2012 Ford Focus: Ford finally gets it!

It took several years for the North American branch of Ford to figure out that they needed to import the European version of the Focus to our continent. Not only does the European version look nicer, but it handles very well. Consequently, everyone was awaiting the 2012 model with bated breath.

World-class

We had become accustomed to the Ford Focus’ plain design. Sure, this vehicle was very functional, but it wasn’t too easy on the eyes. This problem, however, has been remedied with the new Focus’ stylish exterior design. Be it the sedan or the five-door version, this time the designers were right on the mark. Without question, the nicest parts of the body are the head and tail ends, with their oversized lights and aggressive grille and front air intake. The car is much more slender and seems much lower than the old version. On the five-door version, the plunging roofline makes the hatch rather narrow, but efficient in terms of aerodynamics.

Inside, more pleasant surprises await the driver and passengers. The once hum-drum dashboard is now more dynamic and harmonious. The elements of the central console are ergonomically correct, although some won’t like the angular lines and raised presentation. The driving position is easy to find and everything is within reach. Being behind the wheel of the Focus feels almost feels like being in an airplane cockpit: not cramped, but rather enveloped by everything around us. The front seats are supportive and offer excellent comfort, while the outer rim of the steering wheel is oversized and makes you feel like you’re driving a high-powered sports car. In back, the seats are firm and legroom is limited, but that makes for a longer trunk.

In addition to the nice, upgraded presentation, the handling is rather impressive, too. We had the pleasure of driving a five-door SEL several kilometres between Quebec City and Sherbrooke, taking primarily country roads where the curves put the Focus’ suspension and steering to the test. The six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission doesn’t shift ultra-quickly like Volkswagen’s DSG transmission, but that isn’t Ford’s goal with the Focus. For everyday use, the automatic transmission does a perfectly reasonable job. 

However, for a more dynamic and exciting ride, you’ll have to opt for the manual gearbox that helps you shift at will.

Solid handling

At highway speed, the Focus (the SEL version, anyway) demonstrates excellent soundproofing, mainly due to good sound insulation and the fact that its windows seem thicker than what the competition is offering. The solid suspension absorbs the road’s irregularities, provided they aren’t too big. The Focus’ handling is more European, thus firmer than our typically soft North American models. However, the Focus’ most impressive quality remains the ease with which it holds the road in turns. With a system that Ford has christened Torque Vectoring Control, the Focus literally sticks to the pavement. In tight turns, the effect is more palpable, when the system stops the interior wheel and sends more torque to the exterior wheel.

The power steering does an excellent job and helps the driver feel the road. Rear visibility is good despite the narrow rear window, but the same cannot be said for the ¾ visibility, which is obstructed by the C-pillar (which is a tad too big considering the size of the vehicle). The braking doesn’t merit any praise either, as it seems to quickly run out of steam, especially on uneven terrain. As for acceleration and pick-up, the results aren’t spectacular, despite the Focus’ 160 horsepower. The drivetrain struggles to propel the car and the times are average. The same goes for fuel consumption, with an unsurprising 8.5 litres per 100 km.

In addition to the Focus SEL’s standard equipment, our test car was also equipped with Park Assist. The very efficient and ingenious device helps the Focus parallel park almost all by itself. Of course, you have to get the car in an optimal starting position, work the gas and brakes, and shift into forward and reverse as needed. It’s all very remarkable, but do you really want to spend that much to just to park your car?

Now that North America has access to this completely European Focus, we’d like to drive a turbocharged Focus with AWD, like the ones used in European rally car races. The 252-hp ST version, expected in 2013, will be a big step in the right direction. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!