Ford Focus
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The Ford Focus is available as a coupe or sedan. Both body styles are offered in base S, midlevel SE and top SES trim levels. Base models come with features like air-conditioning, tilt steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack for the stereo. Cruise control and satellite radio are on the options list.
Step up to the SE and many of those features are still optional. The SE comes with full power accessories, remote keyless entry and other options that are not available on the S. Equipment like Sync, an upgraded stereo with a six-CD changer, heated side mirrors, chrome exterior trim, faux-aluminum interior trim, an upgraded driver seat, customizable interior lighting and a leather-wrapped steering wheel all become available on the SE. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels are standard versus the S model’s steel wheels with wheel covers.
Top-of-the-line SES versions get 16-inch alloy wheels and upgraded tires as standard as well as adding front and rear stabilizer bars for improved handling. There’s no real sport package per se, but the SES is as close as you’ll find. This well-equipped Focus also comes standard with much of the SE’s optional equipment. Other options for the Focus, depending on the trim level, include leather seating, heated front seats and a sunroof.
Within its cabin, the Focus offers a reasonably attractive environment. Still, the Focus’ interior doesn’t quite measure up to those offered by some of its competitors, both in terms of materials quality and design aesthetic. One unique feature sets the car apart: Ford’s Sync system. Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, this system allows one to operate devices such as a cell phone, PDA and MP3 player via voice commands.
Though its handling isn’t as finely honed as that of the segment’s performance leaders, such as the Mazda 3, the Ford Focus offers a reasonably engaging driving experience. Additionally, fuel economy is excellent. Factor in its amenable price, and it becomes clear that the current Focus has much to offer in the area of value, if not refinement.
Just one engine is available in the Ford Focus for 2008. It’s a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder good for 140 horsepower. A cleaner version of that engine that earns PZEV tailpipe emissions certification is also available for California-emissions states. That engine makes 130 hp.
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The Ford Focus is like the prefect car – top of the class in every respect. The handling of the car shosw that it’s been swotting up on physics, and the reasonable pricing indicates that mathematics is a strong point. Moreover, the much-improved dashboard plastics demonstrate its aptitude to chemistry. It’s even good at sports – the ST sees to that. Unfortunately it is like the prefect in one other crucial aspect. Looking back, can you remember a prefect that wasn’t ugly?