VALUE is a standard feature of all the new models of the Ford Focus C-MAX, that officially goes on sale in the UK today.

With prices starting from £13,175 on-the-road and insurance ratings from just 5E, "Focus C-MAX carries forward Focus' key attributes, including style, comfort and driving quality, and adds to this a new dimension of flexibility and space," says Paul Thomas, managing director, of Ford in Britain.

"We've made sure Focus C-MAX is priced to offer UK customers real value for money on every model in the range."

Customers will have a choice of two petrol engines and two diesel engines, in four trim levels - Studio, LX, Zetec and Ghia.

With the ever-growing popularity of Ford's TDCi diesel technology, UK Focus C-MAX sales are already projected to be 37 per cent diesel, while the most popular model is expected to be the 1.8-litre petrol Zetec.

Standard on every model is Ford's Intelligent Protection System, with six airbags and ABS, plus air-conditioning and 550 litres of luggage space.

Most models also offer Ford's innovative Comfort Seat System, turning in seconds the conventional five-seater into an even more spacious and comfortable four-seater.

Range-topping Ghia models will supplement these standard features with electronic parking brake, electronic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control and additional innovative storage spaces.

Further enhancing Focus C-MAX's premium appeal, options within the range will include leather trim (£1,000), DVD multi-media entertainment system (£1,075), single or six-CD radios (£200/£400), Xenon headlamps (£500), ESP (£350), full colour touch-screen navigation system (£800), privacy glass (£100) and - towards the end of 2003 - an all-new Durashift CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Making its debut in the Focus C-MAX range in November is the Duratec 1.6-litre 16v petrol engine, delivering 100 PS at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

In Focus C-MAX (pictured), the engine features a lightweight crankshaft to reduce weight. Fuel economy is 31.7mpg urban, 49.5mpg extra urban cycle and 40.9mpg combined. CO2 emissions are 166g/km.

The Focus C-MAX range also includes a smooth 110PS, 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, refined 120 PS, 1.8-litre Duratec petrol and effortless 136PS, 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi.

Available by the end of 2003 will also be an all-new Durashift CVT option. Initially to be offered with the 110PS, 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, the unit has been honed to suit the impressive torque of this high-pressure common-rail turbo-diesel.