MM Review: 2012 Ford Focus
04-12-11, 04:02 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
MM Review: 2012 Ford Focus
By CL-member request, a Review of the 2012 Ford Focus.
http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/
http://assets.forddirect.fordvehicle...26C426FA26.pdf
IN A NUTSHELL: The American market, after many years of a ho-hum rental-grade Focus, finally gets a Euro-designed one.
I had to take a couple of weeks off of auto reviews, as they were impacting on my spare time, rest, energy level, and other things I need to get done, but now it's back to buisness again. My Fiat 500 and Dodge Durango R/T reviews are still on hold, as the R/T model has not been released in my area yet, and the closest Fiat dealership (Fiat calls them "studios") is almost 50 miles away (supposedly, the first Fiat shop in the country to open up). A Fiat shop just a few miles from my house was scheduled to open April 1, but seems to be still under construction. When it opens up, I'll do the Fiat 500.
I've also had requests from a couple of CL members for the new 2012 Ford Focus review on hold, as it had not yet been released in the D.C. area. But, last night, I made an Internet-scan of the inventory of some local Ford shops, and new Focuses seem to be arriving now, though not in great numbers. So, this morning, I woke up to heavy rain as a frontal system moved into the area, and figured I wouldn't be doing a review today. But, the skies cleared while I was doing my morning treadmill-excercise, the roads dried off, and I figured why not.....get the Focus review done today while some were available and in stock (with high gas prices, they are probably going to sell quickly). So, the weather held off just long enough for me to get the outdoor part of the review done......and then more clouds and sprinkles moved in.
The history of the Focus, in the American market, is a rather ho-hum one. The Focus replaced the former Ford Escort/Mercury Tracer twins, which, in many ways, were also ho-hum vehicles. Although attempts were made, once or twice, to produce reasonably sporty versons, for the most part they were rental-grade, basic-transportation vehicles and little else (partially, of course, reflecting their low prices). I have a couple of friends and neighbors who own older Focuses and are satisfied with them, but a car, to them, is Point-A to Point-B transportation and nothing else, as log as it's reliable. The Focus has generally been reliable, though the older Escorts and Mercury Tracers seemed to vary quite a bit......some were reliable, while others needed a lot of repairs. Ford's basic marketing practice, in the American market, was to sell rental-grade Focus models, while the European versions were much different, far more driver-oriented products....they often didn't even have the same body and chassis.
If Ford's marketing hype and some of the writings in the auto press are to be believed, though, all that is going to change now with the introduction of the 2012 model....the first time that we get a true Euro-developed Focus here in America. And the Focus, of course, follows on the heels of the introduction of its slightly-smaller brother Ford Fiesta.....another car that had a lot of marketing and press-hype. So, is there any truth to it? Well, based on what I saw at the D.C. Auto Show in January and my review experience today, yes there is....though some of the best and most interesting new Focus versions still, for whatever reason, seem to have been left in Europe (more on that just below). The 2012 Focus, especially with the steering/chassis, is a definite improvement over the old one, though I'm not terribly impressed with the new interior either (more on that below).
For the American market, two body-styles are offered for 2012.....a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. The hatchback, initially at least, seems to be more popular than the sedan....so much for the often-quoted axiom that hatchbacks don't sell in America. The full-wagon version, which is perhaps the most-verstile body-style of all, sadly, does not come Stateside (a marketing error, IMO). Neither does the spunky, agile 305 HP Turbo RS version which enthusiasts have been clamoring for (Ford had considered a U.S. Turbo version, and then cancelled it). A full, plug-in electric battery-powered model is in the works for the American market, but is not ready yet, and may (?) still be cancelled. Sedans come in S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels. 5-door Hatchbacks come in SE, SEL, and Titanium versions....there is no base S model (another marketing error, IMO). Still can't complain, though.....in some ways, the versions for 2012 which ARE offered here in the U.S. are still noticeably better than the old rental-grade Focus which, like the Chevy Cavalier and Dodge Caliber, was an embarassment to the company. All U.S.-market versions, for now, get an in-line, 2.0L 4 cylinder with 160 HP (159 in PZERO spec), and, depending on the model, a rather complex choice of 5-speed manual and Power-Shift or Select-Shift 6-speed transmissions...see the web site for details. http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/engine/. Base prices start at $16,995 for the S sedan and rise to $23,490 for a Titanium 5-door hatchback...rather pricey for a compact in this class.
