Monday, November 2, 2009

Ford's Focus Shows Why the Blue Oval is Back


The 2010 Ford Focus is better than ever, with new features that make the car a compelling value and the outstanding fuel economy extending that value by allowing you to visit the gas pump infrequently.
The Focus comes in six models - two coupe models and four sedans, including the Coupe SE and SES and the Sedan S, SE, SES and SEL models.
If you seek a few more amenities, try the Moon & Tune Package, which features a power moonroof and premium sound system with eight speakers and was included on our tester.
The Focus seats five and has a customizable interior that ranges from cloth seats to upgraded leather trimmed seats. The instrument panel is very sharp and clean and lights up with ice blue backlighting.
Standard on the SES and available on the SE models is Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC technology, a fully integrated in-vehicle, voice activated communications and entertainment system that allows people to use their Bluetooth enabled digital media players and cell phones.
The Focus has a front and rear fascia design that is reflective of Ford's new commitment to getting away from its previously functional but dull styling trends.

The Focus, just like its Fusion and Taurus siblings, is much sportier now.

The Focus SES series now features a new roof-line spoiler and 17" aluminum wheels.
The Focus utilizes a 2.0L Duratec I4 engine that when combined with the 5-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA fuel economy rating of 24 city / 35 highway mpg. Also available for the Focus is a 4-speed automatic transmission with an estimated 24 city / 33 highway mpg rating.
Ford says the Focus SES Coupe delivers a throatier sound and more horsepower thanks to its new sport-tuned exhaust.
We'd love to give that a try.

Standard safety features on the Focus are antilock brakes and electronic stability system, as well as dual stage driver and front passenger air bags, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for first and second row, LATCH anchor system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, front row passenger occupant classification system, remote keyless entry and SecuriLock antitheft system.
Increased horsepower on 5-speed manual versions and quicker acceleration - thanks to a new final drive ratio on models with four-speed automatic transmissions - allows increased power without compromising the 35-miles-per-gallon fuel economy rating.

But in addition to not having to pay a lot at the pump, you also won't have to pay a lot at the dealership.

The Focus ranges in price from around $16,000 to just under $18,500.

The blue oval brand is on a roll right now - in better shape by far than its two U.S. rivals. You've got to give Ford credit for focusing (no pun intended) on delivering quality vehicles.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey -- This is a really great story about a great car. The Focus has been overlooked for too long. Kudos to you for shining light on it.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if it's as good as the Chevy Cobalt? I love that car