The iconic German-built flagship of the Focus range is the first model in the small car line-up to feature Ford's kinetic design philosophy.

Implementation of the theme delivered an opportunity for the Design team to provide an almost entirely all-new body appearance while a raft of new interior enhancements have also been introduced.

"The Focus XR5 Turbo has established itself as a firm favourite amongst Australian performance motoring enthusiasts and changes introduced with the new model will further strengthen its position as a performance and dynamics leader," said Ford Australia Vice President Marketing and Sales, Mark Winslow.

"These enhancements will position Focus XR5 Turbo as one of the most desirable, functional and versatile hot-hatches available."

The new Focus XR5 Turbo now looks even more exciting and purposeful, with a unique new front bumper and larger lower inverted trapezoidal grille flanked by distinctive re-styled foglamps.

Both upper and lower grilles feature a graphite mesh with signature honeycomb pattern. The leading edge of the bonnet features a body-coloured appliqué while the new front lamps on the Focus XR5 Turbo incorporate unique black housings that give the headlights a quartz effect during daylight hours.

From the side, the extended side rocker panels emphasise the lowered chassis and the bold wheel arches, which contain newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels.

Side mouldings have been removed on the new Focus XR5 Turbo but more pronounced swage lines on the bodyside that extend the length of the car draw the eye to the full and 'muscular' surfaces.

Exterior handles, door mirrors, side skirts and spoiler are all finished in the body colour of the vehicle.

At the rear, the Focus XR5 Turbo gets a new bumper with an integrated lower diffuser framing two generously proportioned exhaust pipes. LED tail lamps and a large upper spoiler complete the sporty stance.

In addition to its dynamic new styling, established on-road agility and high performance, the XR5 Turbo will come standard with enhanced in-car entertainment features and systems, including a premium centre console, Bluetooth with voice control, an Easyfuel capless refuelling system with mis-fuelling inhibitor and a new 'Ford Power' start button.

The new premium centre console provides a flow-through effect from the centre of the instrument panel and helps to provide a cockpit feel for the driver and front passenger.

It features a movable armrest with 80 mm of travel, a four-litre capacity storage compartment, two open cup holders with rubber mat, a coin holder and a card holder. The new centre console also houses the 'Ford Power' button.

It is not just the functionality of the interior that has been improved – special attention was also paid to its comfort, quality and design finishes.

• Alloy sports pedals, a unique handbrake cover and leather gear knob are complemented by a new carbon-effect finish on the centre of the instrument panel, centre console and switch bezels.
•  Door-sill scuff plates and a unique leather three-spoke steering wheel complete the special style. Soft touch finishes have been applied to the instrument panel and stowage compartments.

Stylish Recaro-branded front seats are standard on the Focus XR5 Turbo and provide optimal lateral support during spirited driving. The seat positions and ergonomics of the interior package provide the driver and front seat passenger with Ford's cockpit seating position.

The seats boast a superior level of adjustment and flexibility. The driver's seat has fore and aft movement, plus recline, height, lumbar and cushion tilt adjustments, while the passenger seat adjusts manually fore-aft and can also recline. The standard rear seat features a 60/40 split seat back and child restraint safety fittings on the outboard seats.

The Focus XR5 Turbo features a high quality woven black headliner and black A-pillars, which further enhances the sporty cockpit feel of the interior. A mini overhead console in the headliner of the car houses a map and courtesy light.

Powering the Focus XR5 Turbo is the renowned turbocharged 2.5-litre 166 kW Duratec five-cylinder engine, offering sustained 320 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm right through to 4,000 rpm.

"The powerplant that drives the XR5 Turbo is a phenomenal engine which sounds sensational. When coupled with the vehicle's impressive dynamics attributes it is a combination which makes it one of the most enjoyable and engaging small Ford vehicles to drive," said Mr Winslow.

Standard safety features are as impressive as the performance offered by the vehicle. Among the passive safety systems are six airbags, pyrotechnic safety belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection systems on the front seats.

To enhance the overall active safety package, the new model retains standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and its rigid, reinforced passenger cell while adding an emergency hazard warning light activation system.

• The Focus XR5 Turbo is equipped with the largest diameter front brake discs of the Focus range to assist in providing impressive braking performance.

In addition to the signature Electric Orange metallic colour, a palate of six other colours is available including new Frozen White, Panther Black, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey, Colorado Red and Performance Blue.

Optional Ford 'GT-style' overhead body stripes are also available on select colours in the range, as is an optional sunroof (not available if overhead body stripes are optioned).

"Ford set a real benchmark in hot-hatch motoring when the original Focus XR5 Turbo was launched a little over two years ago," said Mr Winslow.

"We believe we can cement this position with the introduction of a fresh new, feature laden, sports-performance Focus XR5 Turbo which offers unparalleled levels of functionality and versatility."

The recommended retail price (RRP) of the new Focus XR5 Turbo is $36,990 (excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges).

Options include overhead stripes ($350) and power tilt/slide sunroof ($1,900). Recaro Sports Leather seats are a $2,000 option which includes heated 10-way adjustable functionality for driver and front passenger.

Prestige paint is a $310 premium, while the hero colour of the range, Electric Orange, remains a $1,800 option.

Additional safety specification on LT model Focus

In other exciting news for the Focus nameplate, the entire hatch and sedan range now features side front airbags as standard.

"Safety is an essential want for small car consumers, so we have taken the step of standardising side front airbags on every Focus sedan and hatch model," said Mr Winslow.

The new recommended retail price (RRP) of the LT series Focus CL (hatch and sedan) is $20,490, an increase of only $500 for the new safety equipment.

An optional safety pack, consisting of side curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control including Traction Control and Emergency Brake Assist, remains a $1,300 option on CL, LX and TDCi models.

"Focus is a great looking, fantastic driving, fuel efficient model which also offers a turbo-diesel option," said Mr Winslow.