The 2012 Ford Focus was able to impress the market with the changes that came along with its release.
The improvements cover the exterior, interior and even the engine.
The new Focus is more fuel efficient and that is why it has been favored by many car owners who go after better fuel mileage.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan/Hatchback | Base Price: $16,500.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons (46.9 liters) | MPG: 26 city / 36 hwy |
| Length: 178.5 in. (453.3 cm) | Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (264.9 cm) |
| Height: 57.7 in. (146.5 cm) | Width: 71.8 in. (182.3 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2907 lbs (1318 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.2 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.0L I-4 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 12.0: 1 |
| Horsepower: 160 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Option:SE Sedan | MSRP: $17,500; MPG: 26 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:SE 5-Door | MSRP: $18,300; MPG: 26 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:SEL Sedan | MSRP: $20,105; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy |
| Option:SEL 5-Door | MSRP: $20,905; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy |
| Option:Titanium Sedan | MSRP: $21,805; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy |
| Option:Titanium 5-Door | MSRP: $22,305; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy |
| Option:Electric | MSRP: $39,200; MPG: 110 city / 99 hwy |
Engine
The Focus comes with two engine variants which are the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and the 2.0L 4-cylinder zero emission inline engine. The former delivers 160 horsepower and the eco-friendlier engine brings 159 horsepower. One good news is that car owners can pair the engine with three different transmission choices.
The Focus comes with three options for transmission. The S and the SE trims come with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Optionally, car owners may choose the 6-speed Power Shift, Ford’s moniker for their dual-clutch automatic transmission. The third option is the Select Shift, a manual variant that comes with the Titanium and the SEL. Car owners can choose to have this on the SE.
Performance
Typical Focus models with 6-speed transmissions have a fuel efficiency rating of 38/28 mpg highway/city; that is quite good for its class. The Focus comes with a feature that is called torque vectoring control.
This technology adds brake force to the wheels on one side during turns. As a result the stability of the vehicle is increased. Ultimately, the steering is crisp, sharp and sporty. The torque vectoring control system can indeed make you excited to get behind the wheel of the 2012 Ford Focus.
Exterior
Overall, the new Focus looks more aggressive than it forerunners. At first glance, the new look exudes a sporty appeal. The outlines complement the power of the engine. Car owners have been comparing the exteriors of the focus to other sporty looking cars such as the Honda Fit and even the Ford Fiesta.
Interior
In its class, the competition in the interior arena is tight. That is what makes it difficult for the new focus to stand out. Although the interiors are top quality, it is not surprising because we can see that it is common for cars of the same size.
The seats are comfortable and there is enough cargo space. Basically the interior of the new Focus meets our expectations. However, putting extra fine leather upholstery in the Focus can cost you additional dollars.
Safety
The 2012 Focus features MyKey, a safety feature that lets the driver know when a passenger forgets to wear the seatbelt. This smart feature can also restrain the car speed to 80 mph as well as the audio volume to 45%.
The system produces a chiming sound to remind the driver that he or she is past the 65 mph mark. The Focus is a Top Safety Pick for the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety and scores well with the tests conducted by the federal government.
Reliability
The new Focus comes with a 3-year limited bumper to bumper warranty and a 5-year powertrain warranty.
Pros
The Ford Focus does well when it comes to fuel efficiency. With adequate power combined with excellent handling, the new Focus is ideal for city driving. There are lots of safety features too.
Cons
The interior is great but it is not the largest in its class.
The 2012 Ford Focus is ideal for people who want to have a great car without compromising safety and fuel efficiency.
Competition
The Honda Civic (MSRP $22,105; 28 city / 39 hwy), Volkswagen Jetta (MSRP $23,445; 23 city / 33 hwy), and the Toyota Corolla (MSRP $17,990; 27 city / 34 hwy) are alternatives worth looking at.
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Ford Focus is merely average in straight-line performance, but it feels surprisingly athletic, with exceptional poise.”Car Connection
“Focus is fun to drive. Accurate, nicely weighted steering, crisp turn-in, and minimal body lean help inspire confidence on challenging canyon roads. On the highway, Focus feels well planted with fine tracking.”Consumer Guide
“The Focus has sporty handling and is fun to drive. Its supple and controlled ride, relatively low noise levels, and solid interior make it feel substantial. Although it isn’t blazingly fast, the Focus does get good fuel economy:”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Ford Focus gets a clean-sheet recasting that brings a new look, enhanced quality, more features, and upgraded options in a slightly larger but far more dynamic package.”KBB
“Nimble handling; refined and quiet ride; stylish and well-made interior; lively engine; abundant list of upscale and high-tech options.”Edmunds
