COMPLAINTS from 'amply-sized' motorists have led Ford to specify extra-long seatbelts to its award-winning Focus range. And the company has told its dealers to make no charge for altering the webbing on existing versions of the car if customers complain that their belts are too tight to fasten.

The changes were ordered after people reported difficulties using both front and rear seatbelts in the Car of the Year. From late January production Ford added 150mm to the length of webbing at the front. Rear belts on all cars built from February 18 are also 130mm longer.