NB’s Rating: ****

After a decade, the Ford Focus gets a major makeover in terms of styling as well as engineering. The 2012 Ford Focus is significantly different from its predecessor with many more goodies on the offer. It is available in two body styles namely a four-door sedan and a hatchback and in four trim levels S, SE, SEL and Titanium. The sedan comes in an S trim level whereas the other three trims are offered in both the sedan and the hatchback. A high-performance Focus ST is to join the lineup next year.

The interior has a sophistication that makes it arresting aided by the design as well as technology incorporated into it. Further, the new four-cylinder engine is touted to be more fuel-efficient. In addition, the suspension contributes to crisp handling as well as a refined ride.

Pros:

• Impressive handling
• Firm but supple ride
• Interior quality
• Revamped Styling
• Braking
• New technological features

Cons:

• Cluttered audio controls in base layout
• Seats don’t fold neatly
• Moderate road noise
• Sync, MyFord Touch

Standard Features:

• Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
• Tilt/telescopic steering column
• Electric Power Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
• Vehicle Anti-Theft Via SecuriLock Engine Immobilizer
• 2 Front; 2 Cupholders Total
• Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
• 15-Inch Wheels
• Dual Black Folding Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
• Front Power Windows With Driver One-Touch Down
• AM/FM Radio With Speed Sensitive Volume and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
• Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
• Radio Antenna
• Rear HVAC Ducts
• Interior Air Filter

Optional Features:

• Engine Block Heater
• Stainless Steel Scuff Plates
• Cargo Area Protector
• Power Code(TM) Remote Ignition
• Exterior Protection Package
• Cargo Management Package
• Graphics Package
• Winter Package (for SE, SEL and Titanium trims)
• Power Moonroof (for SE, SEL and Titanium trims)
• 17-inch Alloy Wheels

Styling:

Part of the 2012 Focus’ lure lies in its styling that manages to surpass its precursor. The car’s dynamic athletic Z design gives off an impression of motion even when it is parked. Adding to the vibrant feel are the Dragon Eye quad beam halogen headlamps in the front as well as split vertical taillamps in the rear. Ultra high strength boron steel reinforces the Focus while trimming its weight. Not only is it available in 11 different colors, the 2012 Focus also offers 11 unique styles for wheels.

As for the interior, real alloy trim, clean, polished seams sewn into the leather-trimmed seating and the piano black touches give off an aura of elegance. Other features include a low seating position, door panels that are seamlessly integrated with the console and controls that are within easy reach.

Performance:

The 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that is capable of delivering 160 hp and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. Upon testing, an automatic Focus Titanium took 8.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Both five speed manual and six-speed dual clutch automatic “Powershift” transmissions are available.

In February, the company confirmed that its 2012 Ford Focus SE sedan with the SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package and six-speed automatic transmission has received an EPA certification of 40 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg city. Other official EPA figures are yet to be released.

• Manual transmission is standard for S and SE trims. Powershift transmission is standard for SEL and Titanium trims and available as options for S and SE.
• Independent McPherson Strut Front Suspension with springs and shock absorbers.
• Estimated EPA on highway for standard Ford is about 38 mpg.

Drive:

One of the first things that will be brought to your attention is the sharp handling and the refined ride that is attributed to a rear stabilizer bar and fully-independent control blade rear suspension. Steering of the vehicle is sharp and its Torque Vectoring Control system transfers torque to wheels that have the most grip.

As of now there is just the 2.0-liter engine that is mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic and delivers competitive performance and fuel efficiency.

• Despite the sportier ride one can get from the five-speed manual, a 6th gear would have added to the feel on the highway.
• Technically the automatic is a dual-clutch automated manual that differs from the traditional automatic. There can be instances of the vehicle rolling back slightly on hills or being unable to creep forward when parking.

Safety:

Though the 2012 Ford Focus is yet to undergo independent crash tests, the vehicle was developed for the global market and as such is expected to give excellent all-round occupant protection. To that effect, the 2012 Focus gets a number of safety features as standard equipment.

This includes antilock brakes (it comes as rear drums on S and SE; rear discs on SEL and Titanium) and electronic stability control system. Additionally, the Ford Sync system that is available on all Focus models now includes an emergency crash notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible mobile phone.

In summary, the 2012 Ford Focus’s safety features include:

• Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
• Side Guard Door Beams
• Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
• Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
• Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
• Front Side Airbags
• Second Row Side Airbag
• Automatic Locking Retractors
• Front Pretensioners
• Crash Sensor
• Emergency Fuel Shut-Off Device
• Crumple Zones
• L A T C H
• Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
• Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
• Personal Safety System(R) Includes Pretensioners With Force Limiters, Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Driver Seat Position Sensor and Crash Sensor

Competitors:

With the 2012 Ford Focus, Ford aims to compete against the likes of,

• Chevrolet Cruze
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra
• Mazda 3

Overall:

“We took some very sweet performance technology and put it at your finger tips.” Looks like Ford has endeavored to make this statement a reality. Combined with all the features that are new to Focus and usually available for larger cars, the 2012 version makes for a very fun, balanced and satisfying ride in a compact and economical package.