Ford serves up two body styles with its compact Focus.
The Ford Focus is a front-wheel-drive compact model that seats five people and is offered in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback editions. The current model is based on the European-spec edition and is completely new for the 2012 model year. Now in its third generation, the Focus is one of Ford’s best-selling cars, a competitive compact that is priced from $16,500.
Engine and Transmissions
A 2.0-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine powers the Ford Focus. This aluminum block and head engine makes 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 146 foot-pounds of torque at 4,450 rpm. This gasoline direct engine has a 12.0 to 1 compression ratio and measures 3.44 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. Optionally, a 6-speed automatic transmission can be had including one that version that offers select shift capabilities.
Fuel Economy
When paired with a manual transmission, the Ford Focus is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. For optimum fuel economy, Ford offers the Focus SFE, a specially tuned model with a 6-speed automatic transmission that gets 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway. Choose the select shift and your fuel mileage estimates are 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway.
The Ford Focus runs on regular grade gasoline. With its 12.4-gallon fuel tank, the SFE edition has a cruising range of nearly 500 miles or enough fuel to travel from Kansas City to St. Louis and back.
Focus Dimensions
Both Focus models share similar exterior dimensions as they share a 104.3-inch wheelbase. However, the sedan measures 178.5 inches in length and the hatchback comes in at 171.6 inches. Both models are 71.8 inches wide and 57.7 inches tall.
Front legroom measures 41.9 inches while rear legroom comes in at 33.2 inches. Front shoulder room is 55.6 inches; rear shoulder room is 53.7 inches. Front head room is 38.3 inches while rear head room measures 38.0 inches or 37.9 inches with the hatchback. Front hip room is 53.9 inches; rear hip room is 52.7 inches.
Cargo volume measures 13.2 cubic feet in the sedan’s trunk. With the hatchback, there is 23.8 cubic feet behind the second seat and 44.8 cubic feet with the second seat folded down. The sedan weighs in from 2,905 pounds; the hatchback weighs from 2,920 pounds.
Focus Notables
Including an electric model, the Ford Focus is sold in eight trim levels. An “S” edition is available only with the sedan, while SE, SEL and Titanium models are sold with both body styles.
All models comes equipped with air-conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power side mirrors and power windows, and an entertainment system that offers an AM/FM single-disc CD player, MP3 capable with 4 speakers, audio input jack and speed-sensitive volume control. Available with some models is Ford Sync infotainment, keyless entry and push button start, MyFord Touch, cruise control, a power moonroof, a navigation system with a rear backup camera and leather seating surfaces.
All Focus models offer traction control, stability control, four-wheel antilock brakes and brake assist. The Focus features six airbags and comes with a tire pressure monitoring system.
Ford Warranties
All Focus models are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty. This vehicle also offers a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year or 60,000-mile safety restraint system warranty. Corrosion coverage extends five years with no mileage limitation. A 5-year or 60,000-mile roadside assistance program is also available.
If it is power you want, the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO does not disappoint. The car is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, a motor that comes equipped with direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve technology to deliver an explosive 365 horsepower at 5,550 rpm. Torque is rated at 350 foot pounds spanning a range from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm. This cast aluminum engine has a compression ratio of 10.0-to-1.