2009 Ford Focus Owners Manual – Ford’s modest car, the Focus, underwent a in depth confront lift for 2008, but beneath the new outfits resides the very same Focus platform that debuted way back again in 2000. At the moment, the Focus was at or close to the top rated of its class and also received several of our 10Best awards. But today, the platform feels a little bit less refined than the newer competitors. The freshening went a good distance towards updating the Focus’ styling, but a lot of the competition offers a outstanding driving knowledge.
The redesign killed the hatchback and wagon variations of the Focus, leaving only a four-door sedan and a recently released two-door coupe. Each variations experience on the very same 102.9-inch wheelbase and possess approximately the same inside quantity. Only one engine is readily available, a Mazda-designed 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 132, 140, or 143 horsepower depending on emissions tuning and model. Coupled with a five-speed handbook transmission, the 2.0-liter returns EPA gasoline economy of 24 mpg city and 35 highway on standard unleaded. Power is adequate, and the engine seldom phone calls any unfavorable notice to by itself.
Within, the Focus can really feel a bit narrower than some of the levels of competition. The new instrument panel is handsome and well laid out, but the optional ambient lighting system is a gimmick; it may possibly change the shade of the footwell and cup-holder lights. Sync, Ford’s voice-command system that may combine one’s mobile phone and iPod, isn’t a gimmick, although, and is reasonably quick to make use of.
Fully re-tuned for 2008, the Focus’ thoroughly impartial suspension would seem to get develop into a bit softer and more compliant. The Focus soaks up terrible roads easily, but some of the sharpness that made the earlier Focus a C/D favorite has become misplaced. Individuals looking for luxury within their tiny cars will approve; these who equate compact with entertaining might be dissatisfied. Security handle and anti-lock brakes are optional on all trim stages.
