2012 Ford Focus Review

Overview

Ford has completely redesigned its small car Focus for the year 2012. The all-new 2012 Ford Focus, available as a four-door sedan or a hatchback, is a visual treat with unique front features and intriguing interior amenities. The new four-cylinder engine is more fuel efficient while the suspension system offers a refined ride. There are four trim levels - S, SE, SEL and Titanium ? available.

Power and performance

The 2012 Focus has an advanced and completely new 2.0- liter gasoline direct-injection DOHC four-cylinder engine cracking out the power of 160 ponies. The new engine increases the fuel efficiency by 10 percent and is mated to the latest dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. The Focus now delivers 28 mpg in city and 40 on highways.

Body and styling

What makes the new 2012 Ford Focus different from other cars is its new technology. Rearview camera, Ford?s excellent Automated Parking Assist, acclaimed hands-free SYNC technology and MyFord Touch System are among its key features. The Focus provides all that an expensive car provides. The layout of the inside gauges and touch screen options are elegant. The front seats are highly supportive and the sedan?s 13.2 cubic feet trunk is fine. The S model, only offered as a sedan, includes 15-inch steel wheels; keyless entry; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; air-conditioning; power front windows; power locks and mirrors; a height-adjustable driver seat; and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The SE gets 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, front fog lights, a rear spoiler (hatchback only), steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Ford's MyKey parental controls. The hatchback has a 60/40 split-folding seatback. The SEL is equipped with power windows and multicolor ambient lighting. The top of the lineup Titanium model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, the sport-tuned suspension, upgraded exterior and interior trim, a rear spoiler (sedan), keyless ignition/entry, MyFord Touch technology with an 8-inch center touch screen and Wi-Fi capability, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio and HD radio. MyFord Touch and the Sony system are optional on the SEL.

Safety Features

Ford has given paramount importance to safety. All 2012 Ford Focus models now feature four-wheel ABS brakes standard and working in conjunction with the ABS system, standard AdvanceTrac with ESC uses sophisticated sensors to help keep the car under control. The standard and available Ford Focus safety features include dual-stage front air bags, frontal side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags for both rows of seating, Occupant sensing system, Belt Minder for driver and front passenger, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system on rear seating positions, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system (PATS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The standard Ford SYNC system, standard on all models, comprises an emergency crash notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone.