The next-generation Ford Focus made its local debut at an exclusive launch held at the old power station near the Valletta Waterfront last Wednesday.

With all eyes on them, two of the cars were driven out of 40-foot containers.

“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that the One Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” David Gasan, managing director of Gasan Enterprises Ltd, said.

“The efficiencies generated by this new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.

Ford claims the global scale of its C car programme makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before.

This technological investment is aimed at ensuring the new Focus achieves clear leadership in the C segment by offering customers an array of advanced features. These include a Low Speed Safety System, available for the first time in a Ford, Active Park Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Despite the improved safety performance and better equipment on the new Focus, it has not increased in weight compared to the outgoing model.

Ford says an extensive powertrain range offers outstanding fuel economy and CO2 emissions and magnifies the engaging driver appeal of the new Focus.

The new model also incorporates other features from the Ford Econetic Technologies programme to help minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Focus is the first Ford model to offer Auto-Start-Stop technology across a significant part of the range.

Over 10 million Ford Focus cars have been sold since its launch in 1998.

Ira Losco and her band gave a live performance during the launch.

There was a lottery draw to choose some guests to drive the new Focus for two days and review it on the Gasan Enterprises Facebook page.