AS the effect of the recent VAT changes present in pricing, the New Year sees changes to both ends of the Ford spectrum. The Ka, now a transformed small car, offers lower CO2 emissions and improved economy on larger diesel models.
The brand–new Ka Style is available as of January with a price tag of just 11,535euro, a saving of 800euro on the outgoing entry level model. Despite the low price, the Style lives up to its name with sassy alloy wheels, fog lights and MP3 connectivity as standard.
Recently awarded the Semperit Irish Small Car of the Year award, the new Fiesta range starts from 15,470euro. Again, it features alloy wheels and fog lights as standard, as well as five airbags, electric front windows and mirrors and central locking.
Both new Ka and Fiesta enjoy CO2 emission levels of below 120g/ km, putting them in VRT band A, meaning road tax of just 104euro per year, with the exception of the Fiesta 1.6 petrol.
Another Ford small car, the Fusion MAV (Multi Activity Vehicle), offers a host of desirable extras at no cost in 2009, including BlueTooth™, voice control and parking distance sensors.
As Ireland gears up to host the 2009 World Rally Championship at the end of January, the best-selling Ford Focus is available as a special WRC limited edition from just 23,895euro, featuring sports suspension, 17-inch alloys, full body kit, TicToc red trim and aluminium pedals and handbrake.
Meanwhile, the large family buyer can look forward to uncompromised performance with a lower impact on the environment.
The 2.0 TDCi Duratorq diesel engine on the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy now delivers average CO2 emissions of just 159g. Fuel economy has been improved to 6.1 l/100km or 46.2mpg (European combined). These are best-in-class figures.
The same powertrain also brings CO2 emissions on the front wheel drive version of the new Ford Kuga crossover down to 159g. Engineers have introduced improvements such as a ‘sleep’ mode for the hydraulic steering to achieve this reduction.
The Ford main dealers are Lyons of Limerick, Ballysimon Road; Sheils on the Ennis Road; Cavanagh’s of Charleville and Dan Dooley, Tipperary and Knocklong are agents.
