2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus

In a ocean of sensibly-sized and relatively fuel-efficient—however all rather humdrum—tiny cars, the 2012 Ford Focus has just a very little additional temperament.

That's what Ford would love us to think with its new Focus, yet here it's true. The new Focus not solely looks more flamboyant and refined inside and out; it is also a a lot of partaking drive than most alternative on-a-budget tiny sedans, and it offers some features that haven't up until now been offered during this category.

There's now not a Focus Coupe, but there are two beautiful body styles—a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback—from that to settle on. Both models have some nice creases and curves; and fortunately, Ford's saccharine chrome louvered grille, from many of its larger vehicles, hasn't been carried over here. Within, the planning is pleasingly complicated—incorporating a cockpit-like instrument panel arrangement, with a thick center stack, some nice surface sculpting, and vertically-oriented vents.

An all-new two.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine powers the whole Focus lineup for 2012. It makes 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque and comes paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic. You should rev the engine to access its perky facet, however the twin-clutch gearbox does a great job keeping the revs high and uninterrupted when you need it; there's additionally a Sport mode, or you'll be able to control shifts yourself with a very little +/- button on the side of the shift knob instead of paddle-shifters or a separate gate. Whereas the powertrain needs a little diligence, the ride-and-handling compromises are concerning the best it gets. The Focus handles also—or higher than—the foremost deft handler in the category, the Mazda3, with a suspension that does not crash and bang over rough transitions. Ford's electrical power steering system provides nice weighting and it performs well, providing precise management but not transmitting much feel of the road.

The Focus's inherent sportiness extends to its interior, that feels, in high Titanium trim (with upgraded sport seats), more like that of a sensible European sport-sedan cabin than an occasional-priced little automobile. The bottom seats within the 2012 Ford Focus are quite smart, with better support than those of most different affordable little cars. And whether or not you choose the sedan or hatchback, you revisit seat accommodations that are nearly the identical, with simply enough legroom and headroom to suit even those over six feet. With the leather upholstery, there's no skimping on appear and feel in back; you won't get mid-size comfort, however there's enough comfort back there for many six-footers.

Ford is giving shoppers a selection as to whether they need a basic tiny automotive or a a lot of more subtle one with all the options and choices of a bigger one. Prices on the Focus vary from $sixteen,995, as well as destination, for the base 2011 Ford Focus S, up to concerning $27k for a loaded Titanium. At the high of the road, the Titanium earns you MyFord Touch, an upgraded 10-speaker Sony sound system, HD Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio, sport seats, a sport suspension, and sport wheels with summer performance tires. A range of the Titanium's options—including the Sport package—are optional on the SEL.

One different section-exclusive feature that can be available in the Titanium is Active Park Assist—that is the system Ford has offered on many additional expensive models that basically permits the automobile to steer itself into a spot whereas you modulate the brake. In a city-savvy little automotive like the Focus—instead of one that's a lot of seemingly to be valet-parked—it finally makes sense.

 2012 Ford Focus

 2012 Ford Focus

 2012 Ford Focus

 2012 Ford Focus

 2012 Ford Focus

 2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus