By Damien Reid

Ford is the latest manufacturer to join the hybrid wagon with the development of a prototype electric-hydrogen car based on the top-selling Focus hatch.

The regular petrol-powered Focus is the European version of Ford's small car which will make its Australian debut before the end of the year to replace the outgoing Laser range.

Ford claims its latest hybrid electric technology combined with an advanced new fuel cell will create the most sophisticated and cleanest car in Ford's range producing zero emissions.

Like other hybrids, the Focus uses an electric motor to supplement power to a small capacity conventional engine - which in this case runs on hydrogen.

Instead of emitting regular exhaust fumes, the only by-products passing through the exhaust pipe in this car is air and water.

The European-designed and built Focus has been on Ford Australia's shopping list for some time and will be imported into Australia from the fourth quarter of this year.

"We've always said we would love to have the car in Australia if the figures stacked up and I'm glad to say we have been able to put together a solid business case for importing the vehicle," Ford Australia President, Geoff Polites said.

"Focus is a real driver's car, combining rally-bred driving dynamics with chic European styling," he said.

Focus will be sold in a range of three, four and five-door variants, from the entry level 1.8 litre CL to the sporty two-litre ST170 - due for release in 2003.

While the regular Focus will be in showrooms before Christmas, the hydrogen-hybrid version is still a developmental prototype only, but it clearly shows the ability to incorporate the new technology into an existing small-car platform.

Three engines across three body styles will be included in the Australian range with a 1.8-litre unit developing 85kW of power and four two-litre variants ranging in power from 85kW through to 127kW for the ST model.