Focus flips its lid

Ford Australia hasn’t offered a convertible since the ill-fated Capri, but this helmeted drop-top might entice the blue oval to re-enter the fray after a dozen-year hiatus.

Unveiled at the Geneva motor show, the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet was developed jointly by Ford of Europe and Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, which -- in addition to its styling credentials -- has an extensive track record of producing convertibles. The latter will build the car at its Grugliasco and Bairo plants, both located in Turin.

Clearly evident from the pics is that the production car is little changed from the Vignale Concept that was displayed at the 2004 Paris motor show, and locally at last year's melbourne Motor Show. The blue oval says strong public response to the Vignale at the former prompted it to green-light it for production.

Like most contemporary rivals, the Focus features a two-piece folding electric hardtop and provides seating for four. But where it scores higher than most is in that it has a cavernous 500-litre boot (with the roof up). Lowering the top doesn’t involve fiddling with latches; it’s accomplished by the press of a button.

A trio of engines will be offered in Europe: 74kW 1.6-litre and 107kW 2.0-litre petrol fours and the latest-generation 100kW 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel. It’s billed as a “Grand Tourer, rather than a pure sports roadster”, so expect comfort-biased suspension settings.

Specification levels are yet to be announced, but the company says it will be well equipped, with multiple airbags, high-quality in-car entertainment system, keyless entry, climate control and other goodies included as standard fare.

Ford Australia remains non-committal about the car’s local prospects, other than to say it will be evaluated. There’s strong incentive, as archrival Holden has consistently topped the drop-top sales charts with its popular Astra Convertible.

Provided the Focus CC does get the okay for Oz, pricing is tipped to start around $45,000.