Ford is working hard to maintain its top spot in the Irish market with tempting versions of its most popular models.
A new Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Style five-door boasts ESC, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, an auxiliary input, front fog lights and a quick-clear windscreen, all for just €20,715. The low-power 90hp 1.6 TDCI engine produces only 118g/km of CO2 (placing it in Tax/VRT Band A) and burns fuel at a rate of just 4.5 litres/100km. There's also a new entry-level version of the Mondeo: The new 1.6 Style comes with ESC, six airbags, a quick-clear windscreen and air conditioning and retails at a staggering €22,925, although its 110hp, 1.6-litre engine is no fireball: 0-100km/h takes 12.7 seconds and top speed is 190km/h. Its average fuel economy is 7.2 litres/100km and its CO2 emissions are 172g/km, which puts it in Band E (€630 per year).
A better buy is the Mondeo Style 1.8 TDCi (VRT/Tax Band C), which now costs just €24,695, €2,000 less than before. Zero percent finance is offered in lieu of the up-front reductions, with repayment terms of up to 60 months, although a 25 percent deposit or trade in is required.