Frankfurt motor show 2007 - Ford Focus

Smarter, greener versions of the Focus feature on a busy Ford stand at Frankfurt.

Britain's best-seller has had a total makeover, and can also now claim to be the UK's cleanest small hatchback.

Every exterior panel apart from the roof has been changed. It means the Focus, often accused of being bland, now follows the design theme Ford has introduced to the S-Max, Galaxy and Mondeo.

Three- and five-door models and estates get the new look at the beginning of next year; saloons, coupe-cabrios and the sporty ST will follow suit a short while later.

Under the bonnet, Ford has been recalibrating engine management and power steering systems with the result that every 1.6-litre diesel model now spits out only 120g/km of carbon dioxide or less.

There's also a new super-clean 110bhp 1.6 diesel model that produces just 115g/km of carbon dioxide - less than Volkswagen's Golf Bluemotion.

This has lowered suspension and skinny tyres on 15-inch wheels to reduce aerodynamic drag on the car. An even cleaner model is under development.

The 2.0-litre diesel, meanwhile, is now available with a double-clutch semi-automatic gearbox like VW's highly-rated DSG system.

Ford reckons it could deliver 10% better economy and lower emissions than the same engine with a manual gearbox.

Inside, quality has been improved with new materials and colours, redesigned instruments with red backlighting and new stereo and dual-zone air-conditioning systems.

High-specification models also get a new centre console.

The Mondeo's new fuel-filler neck that prevents you putting diesel in a petrol tank or vice-versa is now fitted to the Focus, and push-button ignition, a low tyre-pressure alert, a 230-Volt power socket and swivelling front lights become available.