No cover extension with new Focus?

HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries

From JB: I recently bought a Ford Focus 1.6-litre Titanium and it comes with two years’ warranty and Ford Assistance cover. In the service booklet it states that every time your new Focus is serviced by a Ford service agent your Ford Assistance cover will be extended by 12 months for up to nine years or 150,000km. However, when I contacted Ford they suggested it was not applicable to Ireland. This, however, was not stated on the service book, which carried the address of Ford Ireland. Also, the car I got was not fitted with Stop/Start, which the brochure stated was a standard feature.

Ford tells us that they regret the experience you had when buying your new car. In relation to Ford Assistance cover, “this is a change to our service offering that we are planning to offer to Irish customers but the product is not ready to be rolled out just yet. We envisage this extended Ford Assistance cover for customers who have their cars serviced at an approved Ford dealership will be available to Irish customers early in 2012”. In terms of your cover, they say that upon completion of your initial two-year cover, similar to all Ford customers who have their cars serviced at a Ford dealer, you will automatically benefit from the new extended Ford Assistance cover. So long as you get your car serviced at Ford dealers you can expect cover for up to nine years or 150,000km.

In relation to Stop/Start, Ford says it regrets you were provided with incorrect information. It was planned that the Focus would have Stop/Start as standard and the brochures were printed with that information. When the car first went on sale in Ireland it did have Stop/Start as standard. But at the end of the launch phase, a specification change was made and it was no longer offered as standard, but as a €300 option. There is a proviso in brochures stating: “Ford policy is one of continuous product development. The right is reserved to change specifications, colours and prices of the models at any time.”

The firm said it is advising its dealers to bring this change to the notice of prospective customers. As you were mistakenly informed about the Stop/Start function, they will be contacting you to offer an extended warranty on your car.

From AQ: I have an 11-year-old Mitsubishi Colt in great condition and I was loathe to send it to the crusher as part of the scrappage deal but realise that over the next few years I will have to find a replacement. The problem is with what? I love the design and shape of my Colt but the boxy newer version looks awful. Are there plans to rectify this? Failing that, have you other suggestions?

Designers seem to be fixated with the idea that bigger is better with interior space and that means high-roofed boxy cars. Things are improving, however, and although design is very personal I would suggest while you wait for Mitsubishi to get their styling sorted, you might consider something like the Fiat 500, Opel Corsa or Alfa Romeo MiTo.

Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times,Tara Street, Dublin 2, or e-mail motorshelp@irishtimes.com