The only real con that I can think about the Focus is the asking price.
Equipped with most of the requisite upscale goodies, including a six-disc in-dash CD changer ($495), keyless entry and side-impact airbags ($500), such as the car that I'm in, the Focus rings in at $24,589. That kind of money nearly buys a Civic Si or Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, both of which have a 70 horsepower advantage over the blue oval, a deficit that's difficult to ignore. Mind you, the Focus has a number of advantages, as it's available with four doors, plenty of rear legroom and a huge 538 L (19.0 cu-ft) cargo hold when the rear seats are in place, and if you're able to skip out on the options, a Focus 5-door can be had for as little as $21,799. Instead, stiffer competition comes from Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart, which also offers impressive dynamic qualities encased in rather ordinary wrapping.
If there's a message that can be taken home from the Ford Focus,
it's probably along the lines of the fact that being new doesn't guarantee being the best. In its day, the Focus had quite the collection of awards, racking up North American and European Car of the Year, not to mention countless other important awards and hundreds of comparison tests. It's also worth noting that the Focus, now in its fifth year in production, is over its initial teething troubles concerning reliability. This latest model rates as one of the most reliable vehicles in its class, alongside the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. And even while things have changed and the opposition has moved to take on more modern approaches to design, Ford has stood its ground with the Focus, and it still shines brightly today.
Specifications (Focus ZX5 SES):
 |
| Why oh why did they have to can the Focus SVT? (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
If there's a message that can be taken home from the Ford Focus,
 |
| With plenty of cargo space, clever looks and reliability that's top ranking, it makes you wonder why the Focus isn't on every compact buyer's shopping list. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Specifications (Focus ZX5 SES):
- Price Range (Focus ZX5 SES MSRP): $21,799 - $26,519
- Price as Tested (MSRP): $24,589
- Body Type: 5-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 136-hp, 133 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt. 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS, BA
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,279 / 1,695 / 1,446 / 2,614 mm (168.5 / 66.7 / 56.9 / 102.9 in)
- Curb Weight: 1,184 kg (2,610 lbs)
- Tires: 205/50R16
- Cargo Volume (seat up / down): 538 / 801 L (19.0 / 28.3 cu-ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 9.2 / 6.2 L/100 km
- Observed Fuel Economy: 9.7 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt/Optra5, Dodge Caliber, Honda Civic,Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra5, Mazda3 Sport, Nissan Sentra, MitsubishiLancer, Pontiac G5 Pursuit, Saturn ION, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Aerio,Toyota Corolla, VW Golf/Jetta
- Website: www.ford.ca
Article Gallery