2007 Ford Focus Coupe Convertible

Europeans get yet another cool Focus model that we Americans don't. This time, believe it or not, it's a hardtop convertible, and it's going on sale in Europe this summer. The handsome droptop is based on the same Ford global C1 platform that underpins the regular European Focus, the Mazda 3, the Volvo S40 and V40, and, yes, the new Volvo C70 hardtop convertible as well.

Ford sees it as a competitor to GM's new Opel Twin Top convertible and also to the new Volkswagen Eos hardtop convertible. All these vehicles compete in what is known across the Atlantic as the C-segment.

Ford will offer the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet with three engines: 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline units and a 2.0-liter diesel. The vehicle was developed in conjunction with the Italian firm Pininfarina, which not only designed its exterior but also is assembling the car at two plants near Turin.

Wouldn't it be great if Ford offered this car in the States? Since we don't even get the regular European Focus models, that's not gonna happen.