New Ford Focus takes C Sector into Executive territory, says CAP

EXCELLENCE in design, engineering and build quality for the new model Ford Focus rivals cars from prestige brands, according to CAP, the used car pricing experts. Used car price forecasters at CAP anticipate a substantially higher future residual value for the new model than its outgoing equivalent. 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr is forecast to retain £5,900, or 32% of cost new, compared with the previous model’s £4,625, or 27% of cost new at 3 years and 60,000 miles. CAP’s experts closely examined every aspect of the new model and finally considered its likely reception in the used car market of 2013, to arrive at their forecast. As the UK automotive industry’s independent experts in forecasting future residual values, the view of CAP is closely watched by banks, contract hire and leasing specialists and major company car fleet operators . Jeff Knight, who heads the forecasting process at CAP, said: “The new Focus takes a car that was already superb and manages to improve every aspect. “It could be argued that it is almost too good for the C Sector, which is generally formed of well-built but ordinary small family cars. “However, in the case of the new Focus it is possible to argue that a driver could downsize from something like an Audi A4 and have no issues at all. In terms of quality, it takes the C Sector into genuine Executive territory.” ends