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Ford redesigned the Focus in 2008; for 2009 they've jazzed up the top-of-the-line SES coupe with subtle styling tweaks, a roof-mounted spoiler (link goes to photo), and 17" wheels. Manual-transmission cars get a 3-horsepower bump (to 143), while automatics get a lower final drive ratio (the gearing between the transmission and the front wheels) to boost acceleration. Safety also gets a boost, with a new electronic stability control system and (finally!) rear seat headrests. How does it all come together? Read on.
Larger photos: Front - rear - interior - all photos
- Fun and fuel-efficient
- Fantastic SYNC system
- Electronic stability control now optional
- Plasticky interior
- Limited rear headroom
- Speedometer is a bit hard to read
- Roomy trunk hampered by small opening
- SES is the top-of-the-line Focus coupe; other trim levels include S (sedan), SE (coupe/sedan), and SEL (sedan)
- Price range: $15,690 - $21,430
- Model tested/price: Focus SES Coupe, $20,615
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 24 MPG city/35 MPG highway (manual), 24/33 (automatic)
- Observed fuel economy: 28.5 MPG
- Best rivals: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt
I tested a Focus SES in gloss black, and I thought the updated styling was cute, if a tad garish. Climbing in, my first thought was "This is no Civic." The Focus' cabin is lined with glossy black and silver plastic that looks cheap but cheery, and my $20,615 tester was loaded with equipment including heated leather seats, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and the Microsoft SYNC system, which lets you control your iPod and Bluetooth phone with voice commands (i.e. "Call Robin" or "Play artist Rod Stewart"). The Focus coupe has the same roofline as the Focus sedan, so while back seat access is awkward -- as it is in most two-doors -- there's more space than you'd expect. (That said, headroom isn't great in the coupe or the sedan.)
Based on the way the Focus bounced and bounded over bumps while tooling around town, I figured it would totally fall apart on the About.com Top Secret Curvy Test Road. But it didn't -- the Focus hunkered down with the will (if not the skill) of a German sports sedan, a reminder that its ten-year-old chassis was originally engineered in Europe. The steering feels nice, the balance is good, and the grip is great -- you can thank those Kuhmo Solus KH16 tires. And the addition of (optional) electronic stability control adds peace of mind. After a good hard morning run on the Curvy Test Road, I was sorely tempted to cancel my afternoon appointments and do it again. The engine's decent, too; it sounds a bit like an angry robot when you wind it up, but it provides plenty of power and my manual-transmission tester returned a thrifty 28.5 MPG.
Overall, I like the Focus SES. At first glance, it looks like an el-cheapo plastic alternative to the Honda Civic coupe. But once you drive it, you discover its charms -- it's fun to drive, it's got neat features, and it has lots of personality. -- Aaron Gold