The local Ford shop I chose had a few, but not many, new Focuses in stock.....mostly hatchback models, as dealers think they will outsell the sedans (and with the smaller Fiesta, that seemed to be the case). I looked over a black SE hatchback automatic model sitting in the showroom, and did the formal review on a Kona (Dark) Blue SE automatic hatchback sitting outside the front door. Both, overall, seemed to be well-built......but the one in the showroom had a minor quality-control defect with the rubber seal/weather-stripping on the drivers'-side B-pillar, which caused the drivers' door to bind somewhat against the rear door and give an audible rubber-squeak as it opened. Nobody at the shop seemed to have noticed it until I showed it to them....they indicated surprise. The SE hatchback sitting outside that I test-drove was a Power-Shift automatic (no Sport-manual-mode shifting) with a black cloth interior with contrasting seat-stripes.
So.........how much of the marketing hype can we believe? For that, read on.
MODEL REVIEWED: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback
BASE PRICE: $18,065
OPTIONS:
Rapid-Spec Package: $1385
Automatic Transmission: $1095
Rapid-Spec Savings (Credit) -$190
DESTINATION/FREIGHT: $725 (about average for a smaller car)
LIST PRICE AS REVIEWED: $21,080
EXTERIOR COLOR: Kona Blue
INTERIOR: Charcoal (Black) Cloth
DRIVETRAIN: FWD, Transverse-mounted 2.0L in-line 4, 160 HP @ 6500 RPM (159 for PZEV version), Torque 146 Ft-lbs. @ 4450 RPM, 6-speed Power-Shift automatic (Power-Shift means no Select-Shift manual mode)
EPA MILEAGE RATING: Varies widely by transmission and Select-Shift option....see website: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/engine/
My particular car's ratings were 28 City / 38 Highway
PLUSSES:
Finally.....an American-market Focus better than rental-grade.
40 MPG Highway mileage possible in some versions.
Relatively smooth, quiet dual-clutch automanual transmission.
Push-button Downhill-Descent-Mode for automatic transmisson.
Smooth, firm, almost BMW-feel electric power-steering.
Nice fore/aft transmission shifter with no annoying zig-zag.
Very quick steering response.
Generally good chassis engineering.
Superb, bright-color exterior paint choices.
10 total exterior colors offered....though not on every Focus model.
Excellent paint job.
Capless fuel-filler pipe.
Good, but not tank-solid, sheet metal/doors.
Convex, wide-range drivers-side mirror section extends vision.
Durable-feeling seat-fabric.
Numerous cubby-holes for storage.
Clear, easy-to-read primary gauges.
Nicely-padded upper-dash surface.
Superb steering-wheel alumunum-trim.
Nice (but not killer) stereo-sound quality.
Tilt/telescoping steering column even in SE model.
Relatively good front and rear headroom for tall persons.
Improving reliability of Ford products.
MINUSES:
Turbo RS model not available in the U.S.
Full-wagon version not available in the U.S.
Full-Electric model may (?) be coming, but not ready yet.
Needlessly-complex automatic-transmission specs.
SEL and Titanium models a little pricey for this class.
Adequate, but not powerhouse, engine.
Underhood layout could be better.
No manual Sport-Shift mode in the SE version's automatic.
Manual prop-rod for the hood.
No body-side mouldings.
Thin, cheap, flimsy silver-plastic bolt-on wheel-covers.
Overly-busy (IMO) center dash layout.
Flimsy-feeling, thin-plastic side-mirror housings.
Cheap-feeling, hard sun-visors.
Unimpressive silver-painted plastic center-dash-trim.
Some hard-to-reach manual-seat adjusters.
Front seat side-bolsters barely wide enough for large torsos/rumps.
Cheapish interior door-panel trim.
Complex stereo controls with Sync system.
Relatively tight rear-seat legroom.
Loose-feeling, cheapish climate-control *****.
Somewhat flimsy-feeling turn-signal stalk.
Temporary spare tire in trunk.
EXTERIOR:
As you first walk up to the new Focus, its relationship to the smaller Fiesta is obvious....the overall styling is basically similiar, though there are some subtle differences, particularly with the sedan. The sheet metal seems to be reasonably, though not tank-grade, solid, though the doors shut with more of a boom sound than a classic thunk. The gas filler-pipe has the unique Ford Capless refuelling system that does away with traditional twist-off gas caps (which, of course, often end up sitting on the gas pumps after the car gets mindlessly driven off). The paint job is quite good for a car in this class, and, like on the Fiesta, a nice array of bright-colors are offered, in addition to a few mortuary-shades. A total of 10 exterior colors are offered, which is remarkable not only for the compact-car-class, but when you consider that Hyundai only offers four colors on its flagship Equus.....a car that costs roughly three times as much. Unfortunately, though, not all Focus models have the choice of the same 10 colors.....again, check the web site for details. The drivers'-outside-mirror, like on the Fiesta, has a small, convex, wide-angle insert which is useful for extending vision for lane-changing.
