Description

The Ford Focus is all-new for 2012, replacing the dated last-generation model. The new 2012 Focus touts improvements in performance, fuel economy, amenities, and styling over the old model. The 2012 Ford Focus has plenty of new features aside from the return of the hatchback body style. For starters, the Focus has an all-new 160-hp 2.0-liter I-4, which when attached to Ford's six-speed dual-clutch automatic, can get the Focus to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. That same engine and transmission combination can also return fuel economy ratings of 28-40 mpg city-highway on Focus SE sedans equipped with the $495 Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package that includes aerodynamic tidbits like unique wheels, and active grille shutters. The new Focus also ups the game inside. The new Focus sports a luxurious for-the-class interior, and offers tech goodies like MyFord Touch, Bluetooth, navigation, Sync, and even Active Park Assist that scans an open parking spot and automatically parallel parks the car with no input necessary from the driver other than shifting from drive to reverse. Body style: Five-door hatchback, four-door sedan Engine: 2.0L I-4 Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch automatic Models: Ford Focus S Sedan, Ford Focus SE Sedan, Ford Focus SE SFE Sedan, Ford Focus SE Hatch, Ford Focus SEL Sedan, Ford Focus SEL Hatch, Ford Focus Titanium Sedan, Ford Focus Titanium Hatch The Focus is all-new for 2012. Among the most notable new features on the new model are its SE Sport Package, Super Fuel Economy Package, and Titanium trim level, which was previously only available on the Flex crossover. Only available on the Focus SE sedan and hatch, the SE Sport Package adds sport seats, blacked out trim, 16-inch alloy wheels and (most importantly to enthusiasts) rear-disc brakes to the vehicle. The Super Fuel Economy Package is only available on the Focus SE sedan, and includes aerodynamic tidbits to allow the Focus to crack 40 mpg highway. The Titanium trim level is available in hatchback and sedan body styles, and includes luxury add-ons like unique 17-inch wheels, disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, as well as HD Radio and Sync. The 2012 Focus features European-inspired influences from Ford's Kinetic design language. The 2012 Focus is available as a five-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan; the coupe didn't survive the update. SE Sport models have unique wheels and piano-black trim pieces. SE SFE models feature unique aerodynamic wheels, and a rear spoiler. Titanium models come standard with 17-inch wheels in either hatch or sedan form. By all accounts the interior of the 2012 Focus is worlds better than its predecessor. In our First Drive of the Focus lineup, we found the Focus' interior comfortable all around, especially the front seats, which are easily the best seats in the segment, we wrote. They're simultaneously soft and comfortable for everyday driving, and supporting and well-bolstered for weekend shenanigans, though the seat bottoms are a bit narrow for the average American. We found the rear comfortable as well: Even the rears are a nice place to spend time, though a bit cramped because of the car's small footprint. The quality of materials all around is impressive for the class and the Focus is surprisingly quiet inside, even on rough pavement. The 2012 Focus outperforms its predecessor in just about every way. While 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque out of a 2.0-liter I-4 might not sound like much to the enthusiast, the reality is that the new four-banger provides plenty of get-up-and-go, allowing a 2012 Focus Titanium sedan we tested to take 8.3 seconds for the 0-60 mph run. The Focus is an adept handler too, especially when the sport suspension is selected on the options list. Braking is above-average for the segment, slowing the Focus to a stop from 60 mph in just 110 feet. Like many Fords, the Focus is loaded with safety equipment. All 2012 Focus sedans and hatchbacks come standard with traction and stability control (AdvanceTrac with ESC), ABS (anti-lock braking system), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), and LATCH systems. The Focus also comes with dual-stage first-row airbags, side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags. Ford also points out that 55 percent of the Focus' body shell is built from high-strength steels, including boron steel, which Ford says makes the car safer and lighter. Focus S Sedan: 26 mpg city-36 mpg highway (manual); 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway (automatic) Focus SE Sedan: 26 mpg city-36 mpg highway (manual); 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway (automatic) Focus SE SFE Sedan: 28 mpg city-40 mpg highway Focus SE Hatch: 26 mpg city-36 mpg highway (manual); 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway (automatic) Focus SEL Sedan: 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway Focus SEL Hatch: 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway Focus Titanium Sedan: 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway Focus Titanium Hatch: 28 mpg city-38 mpg highway All-new design Stylish in either body style Fuel economy Tech features Sporty demeanor PowerShift transmission needs fine tuning Cramped rear seat Can get pricey with options Plenty of flash, not enough substance Chevrolet Cruze Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra Subaru Impreza Volkswagen Golf