2012 Ford Focus Hatchback SE
MSRP $18,200
For a successful if not eye-popping car, the Ford Focus sure has been tweaked a lot. They may make the occasional mistake, but one can never accuse Ford of sitting on its collective duff and doing nothing while the competition outworks them. The 2012 Focus is now available as a hatchback. It has also been reworked almost from head to toe.
The 2011 Focus Hatchback SE is the lowest of three trim levels, but it has the same engine, and is quite well-adorned for a base model. It comes with a 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower. It has front-wheel drive, 16-inch steel wheels, and a 5-speed manual transmission. It is purported to get 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. With the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, it went from zero to sixty in 8.7 seconds.
The SE Hatchback has a rear spoiler, keyless entry, full power accessories, a tilt-telescope steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, front foglights, automatic headlights, standard air conditioning, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, and a trip computer. The audio system has 4 speakers, an AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, and an audio jack. As on many cars, there are tons of upgrades in entertainment, conveniences, and sport packages to further enhance the Focus.
The Focus has the modern safety essentials: anti-lock brakes, side front airbags, side curtain airbags, traction control, and stability control. It also has the Ford MyKey system, which allows you to program the keys of other drivers for maximum running speeds and maximum volume on the audio system. If you get the optional Ford Sync system, it includes emergency communications feature similar to GM’s OnStar system.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
Besides the sleeker aerodynamics on the exterior, the first thing you will notice when you climb into a 2012 Focus is that the interior looks nothing like what you are used to from previous model years. Ford has obviously been paying attention to the likes of VW and Toyota, who have been handing similarly-priced US vehicles their hats when it comes to fit, finish, and features for the last few years, and the customer benefits from their diligence.
The materials are high-quality and soft-touch, and the design has an air of understated European luxury. The gauges and controls are well-planned and easy to both understand and use. There is ample cabin space for a compact, especially in the front. There is plenty of both headroom and legroom in the front, while the rear seats offer plenty of headroom in spite of the hatchback design. There could be a bit more legroom in the rear for taller passengers, though. The seats are both comfortable and supportive on both short commutes and long trips. There are 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seat, and another 21 cubic feet if you choose to put the rear seat down.
Like the interior, both the handling and ride quality of this Focus are pure Euro. The steering is responsive, and the suspension gives great recoil and feedback in sharp corners. Somehow, they manage to do this without negative effects on the ride.
As for negatives, the only legitimate complaint would be the legroom in the rear seats for taller passengers. That is very easily remedied by one’s choice of passengers.
The verdict: Ford has figured out how to make a European car for around $20,000. If I were either of the other two US manufacturers, I would be very concerned.
Related posts:
- 2012 Ford Focus SE Sedan Review, Cheapest Price & Specs
- 2011 Ford Focus Review, Cheapest Prices & Specifications
- Cheapest Priced Deal 2012 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe Review & Ratings
- New 2011 Ford Focus SEL – Hot deal in Minneapolis
- Cheap New 2011 Ford Focus S For Sale – Best Deal $11,468