There were things on the outside, though, that I felt needed improving. The twin mirror-housings, like on some older Ford products, have a thin, flimsy cheap-plastic feel to them and don't swivel and lock smoothly and slickly...you have to more-or-less yank them. There are no body-side mouldings for parking-lot protection, a victim of cost-cutting that more and more manufacturers are doing away with nowadays to save a piddling on each car. The stamped-steel wheels, on the S and SE models, have thin, cheap, silver-plastic bolt-on wheel covers (too thin, IMO).....upmarket models, of course, get alloy wheels.
UNDERHOOD:
Open the hood, and there is a nice insulation pad on the underside, but you must fumble with a manual prop-rod to hold it up instead of nice struts or springs....the hood-release latch itself can also be a little tricky. The basic underhood layout is not bad, with the transverse-mounted 2.0L four fitting in a little tight, but with room to reach things behind it, and no big plastic engine-cover to block upper-engine-component access. Too many things to the right of the engine, though, including the battery, are kept hidden under plastic covers, when they should be open and accessable. Fortunately, all the dipsticks, filler-caps, and fluid-reserviors are easily accessable.
INTERIOR:
I wasn't impessed at all with the ho-hum, drab-plastic interior of the old Focus, and, although are a few nice touches in the new one, I wasn't terribly impressed with it, either. I'll start, though, with what I consider the good features. There is adequate headroom for tall people up to my size (6" 2") both front and rear....though the rear is a little tighter than the front (my car did not have a headroom-robbing sunroof housing). The hardware/latches for the folding rear-seats seemed tank-solid. The stereo sound quality, though not a killer, was nice (good enough for James Brown and some classic Funk). The primary gauges were clear and easy-to-read. The black seat fabric, with contrasting stripes, looked and felt durable.The shift-lever for the transmission had a nice fore/aft motion, without (IMO) annoying zig-zags. The parking-brake lever, on the console, had a pleasant damped-feel to its motion. The steering wheel spokes had superb, shiny-metallic-aluminum trim on them that, unlike the cheap-looking painted-silver-plastic trim on the dash, looked and felt like real polished-aluminum......which would be unusual in a compact car of this class.
But the rest of the interior generally didn't impress me. The hard-surface sun visors looked and felt cheap. The front seat side-bolsters were just barely wide enough for large, heavy torsos and rumps like mine, and, if you weren't sitting in them exactly right, could press against you (perhaps not surprising, as the new Focus is Euro-designed, and people on their side of the Atlantic are often smaller than even average-sized Americans). The center-dash section, IMO (though, of course, this is subjective) is a little too cluttered and busy-looking, just like it is on the smaller Fiesta....and the cluster is about the same general shape as the Fiesta's. Legroom and footroom is rather tight in back, especially for long-legged people. The SYNC system, though admittedly popular with younger people, is somewhat complex and hard-to-use for my tastes. The stereo controls/buttons are a little on the complex side, too. The large, round climate-control ***** for adjusting fan-speed/temperature/mode, though not actually loose, felt a little cheap and unsubstantial. The interior door-panel trim was nothing to write home about......though a number of vehicles in this size/price class are similiar. And the headlight rotary-****, on the lower-left side of the dash, pivots downward at an odd angle. Overall, I think that GM did a substantially better job, in a number of ways, with the interior of the Focus's rival Chevrolet Cruze.
CARGO AREA/TRUNK:
Flip up the relatively solid-feeling rear hatch, and it opens up to a fairly well-finished cargo area, even though the materials used are not lavish. Though the lining used on the walls and trunk floor are not carpet, they still, IMO, had a pleasant feel to them. The trunk floor had a lining that was not carpeted, yet had a thick, soft feel. the walls had a somewhat hard surface that still felt pleasant. If the designers were trying to cost-cut here, they at least did it in a nice, well-done manner. The trunk space itself was fairly roomy for a car of this size, though it would be even roomier if the square-back Euro-Focus wagon were here instead of the angled-back hatchback. The rear seats fold down, of course, to extend the cargo space. My time away from reviews must be getting to me.....I forgot to check for a cargo-area pull-shade or cover. Under the trunk floor, of course, lies more cost-cutting....a temporary spare tire instead of a real one.
ON THE ROAD:
Start up the little 2.0L four with a conventional ignition key and switch (upmarket versions get a start-button), and the engine comes to life with a low but noticeable purr....it is not Lexus-quiet. It has enough torque (146 ft-lbs.) for everyday normal driving, particularly with a light load in the car, but is clearly no powerhouse (I can see why some enthusiasts want the Turbo Focus RS that we don't get). Give it some gas, though, and it has enough spunk to at least get out of its own way. The noise/exhaust level is audible, but not bad by compact-car standards.....you can't expect it to be tomb-quiet. And, unlike on the smaller Fiesta, the engine didn't seem to bog down under low-speed acceleration with what felt like a lean-fuel-mixture hesitation.
