipment for just $500.

A new Territory SR will also be available from April, offering exterior sports features such as Ford-designed running boards and shadow chrome 17-inch alloys, exclusive dark interior similar to the Territory Turbo.

The Fiesta Zetec five-door goes on sale as of today, expanding the line-up from the previously three-door only offering. The hot XR4 is tipped to go on sale around June with pricing around $25,000. It will be powered by a 110kW/190Nm 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder, as seen on the Focus.

Speaking of which, an updated Focus range arrives mid-year, gaining the availability of curtain airbags and dynamic stability control, refreshed styling and upgraded interiors. The coupe-cabriolet joins the line-up from around August.

The upgraded Focus range will include a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel TDCi model with a six-speed manual transmission. Both the Focus Zetec and Ghia will also be available in two new bodystyles, with a Zetec sedan joining the range along with a Ghia hatchback.

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