2012 FORD FOCUS
Ford’s widely popular compact Focus was originally launched in Europe in 1998 and the current model is the car’s third generation. At various times, the Focus models sold in North America and other markets around the world differed, but with the current generation - launched in 2011 - it’s truly a “world car” and you’ll see versions of them on several continents. The versatile Focus has been raced and rallied with great success in many countries, but it’s true role is as compact, practical, economical transportation.
The Focus is available as either a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan and each has its own personality. It’s good to have this choice, as several models in this class are only available as “one or the other.” My preference is for the hatchback, which is like a small wagon or SUV with the rear seats folded down, there’s so much space in there. The handsome sedan will please buyers who prefer that body style and perhaps like the security of a trunk, though load size is necessarily limited.
The Focus might just be the most stylish car in its class, and there’s some very hot competition there. The car is very sleek in either body style and there’s no sign of the “stubbiness” that used to characterize models in the compact class. The flared wheel arches are especially attractive and endow the Focus with a “performance” look. Both cars are easy to get in and out of, front and rear, which means a lot to people with small children, or to buyers in the “seniors” class who don’t like struggling in and out of vehicles with doors that don’t open wide enough or are too small. Ford seems to have thought of everybody, from young buyers to retirees.
The interior is very well laid out, as have so many Fords in recent years, and this one doesn’t seem like any kind of economy car at all once you climb inside. Ford recognizes the fact that many buyers are looking for a small luxury car and thus offer such goodies as leather seats and a navigation system (which has its content stored on a simple SD card like the one in your digital camera).
The Focus (depending which model you choose) can be fitted with the automaker’s MyFord Touch - a touch-screen system that deals with a multitude of tasks from music to mobile phones to navigation. The climate control aspect of this system allows you to store an often-used setting and recall it at a touch. Very nifty! MyFord Touch is being improved continually and more advancements were shown at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It’s great for owners to have an upgradable system that should never really go out of date as the march of technology goes on.
Apart from its wealth of electronic marvels, the cabin is nicely trimmed, comfortable and has great exterior visibility. There are four basic models - S, SE, SEL and Titanium in ascending order of luxury and equipment level. The basic Focus is an excellent car and has lots of worthwhile standard equipment and when you get to the Titanium, you’re really into a small luxury automobile. A wide range of safety equipment is included as standard.
For me, one of the most pleasant surprises with the Focus was the amazing quietness, refinement and responsiveness of its 2.0-litre, 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. I’ve never been quite so impressed with a 4-cylinder and to me it felt like many of the sixes I’ve tested over the years and better than some. Ford has certainly taken 4-cylinder engine design to a new level and you’ll now find powerplants like this in much bigger Fords like the Edge and even the roomy Explorer. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 6-speed automatic with SelectShift manual option. The basic S model is not available with SelectShift, but all the other variants are.
The Focus is a reflection, in many ways, of why Ford has been so successful in the marketplace in recent times. In an intensely competitive market segment populated by some very fine vehicles, the Focus stands out as among the very best. The 2012 model has a few upgrades on its spec sheet, but since this car was only launched last year, there won’t be any major changes for a few years yet - and it doesn’t need any!