The 6-speed twin-clutch automated-manual transmission, unlike the one in the Fiesta I tried out, seemed smoother and quieter...it didn't have the rumbling sensations starting up from rest that the Fiesta did. As I mentioned above, there are several types of transmission-combinations depending on model.....lower-line versions like my SE get a "Power-Shift" twin-clutch automatic that does not have a Sport-shift feature, while upmarket SEL and Titanium versions get a "Select-Shift" 6-speed twin-clutch automated-manual with a manual sport-shift mode. Conventional 3-pedal manual transmissions, of course, are also available. I generally liked the transmission in my SE, despite the lack of sport-manual-mode.....it worked almost seamlessly, and also has a push-button on the side of the shift-lever that puts it in a Downhill-Descent-Mode with a green light on the dash. That, of course, locks out the higher gears for efficient engine-braking.
Now, we come to what is arguably the single largest difference between the old and new Focus....the steering/chassis engineering. Here, the new car, IMO, is head-and-shoulder above the old one.....and its Euro-design clearly shows. The electric power-steering unit, unlike the electric units in some vehicles which are overboosted, has a butter-smooth, firm-feel to it that is almost BMW-esque. Steering response is very quick by sedan standards, almost to sports-car levels, though there is some body roll with it. Ride quality is generally firm (firmer than I like), but not enough to be uncomfortable...overall, it is a very good combination of ride and handling. Road/tire and wind noise levels on most pavement surfaces were OK, and not bad by compact-car standards. And the brakes were generally smooth, linear, and effective, though the brake pedal itself was not in an ideal location to prevent my big size-15 clown-shoe from snagging it a little going from gas-pedal to brake (still not enough so to list as a complaint).
THE VERDICT:
Overall, in interesting new compact, and a significant addition to Ford's U.S.-market family, though the interior, IMO, could use some improvement if it wants to compete better with the new Chevy Cruze. And the product-planners, IMO, should seriously consider bringing over the full-wagon version from Europe, with its even roomier and more efficient cargo-area. Perhaps the reason why we're not getting the wagon here is that it might (?) conflict with the new C-Max mini-mini-van/wagon that Ford plans to introduce here next year. I know that enthusiasts want the Turbo RS model here (and I understand why), but I can also understand why Ford is hesitant to do it....it is basically a niche vehicle that would go up against the Subaru WRX/STi, Mitsubishi Evo/Ralliart, and VW GTI/R32, and those vehicles (including the discontinued R32) already have that low-volume market covered. In fact, the Evo itself may not be around much longer.
Still, interior flaws or not, I have little doubt that this new Focus will do very well in the marketplace. Though the ride-comfort is just a little stiffer than I like, I was quite pleased with the new steering/chassis engineering and ride/handling balance....almost a mini-BMW. Lower-line versions are reasonably-priced, though the SEL and Titanium models can get a little pricey for this class. Though it is currently a new and untested vehicle in the long-term, reliability of most recent Ford products has generally been good...and is improving. And its good gas-mileage ratings (up to 40 MPG in some versions) will help sell it in this era of Empty-Your-Wallet gas prices. That, of course, will be even more so if the full-electric, plug-in version arrives that uses no gas at all. The Ford people at the dealership, today, said that the full-electric model is not a given yet (it could still be cancelled) but is likely.
And, as always, happy car-shopping.
MM
http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/
http://assets.forddirect.fordvehicle...26C426FA26.pdf
IN A NUTSHELL: The American market, after many years of a ho-hum rental-grade Focus, finally gets a Euro-designed one.
I had to take a couple of weeks off of auto reviews, as they were impacting on my spare time, rest, energy level, and other things I need to get done, but now it's back to buisness again. My Fiat 500 and Dodge Durango R/T reviews are still on hold, as the R/T model has not been released in my area yet, and the closest Fiat dealership (Fiat calls them "studios") is almost 50 miles away (supposedly, the first Fiat shop in the country to open up). A Fiat shop just a few miles from my house was scheduled to open April 1, but seems to be still under construction. When it opens up, I'll do the Fiat 500.
I've also had requests from a couple of CL members for the new 2012 Ford Focus review on hold, as it had not yet been released in the D.C. area. But, last night, I made an Internet-scan of the inventory of some local Ford shops, and new Focuses seem to be arriving now, though not in great numbers. So, this morning, I woke up to heavy rain as a frontal system moved into the area, and figured I wouldn't be doing a review today. But, the skies cleared while I was doing my morning treadmill-excercise, the roads dried off, and I figured why not.....get the Focus review done today while some were available and in stock (with high gas prices, they are probably going to sell quickly). So, the weather held off just long enough for me to get the outdoor part of the review done......and then more clouds and sprinkles moved in.
