» Get the best price on a new Ford Focus XR5

Ford has released the first images and details of its revised Focus XR5 hotshoe, which follows in the wheeltracks of the updated cooking models that were unveiled at September's Frankfurt motor show.

Clearly evident from the accompanying images are the visual tweaks, which include a dramatically reprofiled face, but what they don't reveal is the new Volkswagen-style dual-clutch robotised sequential manual gearbox the new car is offered with.

Similar in concept to VW's acclaimed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), Ford's new sequential 'box is dubbed PowerShift, and it was developed by transmission specialist Getrag.

The new face comprises a new bumper/spoiler assembly, a reshaped grille and elaborately shaped headlight clusters. There's been a few minor fiddles at the rear, too, but only trainspotters will pick up on these.

Although the sequential transmission is new, the Volvo-sourced 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine is as before, which means its outputs of 166kW and 320Nm are unchanged.

This being the case, the 0-100km/h split is still dispatched in 6.6sec and top speed is around the 240km/h mark.

However, the addition of the sequential gearbox may entice many buyers who would otherwise have plumped for a Golf GTI to consider the blue oval offering.

Ford Australia's Manager, Public Affairs, Sinead McAlary, would not be drawn on when the facelifted Focus range will arrive here, other than saying it will be sometime next year.

Also, there's no official word as yet on pricing for the updated Focus XR5, but it's not likely to shift dramatically from the current $36,490 entry point.

Originally launched here in April last year (more here), the Focus XR5 has been well received by the local motoring press and buyers alike.

There's little doubt the PowerShift-equipped XR5 will open up the car's target audience to a vast number of clutch-averse drivers who have thus far steered clear of the car.

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