UK buyers thinking of investing in a used car should take note: Ford has been voted tops by two separate panels of used car experts this week.

What Car? put the Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo top of their respective categories (”Small Family Car” and “Family Car”), and put the popular Focus ahead of the opposition to become overall Britain’s the best used car of 2008.

“It’s impossible to argue against the Ford Focus when you see exactly what you get for your money. Just £5,200 (05 examples) will buy you a car that’s great to drive, practical, reliable and cheap to run. What more could you want.’” Said Matt Sanger, used car editor, What Car?

The Ford Focus was also the overwhelming choice of Auto Express’s panel of expert judges, which included Jeff Paterson from industry trade bible Glass’s Guide and car trader-turned TV presenter Mike Brewer. They summarised their opinions by saying: “When it came to picking an overall winner, there was no argument. The Focus offers an unbeatable all-round package”.

Both car titles also independently agreed on the same choice of family car. The Best Used Family Car 2008 trophy was taken by the Ford Mondeo. What Car? judges said ” The Mondeo is stunning value on the used market, with the 1.8-litre-petrol versions the pick of the crop. A modest amount of money gets you a sharply styled hatchback that’s spacious and great to drive.”

Auto Express judges said, “In terms of how much car you get for your money, the Mondeo is tough to beat.”

Finally, Ford’s Fiesta has shown its super- mini rivals how best to appeal in the sector, winning the What Car? best super-mini category. “The Ford Fiesta is one of the best-handling super-minis on the market, and shames more expensive rivals. It’s not only practical, but reliable and economical to run, too,” said What Car?

Kevin Griffin, director of fleet operations Ford of Britain and responsible for used car sales nationally, commented: “These top awards recognise the strength in depth provided by the Ford Focus range. Also, it underlines the quality and reliability offered by the Ford range backed up by low cost of ownership and an unmatched dealer network.”

Canadian drivers are looking for better fuel economy and lower emissions but still want vehicles that fit their lifestyles, whether that means having enough space for the kids with hockey gear, towing the boat to the cottage, or having a convenient commuter car. The challenge is to offer vehicles of all shapes and sizes that deliver the capabilities and performance consumers expect.

Ford is making an unparalleled investment in engines and transmissions to boost both fuel efficiency and the fun-to-drive factor for its cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The company has committed to being the best or among the best in fuel economy with every new Ford product in its segment.

For example, the Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid deliver best-in-class fuel economy, partly due to a new, efficient six-speed transmission that will soon be offered in other vehicles. And, the new full-size crossover, Ford Flex, is among the best in its segment for highway fuel economy.
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The Oakville, Ont.-built Flex will also be among the first vehicles to offer EcoBoost, Ford’s new high-volume, affordable engine technology slated for a range of global vehicles - everything from small cars to large trucks.

EcoBoost, which delivers up to 20 per cent better fuel economy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 15 per cent, will first be available on the Lincoln MKS sedan next year, followed by Flex.

The key to the EcoBoost technology is that customers can experience its benefits right away - customers in North America can expect to recoup their initial investment in a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months. A diesel engine in North America will take an average of 71/2 years to pay back, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup, (given equivalent kilometres driven per year and fuel costs).

While other green technologies may be a few years away, EcoBoost will be available in the near-term across a broad spectrum of products and have an immediate positive effect for consumers and the environment. Ford plans to offer EcoBoost in 750,000 vehicles within the next five years.

At the same time, Ford continues to invest in emerging technologies such as hydrogen powertrains, plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles, while expanding its commitment to bringing gasoline-electric hybrids to market. In fact, Ford was the first North American automaker to offer a hybrid, the Escape Hybrid, which was also the world’s first hybrid SUV. Next year, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a mid-size sedan, will be available as well.

Cars and crossovers, in general, are growing in popularity as consumer preferences shift. Today, cars and crossovers make up about 60 per cent of Ford’s product lineup, while just four years ago they represented only about 30 per cent.

And people are looking for more features in their cars, whether they are shopping for an affordable compact or a full-size sedan. That’s why Ford has introduced such innovations as Sync throughout its product lineup, even in entry-level vehicles such as the Ford Focus.