The history of the Focus, in the American market, is a rather ho-hum one. The Focus replaced the former Ford Escort/Mercury Tracer twins, which, in many ways, were also ho-hum vehicles. Although attempts were made, once or twice, to produce reasonably sporty versons, for the most part they were rental-grade, basic-transportation vehicles and little else (partially, of course, reflecting their low prices). I have a couple of friends and neighbors who own older Focuses and are satisfied with them, but a car, to them, is Point-A to Point-B transportation and nothing else, as log as it's reliable. The Focus has generally been reliable, though the older Escorts and Mercury Tracers seemed to vary quite a bit......some were reliable, while others needed a lot of repairs. Ford's basic marketing practice, in the American market, was to sell rental-grade Focus models, while the European versions were much different, far more driver-oriented products....they often didn't even have the same body and chassis.
If Ford's marketing hype and some of the writings in the auto press are to be believed, though, all that is going to change now with the introduction of the 2012 model....the first time that we get a true Euro-developed Focus here in America. And the Focus, of course, follows on the heels of the introduction of its slightly-smaller brother Ford Fiesta.....another car that had a lot of marketing and press-hype. So, is there any truth to it? Well, based on what I saw at the D.C. Auto Show in January and my review experience today, yes there is....though some of the best and most interesting new Focus versions still, for whatever reason, seem to have been left in Europe (more on that just below). The 2012 Focus, especially with the steering/chassis, is a definite improvement over the old one, though I'm not terribly impressed with the new interior either (more on that below).
For the American market, two body-styles are offered for 2012.....a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. The hatchback, initially at least, seems to be more popular than the sedan....so much for the often-quoted axiom that hatchbacks don't sell in America. The full-wagon version, which is perhaps the most-verstile body-style of all, sadly, does not come Stateside (a marketing error, IMO). Neither does the spunky, agile 305 HP Turbo RS version which enthusiasts have been clamoring for (Ford had considered a U.S. Turbo version, and then cancelled it). A full, plug-in electric battery-powered model is in the works for the American market, but is not ready yet, and may (?) still be cancelled. Sedans come in S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels. 5-door Hatchbacks come in SE, SEL, and Titanium versions....there is no base S model (another marketing error, IMO). Still can't complain, though.....in some ways, the versions for 2012 which ARE offered here in the U.S. are still noticeably better than the old rental-grade Focus which, like the Chevy Cavalier and Dodge Caliber, was an embarassment to the company. All U.S.-market versions, for now, get an in-line, 2.0L 4 cylinder with 160 HP (159 in PZERO spec), and, depending on the model, a rather complex choice of 5-speed manual and Power-Shift or Select-Shift 6-speed transmissions...see the web site for details. http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/engine/. Base prices start at $16,995 for the S sedan and rise to $23,490 for a Titanium 5-door hatchback...rather pricey for a compact in this class.
The local Ford shop I chose had a few, but not many, new Focuses in stock.....mostly hatchback models, as dealers think they will outsell the sedans (and with the smaller Fiesta, that seemed to be the case). I looked over a black SE hatchback automatic model sitting in the showroom, and did the formal review on a Kona (Dark) Blue SE automatic hatchback sitting outside the front door. Both, overall, seemed to be well-built......but the one in the showroom had a minor quality-control defect with the rubber seal/weather-stripping on the drivers'-side B-pillar, which caused the drivers' door to bind somewhat against the rear door and give an audible rubber-squeak as it opened. Nobody at the shop seemed to have noticed it until I showed it to them....they indicated surprise. The SE hatchback sitting outside that I test-drove was a Power-Shift automatic (no Sport-manual-mode shifting) with a black cloth interior with contrasting seat-stripes.
So.........how much of the marketing hype can we believe? For that, read on.
MODEL REVIEWED: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback
BASE PRICE: $18,065
OPTIONS:
Rapid-Spec Package: $1385
Automatic Transmission: $1095
Rapid-Spec Savings (Credit) -$190
DESTINATION/FREIGHT: $725 (about average for a smaller car)
LIST PRICE AS REVIEWED: $21,080
EXTERIOR COLOR: Kona Blue
INTERIOR: Charcoal (Black) Cloth
DRIVETRAIN: FWD, Transverse-mounted 2.0L in-line 4, 160 HP @ 6500 RPM (159 for PZEV version), Torque 146 Ft-lbs. @ 4450 RPM, 6-speed Power-Shift automatic (Power-Shift means no Select-Shift manual mode)
EPA MILEAGE RATING: Varies widely by transmission and Select-Shift option....see website: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/specifications/engine/
My particular car's ratings were 28 City / 38 Highway
PLUSSES:
Finally.....an American-market Focus better than rental-grade.
40 MPG Highway mileage possible in some versions.
Relatively smooth, quiet dual-clutch automanual transmission.
Push-button Downhill-Descent-Mode for automatic transmisson.
