Ford has already seen pre-orders race towards 1,500 for the All-New Ford Focus RS Performance hatchback.

Ford’s all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers without a single test drive being taken. In the month before prices and specifications were announced at September’s Frankfurt Show, 500 Focus RS fans had already paid deposits to secure the first cars.

Since then Ford dealers have logged a stream of 1,000 further prospective buyers keen to be among the first to take delivery from Spring.

Since the wraps first came off the 165mph Focus – the fastest-accelerating model ever to carry the famous RS badge – Ford dealers have been deluged by prospective purchasers keen to be among the first to take delivery.

Though the all-new Focus RS features an extensive list of standard equipment, not least a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering a maximum power output of 350PS, there is a comprehensive array of optional extras available.

“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director.

“We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19in black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”

There is a choice of five different colour finishes, including Metallic and Mica options.

The all-new Focus RS, which has a recommended on the road price of £28,940, is a technological powerhouse featuring Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Launch Control technology which delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 4.7sec.

While the new all-aluminium 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang, it has been upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver 10 per cent more power. The engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system.

Standard equipment includes 19in multispoke alloy wheels, 350mm ventilated front disc brakes, RS performance rear spoiler, twin high-performance exhaust, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Recaro front seats, dual-zone electronic temperature control, heated windscreen and washer jets and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.

Toyota to increase Mirai fuel cell car production, comes with free eye test :-)

Toyota announced today it is to increase production of its Mirai fuel cell car. The hydrogen-powered saloon was launched in Japan on 15 December last year and will be introduced in the UK and other selected European markets during 2015.

The new plan calls for production to increase from 700 units this year to approximately 2,000 in 2016 and around 3,000 in 2017.

Toyota decided the supply structure should be adjusted to reflect the level of demand for the vehicle, in view of around 1,500 orders being received in the first month of sales in Japan and the prospect of the model being launched in Europe and the USA later this year.

Following the production increases, sales plans for Japan, the US and Europe will be formulated, taking into consideration the level of hydrogen infrastructure development, energy policies, car purchasing subsidies, consumer demand, environmental regulations and other factors in each region.

Toyota's Mirai has gained a large number of orders, I would suggest the new owners are totally blind

TME THOUGHTS

I am really sorry to have to say this, but, WHO designed this car, were they on drugs or just on a a very bad day, and then WHO okayed it, this car is without doubt the UGLIEST car i have seen for many years, it even makes some of the stunners from Ssangyong look like super models, this car should not be allowed on the roads for fear of causing accidents when other drivers stare in disbelief at how dreadfully ugly this is.

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Mirai, Toyota’s first hydrogen-powered production car, has amassed an exceptional 1,500 orders in its first month on sale in Japan. Due for introduction in the UK later this year, the ground-breaking saloon has far exceeded expectations: Toyota’s initial plan was to sell about 400 units by the end of this year.

Due to the large volume of orders received, Toyota expects some customers will experience longer waits for delivery than originally expected. The orders taken so far divide roughly 60:40 between government/fleet customers and private individuals.

These early adopters of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology will be the first to experience a new chapter in zero-emissions driving. Mirai’s motor is powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between air-borne oxygen and hydrogen in an on-board fuel cell.

The car combines excellent environmental performance – the only tailpipe emission is water – with a fun-to-drive character. Its market launch has the potential to further accelerate energy diversification and help build a future society in which hydrogen is a core energy source.

To help encourage the development of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, Toyota recently made thousands of its global hydrogen fuel cell patents available to others, free of any royalties.