Ford has given their 2008 Focus a new look inside and out, improved the ride characteristics and added the option of Sync, a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system.
Ford added a new coupe model this year and dropped the hatchback and wagon models. So, Focus is only offered as a sedan or coupe.
The Focus is not a completely new vehicle. I'll call it a mild revision. Still, Ford's exterior design team looked to the Fusion and borrowed its prominent chrome-bar grille, flared wheel arches and sporty stance.
The
2008 Ford Focus doesn't look like a smaller rendition of the Fusion, but it does look a bit more contemporary.
Inside, the feel is more comfortable and modern. I like the new display for the radio and clock. It's up at the top of the center stack at eye level.
I also enjoyed the new Ice Blue lighting on the instrument cluster, center console, steering wheel, and door switches. It's easy on the eyes when driving at night.
Adding to the appeal of the interior, the 2008 Focus includes an available color-configurable interior ambient lighting system. This system can change the light inside the cup holders and in the front and rear footwells. There are seven colors to choose from, including red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow.
The 2008 Ford Focus is available in three trim levels: S, SE, and SES. Pricing starts at $14,395 for the Coupe. The sedan is priced about $360 more. The base S model includes air conditioning, with options of cruise control and satellite radio.
The SE adds full power accessories, remote keyless entry, and a longer options list. The top-of-the-line SES, which is priced just below $17,000, adds 16-inch alloy wheels, Sync, electrochromic rearview mirror, and more. Niceties like heated leather seats are optional on the SES.
I found the cabin of my 2008 Ford Focus Coupe SES tester to be roomy and comfortable, especially up front. As you'd expect with a compact coupe, there wasn't much legroom in back, though.
Powering all Focus models is a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. There are a few more ponies from the 2.0 this year. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. My tester had the optional 4-speed automatic.
The optional 4-speed shifts smoothly and acceleration is okay. You won't get thrown back into your seat when pushing hard on the gas pedal, but Focus does provide adequate power for launch from a stop, and for merging onto a crowded highway.
I set the cruise in my Focus Coupe tester during my trip to Champaign and I was pleasantly surprised with the quiet cabin. Though, when I had to work the gas pedal, I did notice a slight bit of vibration in the pedal.
Still, my Focus tester delivered excellent fuel economy on the highway (nearly 35 miles per gallon) and provided a pleasing, well-mannered ride.
2008 Ford Focus Coupe SES
Engine: 2.0-liter (140 hp) I4
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive type: FWD
Fuel economy: 24 city/33 highway
Base price: $16,570
As tested: Not available
Web site: www.ford.com