Smooth, firm, almost BMW-feel electric power-steering.
Nice fore/aft transmission shifter with no annoying zig-zag.
Very quick steering response.
Generally good chassis engineering.
Superb, bright-color exterior paint choices.
10 total exterior colors offered....though not on every Focus model.
Excellent paint job.
Capless fuel-filler pipe.
Good, but not tank-solid, sheet metal/doors.
Convex, wide-range drivers-side mirror section extends vision.
Durable-feeling seat-fabric.
Numerous cubby-holes for storage.
Clear, easy-to-read primary gauges.
Nicely-padded upper-dash surface.
Superb steering-wheel alumunum-trim.
Nice (but not killer) stereo-sound quality.
Tilt/telescoping steering column even in SE model.
Relatively good front and rear headroom for tall persons.
Improving reliability of Ford products.
MINUSES:
Turbo RS model not available in the U.S.
Full-wagon version not available in the U.S.
Full-Electric model may (?) be coming, but not ready yet.
Needlessly-complex automatic-transmission specs.
SEL and Titanium models a little pricey for this class.
Adequate, but not powerhouse, engine.
Underhood layout could be better.
No manual Sport-Shift mode in the SE version's automatic.
Manual prop-rod for the hood.
No body-side mouldings.
Thin, cheap, flimsy silver-plastic bolt-on wheel-covers.
Overly-busy (IMO) center dash layout.
Flimsy-feeling, thin-plastic side-mirror housings.
Cheap-feeling, hard sun-visors.
Unimpressive silver-painted plastic center-dash-trim.
Some hard-to-reach manual-seat adjusters.
Front seat side-bolsters barely wide enough for large torsos/rumps.
Cheapish interior door-panel trim.
Complex stereo controls with Sync system.
Relatively tight rear-seat legroom.
Loose-feeling, cheapish climate-control *****.
Somewhat flimsy-feeling turn-signal stalk.
Temporary spare tire in trunk.
EXTERIOR:
As you first walk up to the new Focus, its relationship to the smaller Fiesta is obvious....the overall styling is basically similiar, though there are some subtle differences, particularly with the sedan. The sheet metal seems to be reasonably, though not tank-grade, solid, though the doors shut with more of a boom sound than a classic thunk. The gas filler-pipe has the unique Ford Capless refuelling system that does away with traditional twist-off gas caps (which, of course, often end up sitting on the gas pumps after the car gets mindlessly driven off). The paint job is quite good for a car in this class, and, like on the Fiesta, a nice array of bright-colors are offered, in addition to a few mortuary-shades. A total of 10 exterior colors are offered, which is remarkable not only for the compact-car-class, but when you consider that Hyundai only offers four colors on its flagship Equus.....a car that costs roughly three times as much. Unfortunately, though, not all Focus models have the choice of the same 10 colors.....again, check the web site for details. The drivers'-outside-mirror, like on the Fiesta, has a small, convex, wide-angle insert which is useful for extending vision for lane-changing.
There were things on the outside, though, that I felt needed improving. The twin mirror-housings, like on some older Ford products, have a thin, flimsy cheap-plastic feel to them and don't swivel and lock smoothly and slickly...you have to more-or-less yank them. There are no body-side mouldings for parking-lot protection, a victim of cost-cutting that more and more manufacturers are doing away with nowadays to save a piddling on each car. The stamped-steel wheels, on the S and SE models, have thin, cheap, silver-plastic bolt-on wheel covers (too thin, IMO).....upmarket models, of course, get alloy wheels.
UNDERHOOD:
Open the hood, and there is a nice insulation pad on the underside, but you must fumble with a manual prop-rod to hold it up instead of nice struts or springs....the hood-release latch itself can also be a little tricky. The basic underhood layout is not bad, with the transverse-mounted 2.0L four fitting in a little tight, but with room to reach things behind it, and no big plastic engine-cover to block upper-engine-component access. Too many things to the right of the engine, though, including the battery, are kept hidden under plastic covers, when they should be open and accessable. Fortunately, all the dipsticks, filler-caps, and fluid-reserviors are easily accessable.
INTERIOR:
I wasn't impessed at all with the ho-hum, drab-plastic interior of the old Focus, and, although are a few nice touches in the new one, I wasn't terribly impressed with it, either. I'll start, though, with what I consider the good features. There is adequate headroom for tall people up to my size (6" 2") both front and rear....though the rear is a little tighter than the front (my car did not have a headroom-robbing sunroof housing). The hardware/latches for the folding rear-seats seemed tank-solid. The stereo sound quality, though not a killer, was nice (good enough for James Brown and some classic Funk). The primary gauges were clear and easy-to-read. The black seat fabric, with contrasting stripes, looked and felt durable.The shift-lever for the transmission had a nice fore/aft motion, without (IMO) annoying zig-zags. The parking-brake lever, on the console, had a pleasant damped-feel to its motion. The steering wheel spokes had superb, shiny-metallic-aluminum trim on them that, unlike the cheap-looking painted-silver-plastic trim on the dash, looked and felt like real polished-aluminum......which would be unusual in a compact car of this class.
