You may not have realised it, what with the stunning mid-engined GT and the 323hp Focus RS being on the stand, but Ford actually had some pretty impressive 'normal' cars at the Geneva Motor Show.
The two most significant were the new S-Max and the Edge SUV, and this was our first chance to see both cars in European production trim.
The S-Max was shown off in new sporty-ish S trim, with a rear spoiler, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, xenon headlights, Miko Suede and Napoli leather seats with red stitching and a panoramic glass roof with power sunblind. The S-Max will also be the debut vehicle for Ford's new Glare-Free Highbeam, which detects vehicles ahead, both on-coming and travelling in the same direction, and fades out light that could dazzle other drivers while retaining maximum illumination for other areas.
The Edge, also shown in S form, comes with lots of high-gloss black trim and big off-road-y skid plates, as well as massive dark-finished 20-inch alloys. The Edge also gets some interesting new high-tech bits including Ford Adaptive Steering, which optimises the steering response and makes Edge easier to manoeuvre by continually changing the steering ratio according to vehicle speed; Active Noise Cancellation, which directs sound waves through the audio system to enhance the overall engine sound and cabin ambiance; and Front Split View Camera, which makes restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces easier to negotiate. It will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe when it goes on sale later this year.
The Kuga and Mondeo were also shown in new range-topping Titanium S and Titanium X forms, with both cars getting ritzy extra equipment such as 19-inch alloys, active park assist, Sony DAB stereo and dynamic LED headlights. Apparently, buyers are keen to get more and more optional spec on their Fords, and hence why we'll see the new Vignale luxury sub-brand later this year too.
Then there were the Focus Red and Focus Black Editions, which have two-tone paint schemes and a styling kit with sports bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler, as well as 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels.
Painted either Race Red with black roof or Panther Black with red roof, both models feature contrasting colours for the mirrors, and the Black Edition features contrasting front bumper detail and grille surround. The contrasting theme is carried through the interior with a black painted centre stack; black leather sports steering wheel and gear lever gaiter with red stitching; black leather handbrake lever and gaiter with red stitching; black floor mats with red stitching; and Charcoal black sport seats with contrasting red stitching.
The new Focus models follow hot on the heels of the Fiesta Red Edition and Fiesta Black Edition that are available to buy now and share the same stunning two-tone looks. The Fiesta Red and Black Editions also feature a new 140hp version of the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine plus stiffer suspension, revised gear ratios and specially tuned steering.
"Ford at Geneva is presenting a mouth-watering line-up of vehicles that underlines our commitment to innovation through performance," said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company executive vice president and president Europe, Middle East and Africa. "It is through developing our performance cars that technologies become available through the wider range of Ford cars."
"We are also investing heavily in areas that will drive the Ford brand forwards in Europe including SUVs, and Vignale, as well as sport models," Farley added. "Ford will have the broadest possible line-up to provide solutions for every customer from mass to niche."