Since its first incarnation in 1998, the Ford Focus has become an iconic model for legions of young rally fans. And now Ford is marking the return of the World Rally Championship to Ireland in January with a special limited WRC edition of the Focus road car.
The Focus Zetec WRC stands out at first glance for its tasteful yet striking colour coded body kit, complete with bold 17-inch alloys. Inside, the TicToc red trim extends the sporting theme and is complemented by aluminium pedals and handbrake lever. Available in three-door bodystyle, the Focus WRC comes in a choice of three colours and two smooth powertrains, the refined 1.8 TDCi 115PS diesel and the powerful yet fuel-efficient 1.6 Ti-VCT with variable camshaft timing.
Standard features include ESP, air conditioning, six airbags, power windows and mirrors, six-speaker radio CD, front fogs, and sports suspension.
“This Focus special edition is timely, given the return of the WRC to Sligo in January,” says Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland. “Any enthusiast travelling to the momentous event will really look the part in this machine.
“The beauty of this car is that beneath the sporting exterior you have one of the most reliable, spacious, and great-to-drive cars on the market - an all-rounder that has proven a true legend on Irish roads.”
Rally Ireland, the starting leg of the 2009 World Rally Championship, launches on January 24. The Focus Zetec WRC is available from next month, from €23,780 excl delivery and related charges.