But the rest of the interior generally didn't impress me. The hard-surface sun visors looked and felt cheap. The front seat side-bolsters were just barely wide enough for large, heavy torsos and rumps like mine, and, if you weren't sitting in them exactly right, could press against you (perhaps not surprising, as the new Focus is Euro-designed, and people on their side of the Atlantic are often smaller than even average-sized Americans). The center-dash section, IMO (though, of course, this is subjective) is a little too cluttered and busy-looking, just like it is on the smaller Fiesta....and the cluster is about the same general shape as the Fiesta's. Legroom and footroom is rather tight in back, especially for long-legged people. The SYNC system, though admittedly popular with younger people, is somewhat complex and hard-to-use for my tastes. The stereo controls/buttons are a little on the complex side, too. The large, round climate-control ***** for adjusting fan-speed/temperature/mode, though not actually loose, felt a little cheap and unsubstantial. The interior door-panel trim was nothing to write home about......though a number of vehicles in this size/price class are similiar. And the headlight rotary-****, on the lower-left side of the dash, pivots downward at an odd angle. Overall, I think that GM did a substantially better job, in a number of ways, with the interior of the Focus's rival Chevrolet Cruze.
CARGO AREA/TRUNK:
Flip up the relatively solid-feeling rear hatch, and it opens up to a fairly well-finished cargo area, even though the materials used are not lavish. Though the lining used on the walls and trunk floor are not carpet, they still, IMO, had a pleasant feel to them. The trunk floor had a lining that was not carpeted, yet had a thick, soft feel. the walls had a somewhat hard surface that still felt pleasant. If the designers were trying to cost-cut here, they at least did it in a nice, well-done manner. The trunk space itself was fairly roomy for a car of this size, though it would be even roomier if the square-back Euro-Focus wagon were here instead of the angled-back hatchback. The rear seats fold down, of course, to extend the cargo space. My time away from reviews must be getting to me.....I forgot to check for a cargo-area pull-shade or cover. Under the trunk floor, of course, lies more cost-cutting....a temporary spare tire instead of a real one.
ON THE ROAD:
Start up the little 2.0L four with a conventional ignition key and switch (upmarket versions get a start-button), and the engine comes to life with a low but noticeable purr....it is not Lexus-quiet. It has enough torque (146 ft-lbs.) for everyday normal driving, particularly with a light load in the car, but is clearly no powerhouse (I can see why some enthusiasts want the Turbo Focus RS that we don't get). Give it some gas, though, and it has enough spunk to at least get out of its own way. The noise/exhaust level is audible, but not bad by compact-car standards.....you can't expect it to be tomb-quiet. And, unlike on the smaller Fiesta, the engine didn't seem to bog down under low-speed acceleration with what felt like a lean-fuel-mixture hesitation.
The 6-speed twin-clutch automated-manual transmission, unlike the one in the Fiesta I tried out, seemed smoother and quieter...it didn't have the rumbling sensations starting up from rest that the Fiesta did. As I mentioned above, there are several types of transmission-combinations depending on model.....lower-line versions like my SE get a "Power-Shift" twin-clutch automatic that does not have a Sport-shift feature, while upmarket SEL and Titanium versions get a "Select-Shift" 6-speed twin-clutch automated-manual with a manual sport-shift mode. Conventional 3-pedal manual transmissions, of course, are also available. I generally liked the transmission in my SE, despite the lack of sport-manual-mode.....it worked almost seamlessly, and also has a push-button on the side of the shift-lever that puts it in a Downhill-Descent-Mode with a green light on the dash. That, of course, locks out the higher gears for efficient engine-braking.
Now, we come to what is arguably the single largest difference between the old and new Focus....the steering/chassis engineering. Here, the new car, IMO, is head-and-shoulder above the old one.....and its Euro-design clearly shows. The electric power-steering unit, unlike the electric units in some vehicles which are overboosted, has a butter-smooth, firm-feel to it that is almost BMW-esque. Steering response is very quick by sedan standards, almost to sports-car levels, though there is some body roll with it. Ride quality is generally firm (firmer than I like), but not enough to be uncomfortable...overall, it is a very good combination of ride and handling. Road/tire and wind noise levels on most pavement surfaces were OK, and not bad by compact-car standards. And the brakes were generally smooth, linear, and effective, though the brake pedal itself was not in an ideal location to prevent my big size-15 clown-shoe from snagging it a little going from gas-pedal to brake (still not enough so to list as a complaint).
