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JUBULENT Ford has launched the 2010 Taurus, winner of the International Car of the Year award at the recent LA Autoshow, in Bahrain and showroom staff members at Almoayyed Motors have already been inundated with enquires about the flagship sedan.
As others squirm over losses and vehicle recalls Ford has recently announced a profitable 2009 alongside market share growth in the US, Europe and here in the Middle East, despite the economic downturn.
"These are exciting times for Ford Motor Company both globally and regionally as we see the outcome of our transformation plan come to life through exciting new products and innovations that we are launching," said Theo Benson, marketing and product manager, Ford Middle East, during the car's launch at Bahrain City Centre.
"The all-new Taurus is not just another product that we're adding to the Ford line-up. It is a statement about Ford Motor Company as a whole, completely redefining expectations of what Taurus stands for and what Ford is capable of delivering in terms of quality, technologies, awesome head-turning design and fuel efficiency."
The Taurus comes standard with Ford's proven Duratic 3.5-litre V-6, generating net 263 hp and net 249 foot-pounds of torque. The award-winning engine comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.
GulfWeekly has had the chance to test drive the vehicle yet but Tom Wilson of MSN Autos gave it 9.2 marks out of 10 because 'Ford now sees sedans as a personal reward rather than as basic family transportation'.
This four door is 'stuffed full of electronic aids and convenience features', he added. "For example, auto-dimming outside mirrors, an exterior temperature display, a trip computer and a compass are all standard on the SEL, but that's just a warm-up. Options include Sync for hands-free communication, navigation and entertainment, plus radar-guided cruise control and reverse and blind spot warning systems (all rather handy).
"Keyless entry, keyless starting (via push button), cap-less fueling and a sophisticated valet control to limit speed and audio volume and to promote seat-belt use by teens are also available. Ford claims 10 of these features as class exclusives; 'there's no doubt the Taurus exceeds in features'."
Glowing praise indeed.
The Taurus is also equipped with a comprehensive package of active and passive safety features, all important when taking to the roads of Bahrain. They include dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags and a protection system that features side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.
Almaoyyed Motors feels it has a winner on its hands. General manager Venkatesh Goud said: "The new Taurus is a car that offers class-leading features, new technologies and craftsmanship that rivals premium-priced sedans. Its impressive set of standards and available technologies add convenience, connectivity, safety and unmatched value for customers."
The Taurus SEL is available for BD9,200. For further details contact Almoayyed Motors' Ford Showroom in Sitra on 17737373.
