A Small Sedan Gets Even Better: The 2012 Ford Focus

For a number of years, the Ford Focus has chugged along as a solid compact, a place in the car industry in which American models hadn’t really gained a lot of footing.

But with its 2012 model, Ford elevates the Focus to a point of leadership in this segment, which is growing ever more important.

 

The Focus has received a redesign that gives it sharper styling and takes it even farther from that “econobox” look.

 

The new model is more closely based on the European version that has been quite popular.

 

The Focus comes as a sedan or hatchback, and now has a sporty, bold design that gives it more panache than is normally found in an affordable compact.

 

In addition to looking bold, the Focus backs that appearance up with solid performance. The new engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 160 horsepower and 146 pounds-feet of torque. That puts it atop a category that features the venerable Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

 

Ford has taken great strides in recent years when it comes to fuel efficiency and the new Focus upholds that trend nicely. The Focus boasts EPA mileage figures of 27 mpg in the city and 37 highway with the automatic transmission and 26/36 for the manual tranny. If you want to max out the fuel economy, try the Focus SE SFE, which gets 40 mpg on the highway because of its aerodynamic design and high-efficiency tires.

 

The interior styling of the Focus supports its new exterior design. Quality materials and an abundance of technology that serves many functions are the highlights.

 

Ford’s SYNC system allows the driver to manipulate the car with voice commands, and the MyFord Touch technology has an eight-inch touchscreen on the center console and a customizable LCD display in the instrument panel. Buttons on the steering offer convenient control over these features.

 

 

Ford’s array of standard and available features includes remote start, navigation system, backup camera and moonroof. The automaker says a self-park system will be available later this year.

 

For 2012, the Focus introduces new airbag technology that aims to prevent chest and rib injuries. Antilock brakes, traction control, and an electronic stability all come standard.

The Focus has a price range of around $17,000 to close to $23,000.

 

With great fuel economy, the latest technology and an appealing new design, Ford has moved the Focus substantially forward.