The overdue redesigned Ford Focus compact is the type of practical small car you can rent in Europe and have fun driving on winding roads in various countries -- and then wonder why it isn't sold in America.
The Focus was first introduced here in 1999, with major design and engineering changes for 2005. The new Focus shares its front-drive layout with the 2007 model but has bolder styling, improved interior, crisper handling and new features. Also, a sporty coupe has been added as a companion to the four-door Focus sedan.
Styling of the European-style, Michigan-built Focus is influenced by Ford's successful larger Fusion model, with a prominent chrome-bar grille design, flared wheel arches and sweeping lines.
Fuel and temperature gauges are very small. But there are better-shaped seats and larger, somewhat more useful bins and cupholders in doors.
The more-efficient climate control system provides improved heating and cooling, and Ford has made the interior quieter with such items as a new acoustic windshield and thicker side glass. However, my test Focus had noticeable tire noise with the radio off.
The Focus comes in base S, mid-range SE and top-line SES trim levels in coupe and sedan form. I tested an SES coupe with an automatic transmission.
List prices start at $14,075 for the base S coupe with a manual transmission and go to $16,375 for the SES sedan with an automatic. All models can be had with either the manual or automatic.
Motivation comes from a 2-liter dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve engine. It produces 140 horsepower and lively acceleration, partly because Ford worked to keep down the weight of the solidly built Focus to 2,588 pounds for the coupe and to 2,623 pounds for the sedan. A comparably equipped 2007 Focus is about 100 pounds heavier.
One must hold the hood open with a prop because it has no hydraulic struts to keep it raised, but fluid filler areas can be easily reached.
An all-independent suspension provides better ride and handling, with new spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars and bushings. Models with 15-inch wheels get front stabilizer bars, while those with 16-inch wheels and more responsive Pirelli tires use front and rear stabilizer bars.
My test SES coupe with 16-inch wheels had quick, nicely weighted steering with the right amount of power assist and sharp handling. The ride was supple, although some expressway bumps definitely could be felt.
Focus brakes have been improved. But, while the front ones are discs, the rears are drums. The brake pedal allowed consistently smooth stops because it wasn't touchy or grabby.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard. A four-speed automatic is optional, although a more modern five-speed automatic would enhance performance and fuel economy. But the four-speed automatic is responsive, and a five-speed probably would increase the car's price. Transmissions have revised final-drive ratios for better highway fuel economy.
Both highway and city fuel economy is a strong Focus feature. The more-realistic 2008 EPA fuel economy numbers put the Focus at 24 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway with the manual transmission and 24 and 33 with the automatic.
There's good room for three tall adults, although a long-legged passenger behind a driver will find rather tight legroom. The coupe's doors are long and heavy. They open wide, but getting in and out of the rear seat calls for some athletic moves. The trunk holds plenty of items, and cargo room can be significantly increased by folding the split rear seatbacks forward.
There's a good amount of standard items, including newly standard air conditioning, front side impact air bags and side curtain air bags for outside seat positions, two-way adjustable manual front seats, tire pressure monitoring system, AM/FM stereo with single CD player and a new audio input jack for MP3 players.
Also standard: a rear defroster, manual-adjust side mirrors, tinted glass, two-way adjustable manual front seats, 60/40 split rear seat, visor mirrors and a tire inflation kit (a regular spare is optional).
The SE and SES add standard power side mirrors, windows and locks with remote keyless entry, although those features aren't offered for the base S model.
Options include the automatic transmission, upscale sound systems, anti-lock brakes, power sunroof, cruise control, four-way adjustable driver's seat and heated front leather-covered seats.
Ford is especially proud of the optional ($395) industry-exclusive Sync technology, developed with Microsoft. It's a voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the car using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.
Ford says Sync "seamlessly integrates the Focus with popular portable electronic devices and is updatable to support tomorrow's devices and services."
That seems like a nifty extra, but an ambient lighting system that lets Focus occupants "set the mood" inside the car with "subtle LED lighting" in cupholders and front/rear footwells seems rather odd. One can choose red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow by cycling through a dashboard switch.
I'd rather opt for the optional Deluxe Package for the SE series. It includes an enhanced "European-inspired" suspension with a rear stabilizer bar, 16-inch Euro flange wheels, metallic instrument panel applique, bright interior accents, performance instrument cluster, four-way adjustable driver's seat, fog lamps, heated side mirrors with chrome caps, chrome door handles and a chrome exhaust tip to cap things off.
The new Focus arrives just in time to fit nicely in the growing market for small, economical, competitively priced and refined economy cars.
2008 FORD FOCUS
PRICE: $14,075-$16,375.
LIKES: Bolder styling. Nicer interior. New coupe added. High fuel economy. Fairly roomy. Nice ride and handling. Solid.
DISLIKES: Long, heavy coupe doors. No five-speed automatic. Tire noise. Optional spare tire. |