Vehicle: 2012 Ford Focus SEL hatchback with Luxury Package
Price as tested: CDN$26949

Performance: While the original Focus is the most recalled car in history, Ford has claimed the new version revolutionize the whole segment. Has new Focus really revolutionzed this ultra-competitive compact segment? We will find out after this test drive.

As with any Focus, its available with both sedan and hatchback. However, any of the offerings is currently motivated by a world-class 4-cylinder powertrain. Along with direct fuel injection, TI-VCT and throttle-by-wire. This 160hp powerplant is able to run on Regular 87 octane gasoline. With 160 ponies and 146 lb/ft of torque, this DOHC 16-valve really moves the Focus with authority. Unlike the Focus engines of yore, this engine is both a smooth and refined operator. Gone with original Focus’s rather rough and noisy racket, in with a superbly refined and potent powertrain. The TI-VCT really have a desired effect when adding better low-end grunt to Focus’s performance. Mesh the light throttle, Focus takes off without any hesitation. On the other hand, it doesn’t feel run out of breath when pushing this engine further up the rev range. Our tester comes with the standard 5-speed manual. The throws are sharp and precise, while clutch is progressive and easily modulated.

Handling: In the automotive universe, product is the main core to any success. Ford, as a motor company, has learned plenty of mistakes over the years. When Ford intended to push for “1 Ford” back in the early 90s with the Contour and Mystique (many in the industry joked them as Detour and Mistake ), it was a failure because of their beancounters cut corners on the original Mondeo underpinnings. After current CEO, Alan Mulally, took helm of FoMoCo, he decided to use “1 Ford” strategy agaon instead of having different models on the same chassis around the world. The major reasoning is European Ford has always been judged as the gold standards across the pond. Secondly, its the reduced cost for unnecessary to develop two different models for different continents. The first successful story was the subcompact Fiesta introduced last year, the latest Focus is the latest example of this prime strategy. What makes this strategy works so effectively, is they decided not to watering down the exceptional European suspension for our North American consumption. The dynamic abilities haven’t gone south even if Focus has across the Atlantic. They only re-engineered the ride height and some suspension calibration, so that it can accommodate our winter tires.

What makes the Focus handles so beautifully through the corners? It all begins with a world-class platform that is completely free of any cracks and rattles. The simple fact is that the fundamental for Focus is so good, its able to handle much more powerful engines in the upcoming ST and RS. Another major advancement to Focus’s front-drive chassis is the Torque Vectoring System, which is able to dial out 99% of the understeer. The whole system uses the outside wheel to transfer power to the inside wheel, which dials back the power transfer to the offending wheel with less power. With more power on the outside wheel assisting the inside wheel, its able to take the vehicle out of the corner smoothly without any drama. That means the Focus has minimal to no understeer when pushed. The whole system is similar to Audi’s Sport Differential. Only in Focus its accomplished in a front-driver while Audi executed in a more complicated AWD fashion. On top of that, Focus’s electric power executes impressively. In the past, electric power steering both is numb and lack of precision, current offenders have to be those from BMW. Focus’s system is anything but. There are plenty of feel and feedback, while being precise, responsive with sharp turn-in reflexes. Body rolls are minimal. On the other hand, its ESC remains an uninstrusive type. That means any enthuisast can have a chance to dial a bit of tail out before it steps in to save from ugliness. Push the Focus on any black top twisties, it exhibits the same kind of driving fun we always fond on hot hatches. Golf GTI is being the prime example of this very leading class of hot hatches. The base Focus provides the same kind of smiles when getting behind the wheel. Imagine what would happened with the hot Focus ST and RS coming on the horizon.

Brakes: The new Focus comes standard with 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, along with Brake Assist. The pedal always feels solid and superbly modulated, while remains fade-free after a couple of harsh stops. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an added bonus. BA doesn’t grab your leg like ghost shown how much engineering Ford has put it through.

Interior: Along with low liftover and minimal side intrusions, Focus’s luggage area is impressive with the rear seats fold down. It has 44.8 cubin feet with rear seats fold down, while having 23.8 when seats up. Focus has the most luggage space in any compact car. If there is one pet peeve, its the rear seats don’t go completely flat into the floor. Pity.

There is nothing further from the truth that Focus has the best interior in its class. The use of plastic and leather materials are world-class. All the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, while automatic climate control is initutive and user-friendly. The aluminum trim has added some sportiness to the already classy interior. In terms of switchgears, its hard to find anywhere close to this sort of classy finish in this end of the price ladder. Leather seats are both supple yet firm; without losing the right thigh, back and side supports while playing in corners.

Conclusion: The new Focus has simply blown me away. Everything from the docile handling to interior appointment are world-class. Has Ford revolutionized the compact segment with the introduction of the 3rd generation Focus? It surely does. The new Focus has joined Mazda3, as Directshift’s benchmarks in this tough segment.

Competitions:
Mazda3 Sport
VW Golf
Toyota Matrix
Kia Forte5
Hyundai Elantra Touring

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Ford Focus hatchback
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5