Second, the Focus has a large turning diameter. The spec sheet indicates an 11.0-meter curb-to-curb radius, but it feels larger than that. It’s obviously not as noticeable on the open road, but in a shopping mall parking lot, it’s frustrating.
Lots of stuff
We don’t understand why manufacturers offer a base trim in sedan configuration, but not in a hatchback. The least-expensive 5-door Focus is the $19,899 SE, which comes equipped with A/C, power windows, wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps and 16-inch wheels with covers.
Our Titanium tester is loaded with features, including options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a navigation system, a rearview camera, power sunroof, 18-inch alloy with summer performance tires, a sport suspension, Active Park Assist, and the dreaded MyFord Touch interface. Oh, the yellow paint costs extra, too. Total: $29,129 before taxes, freight and delivery charges. That’s rather high for a compact.
Want us to choose for you? We’d take a Focus SE with the 5-speed manual and heated front seats; alloy wheels would be nice, but if you want them, you also have to take the Convenience Package and the SE Sport Package, totalling $21,499 before adding taxes and other fees. Want a USB port for the sound system and Bluetooth for your phone? Dish out another $700 for SYNC with MyFord Touch.
The Focus sedan may have a lot more competition to handle, but the hatchback version’s enemies are less numerous. Still, they include the Mazda3 Sport, the Kia Forte5, the Volkswagen Golf, the Suzuki SX4, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, and the Toyota Matrix.
Despite our criticism, the Focus is one of the most appealing models in the compact-car segment. It’s gorgeous, dynamic and has character. They don’t come cheap, but you get a good amount of features in the deal. You’ve made us wait a long time, Ford, but we forgive you already.
Lots of stuff
We don’t understand why manufacturers offer a base trim in sedan configuration, but not in a hatchback. The least-expensive 5-door Focus is the $19,899 SE, which comes equipped with A/C, power windows, wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps and 16-inch wheels with covers.
Our Titanium tester is loaded with features, including options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a navigation system, a rearview camera, power sunroof, 18-inch alloy with summer performance tires, a sport suspension, Active Park Assist, and the dreaded MyFord Touch interface. Oh, the yellow paint costs extra, too. Total: $29,129 before taxes, freight and delivery charges. That’s rather high for a compact.
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| The Focus hatchback starts at $19,899 in SE trim; our tester costs more than $29k. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Want us to choose for you? We’d take a Focus SE with the 5-speed manual and heated front seats; alloy wheels would be nice, but if you want them, you also have to take the Convenience Package and the SE Sport Package, totalling $21,499 before adding taxes and other fees. Want a USB port for the sound system and Bluetooth for your phone? Dish out another $700 for SYNC with MyFord Touch.
The Focus sedan may have a lot more competition to handle, but the hatchback version’s enemies are less numerous. Still, they include the Mazda3 Sport, the Kia Forte5, the Volkswagen Golf, the Suzuki SX4, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, and the Toyota Matrix.
Despite our criticism, the Focus is one of the most appealing models in the compact-car segment. It’s gorgeous, dynamic and has character. They don’t come cheap, but you get a good amount of features in the deal. You’ve made us wait a long time, Ford, but we forgive you already.
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