THE VERDICT:
Overall, in interesting new compact, and a significant addition to Ford's U.S.-market family, though the interior, IMO, could use some improvement if it wants to compete better with the new Chevy Cruze. And the product-planners, IMO, should seriously consider bringing over the full-wagon version from Europe, with its even roomier and more efficient cargo-area. Perhaps the reason why we're not getting the wagon here is that it might (?) conflict with the new C-Max mini-mini-van/wagon that Ford plans to introduce here next year. I know that enthusiasts want the Turbo RS model here (and I understand why), but I can also understand why Ford is hesitant to do it....it is basically a niche vehicle that would go up against the Subaru WRX/STi, Mitsubishi Evo/Ralliart, and VW GTI/R32, and those vehicles (including the discontinued R32) already have that low-volume market covered. In fact, the Evo itself may not be around much longer.
Still, interior flaws or not, I have little doubt that this new Focus will do very well in the marketplace. Though the ride-comfort is just a little stiffer than I like, I was quite pleased with the new steering/chassis engineering and ride/handling balance....almost a mini-BMW. Lower-line versions are reasonably-priced, though the SEL and Titanium models can get a little pricey for this class. Though it is currently a new and untested vehicle in the long-term, reliability of most recent Ford products has generally been good...and is improving. And its good gas-mileage ratings (up to 40 MPG in some versions) will help sell it in this era of Empty-Your-Wallet gas prices. That, of course, will be even more so if the full-electric, plug-in version arrives that uses no gas at all. The Ford people at the dealership, today, said that the full-electric model is not a given yet (it could still be cancelled) but is likely.
And, as always, happy car-shopping.
MM
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-12-11 at 05:00 PM.
04-12-11, 04:12 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
Mike - Nice concise introduction to the all new Ford Focus.
What's your take on the refinement (NHV) of the new 4 cylinder engine in this car? Were you able to run the car into the upper ranges of powerband to get an idea?
What's your take on the refinement (NHV) of the new 4 cylinder engine in this car? Were you able to run the car into the upper ranges of powerband to get an idea?
04-12-11, 04:15 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
I have been interested in this new focus. Finally the American consumers can get a Euro quality focus. The Europeans love the Focus. We should too
04-12-11, 04:16 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks.
As usual, it was a brand-new engine, so I didn't take it over 4500. It was not bad for a non-Toyota/Honda in-line four (Toyota/Honda fours are usually the smoothest).
What's your take on the refinement (NHV) of the new 4 cylinder engine in this car? Were you able to run the car into the upper ranges of powerband to get an idea?
04-12-11, 04:18 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Thanks for the time and effort. Awesome write up. I don't know if many people realize how much time and effort goes into a write up as encompassing as your usually are. Thanks again buddy
04-12-11, 04:28 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Note: Remember what we have learned about breaking-in engines (in this decade), since they are already broken in upon delivery. You can easily run it within 500-1000 rpm of redline without ill effect. These demo cars will take plenty more abuse than that before they are retired from the fleet. Cars like this are low-powered and so the NVH thoughout the entire powerband is important to even the most passive drivers (because the entire powerband is used more often than in a higher powered vehicle just dealing with modern/brisk traffic).
Thanks for the input.
04-12-11, 04:41 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Note: Remember what we have learned about breaking-in engines (in this decade), since they are already broken in upon delivery. You can easily run it within 500-1000 rpm of redline without ill effect.
Thanks for the input.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-12-11 at 04:45 PM.
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04-12-11, 04:44 PM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
04-12-11, 04:49 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Although it is interesting, for the purposes of test drives, running 0-30, 0-60, 0-90 and quarter miles at redline is really not necessary, practical or applicable.
04-12-11, 05:06 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
As far as I know, not in the Focus line itself (even the high-zoot Turbo RS version is FWD). But, indirectly, yes.....you yourself were one of the few CL members to point out that the new Focus platform will also give us the new AWD Escape/Vertex. I look forward to seeing that myself....it will probably be a good Subaru competitor.
04-12-11, 05:20 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
As far as I know, not in the Focus line itself (even the high-zoot Turbo RS version is FWD). But, indirectly, yes.....you yourself were one of the few CL members to point out that the new Focus platform will also give us the new AWD Escape/Vertex. I look forward to seeing that myself....it will probably be a good Subaru competitor.
IMO the Escape/Vertrek/Kuga will be entering a small SUV market that will have above average growth in US.
04-12-11, 07:15 PM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
One thing I forgot to mention in the review is the optional Parking-Technology package, which includes Park-Assist like on the Lexus LS460. It automatically paralell-parks for you, but the web site is unclear just which Focus models it can be ordered on. (my car, of course, did not have it)
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-12-11 at 07:32 PM.
