2012 Ford Focus

Hot on the heels of Jason Fogelson's comprehensive 2012 Focus review, the folks at Ford loaned me a 5-door Focus to get some additional photos and form my own driving impressions. For those unfamiliar, the all-new North American-spec Focus hatchback is virtually identical to the Focus sold in Europe. A few years ago, General Motors tried sending a carbon-copy Euro-car to the States in the guise of the Saturn Astra, and that didn't go well. Will the 2012 Ford Focus suffer the same fate? Read on.

Larger photos: Front - rear - dashboard - all photos

Let's start with what I like about the 2012 Ford Focus: First and foremost is the way it drives. My test car was a top-of-the-line Titanium model with the $595 Titanium Handling Package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension and snazzy 18" five-spoke alloy wheels. The car attacked the About.com Top Secret Curvy Test Road with all the poise and zeal of a BMW -- a pretty neat trick for a front-wheel-drive hatchback. Better yet, just like its little sibling, the Fiesta, the Focus is good fun even on a run to the grocery store. Chalk this up to the Focus' European heritage; over there, good handling is considered a necessity, not a luxury.

Second is fuel economy. Gas in Europe is more than twice as expensive as it is here, so Europeans take fuel savings seriously. Interestingly enough, the Euro-Focus' most fuel-efficient gasoline engine is also its most powerful: A 160 hp 2-liter four, which is the only engine available in the States. Coupled to a 6-speed automatic -- a twin-clutch transmission, just like Porsche uses in its performance cars -- EPA fuel economy ratings are 28 MPG city/38 MPG highway. The $495 Special Fuel Economy option package raises the highway figure to 40 MPG, which is not quite as as good as the Hyundai Elantra (29/40), but pretty close. Stick-shift Focii come in at 26/36.

Third thing I like is the gadget count. Europeans don't do the "bigger-is-better" thing the way we do, so small cars like the Focus are available with lots of features and options. My test car ($27,040 with options) had a two-tone interior with heated leather seats, navigation, dual-zone climate control, high-end stereo with subwoofer, and the new MyFord Touch system, which allows control of stereo, navigation and air conditioning though either cell-phone-like steering wheel buttons or an outstanding voice recognition system. You can even get a Focus with a $695 self-parking system (you work the gas and brake, it does the steering). And the Focus is liberally sprinkled with thoughtful details, like these back-seat cupholders and a capless fuel filler.

So what didn't I like? Well, the biggest problem is the back seat. On paper, the Focus has an inch and a half less legroom than the 2011 Honda Civic -- but that only happens if the folks up front slide their seats so far forward that the dashboard is in their mouth. With the driver's seat adjusted for me (I'm 5'6"), back seat leg room was just adequate (again, I'm 5'6"). Forget about getting four tall people in the Focus.

The trunk poses similar problems. I usually like hatchbacks for their utility, but although the Focus hatch claims 23.8 cubic feet of space, it's not as usably shaped as the Honda Fit's 21.5 cubic foot trunk. That said, the cargo bay does have length rather than height on its side -- it's shaped more like a traditional sedan trunk and it will accommodate suitcases better than most small hatchbacks.

Overall, I really liked the new Focus. It's great to drive and offers an unprecedented level of equipment in a small, fuel-efficient car -- better even than the Mazda3, a perennial favorite of mine. Unfortunately, the Focus' small back seat is a sticking point; the Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic all offer more usable space. Handsome as the Focus is, I find myself drawn to the Hyundai's sinewy curves -- not to mention the Honda's proven reliability. And, to be quite frank, a lot of the Focus' best attributes -- great driving dynamics, excellent gas mileage and lots of option choices -- can be found in Ford's own Fiesta, which is a little smaller but a lot less expensive.

Bottom line: I don't think the 2012 Ford Focus will go the way of the Saturn Astra; it's a much better designed and much more engaging car. Still, the Focus (in hatchback guise, at least) might prove to be just a bit too European for American tastes. -- Aaron Gold

Disclosure: The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Ford. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.