The all-new Ford Focus ST has been given a full makeover to turn it into an official police patrol vehicle.
Having made its movie debut in the UK crime film The Sweeney – which stars Ray Winstone and Plan B – the car has been given a law enforcement overhaul for policing purposes.
While the motor in the flick was unmarked for the use of Flying Squad detectives Regan and Carter, this one-off demonstrator was developed at Ford Special Vehicle Preparations in Earls Colne, Essex to serve as a compact traffic car.
The decision to update the auto suggests those in the market for the latest Ford deals may be drawn to the Focus ST if they are looking for a vehicle that is both practical and contemporary.
Motor enthusiasts had the chance to check out the police patrol car – which meets the requirements of the latest National Policing Improvement Agency standards related to fast vehicle response – when it appeared at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers' (NAPFM) Conference and Blue Light Fleet Exhibition in Peterborough.
The dashboard of the souped-up vehicle has been fitted with a mobile data terminal and screen, which aims to make the car more versatile for multi-police use, while the light bar on the roof is all LED.
Terry Adams, direct sales manager for police, fire and ambulance at Ford, said: "With the Ford Focus ST being seen so publicly on cinema screens nationwide, the timing for this official version couldn't be better."
Mr Adams added: "At the NAPFM show we displayed the car's crime-fighting talents to police transport managers and took bookings for demonstrations."
The Ford Focus ST boasts a 2.0-litre 250PS EcoBoost engine and has the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Its top speed is 154 mph – which could come in handy for police trying to catch criminals – while the everyday versions of the motor are available in five bright colours, including Spirit Blue and Tangerine Scream.
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Posted by Peter Murray