Ford Sollers, Ford’s joint venture in Russia, has begun production of the facelifted Focus at the modernized Vsevolozhsk plant near St Petersburg, Russia.

The Focus is the fourth new Ford model to go into production at a Ford Sollers plant in Russia since the start of 2015 and will be built in three body styles for the local market: sedan, hatchback and wagon.

Produced at the Vsevolozhsk plant from 2002, the Focus was the first Ford model built in Russia in the modern era. The new model is tailored for the needs of the Russian market and specially-adapted for Russia’s cold winter climate and road conditions.

Ford says the new Focus has passed a series of complex tests on Russian roads with various surfaces, quality tests on the newest equipment, and has proven “completely capable of exceeding the harsh climatic conditions during the winter tests.”

The Ford Focus will be equipped with a special winter package, including an electric windshield defroster, electrically heated front and heated steering wheel. Furthermore, ground clearance for the Russian market has been raised up to 160mm (6.3in), but Ford says that doesn’t affect vehicle dynamics. The automaker also offers a 12-years perforation corrosion warranty in Russia.

The facelifted Focus is the first vehicle in the Russian Ford lineup to be equipped with the new 150hp 1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol engine. Prices for the local market will be announced on July 16.

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