XR5 set for May launch

Ford has confirmed specification and pricing for its hottest Focus yet. Unveiled at last October's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, the Focus XR5 Turbo features a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline five-cylinder petrol engine rated at 166kW/320Nm.

The pricing for the XR5 was announced by Ford boss, Tom Gorman at this week's Melbourne Motor Show.

"Value for money is a cornerstone of the Ford brand and the new German-engineered and built Focus XR5 Turbo certainly lives up to that reputation, combining a high performance turbocharged engine, slick six-speed manual transmission and razor sharp handling for under $36,000," Gorman said.

"Focus XR5 Turbo combines performance with practicality; offering usability and versatility just as its siblings do, with additional power and performance in tribute to its rally-bred origins," he stated.

According to Ford, the Focus chassis has been modified and stiffened for the XR5 Turbo as well as being lowered by 25mm. Suspension has been retuned (stiffer springs and larger diameter anti-roll bars) and brakes upgraded with 320mm x 28 mm front ventilated discs and large calipers.

Inside, the XR5 gets Recaro sports seats, a premium sound system and upgraded instrumentation including boost, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges.

The XR5 has been developed by Ford TeamRS, the company's UK-based racing and performance arm. Though the Focus is front-wheel drive, it shares much of its powertrain with Volvo's S40 T5 AWD.

Set to go on sale in May, the XR5 is priced from $35,990.