This weekend Wendy and I had a chance to meetup with the Summer Fordcast Tour that features the 2012 Ford Focus. These models aren’t available to the public yet but this will give you a sneak peek of what you can expect to see in the 2012 Ford Focus. At the Fordcast Summer Tour you will be able to see the hatchback and the sedan, as show below. Sit in them, try them out and test the voice activation feature too.
Click here to see the schedule for the Summer Fordcast Tour and find out when they will be coming to your area.
As I stated in that post, I would write a follow-up post about the Ford Focus after I had the opportunity to spend some time in the car and check it out. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to test drive the Ford Focus, so I do not have first-hand experience about how it handles or rides.
With regards to safety, I did some research online to see where the 2011 or 2012 Ford Focus stood. Not a lot of safety data was available for the 2011 model and none for the 2012 model. But, from what I saw, and without going into the specific details, previous Ford Focus typically had either a “good” or “acceptable” rating in the different categories. It had more “good” than “acceptable.”
Here are the features I discovered about the 2012 Ford Focus:
The Ford Focus is available in seven different models (four models with three of them available in either sedan or hatchback), ranging in MSRP with starting prices from $16,500 to $22,700. The different models have an MPG range of 26/36 to 28/40; depending upon engine and transmission configuration. All models have a 2.0L direct injection engine. (Rumor has it that a 4.0L engine may become available in the future.)
Each model has different standard equipment and options available. Visit Ford.com to learn more about each model and the features available.
Here are some the features that caught my eye. The Focus we looked at and sat in was the Titanium Sedan and was only missing a couple of the optional features for that specific model. It would probably price out near $23,500. It had everything that one needs in a car and more.
Ford added a stabilization feature to all the Focus models. They called it: “AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with ABS.” This feature also has anti-lock brakes (ABS). The ESC system adjusts engine power and applies the ABS brakes to help handling by monitoring road conditions and the driver’s responses to those conditions.
Another handling system that is offered on a few models is the Torque Vectoring Control system. This system transfers torque between the front wheels for better traction through corners.
The Ford Focus is currently the only Ford product incorporating the MyFord Touch™ technology (only available in some models). This technology features an 8-inch touch screen from where you can control navigation, climate, phone, and entertainment. Additional steering wheel mounted controls with a display in the cluster right in front of you allow you to control additional functions without your hands leaving the steering wheel. It also includes voice-activation for many of the functions.
The voice activation feature will learn your voice pattern over time to make it easier to recognize commands. The question I asked is if you turn on the voice activation and give it a command and someone else in the car speaks, will it get confused. Because it learns your voice it will either ignore the other voice or ask you to repeat the command. The voice activation feature is not on all of the time so you have to turn it on when you want to use it.
Also available on some models is the Active Grille Shutter System that operates a set of shutters behind the front grille. The system automatically opens or closes the shutters based on speed of the car. When stopped or at slow speeds, the shutters are open to allow more air flow through the engine compartment thus reducing heat buildup in the engine compartment. As speed increases, the shutters are closed forcing the air to travel around the car to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.
Parking Technology Package
Do you have a difficult time parallel parking? With the Parking Technology Package available on some models of Ford Focus, that is a problem of the past. By using a combination of a rear view camera, front parking ultrasonic sensors, and Active Park Assist; the Focus will locate a suitable parking spot and then parallel park the car for you requiring very little actions on your part. To use Active Park Assist, just push a button and turn on your turn signal. Next, Active Park Assist will locate a suitable parking spot. After a suitable spot and with a few easy actions form you, the Focus will park itself.
Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers
The new rain-sensing wipers are on the Focus allows you the comfort of knowing that the wipers will automatically come if the system is turned on and it senses moisture using optical sensor. While activated, the system will adjust wiper speed based on the intensity of rain and/or snowfall as detected by the optical sensor.
Now that you have an idea about the Ford Focus, here is what I think about it. Bear in mind that I did not drive it, so I can not give an opinion regarding handling and ride.
I like the new body look, especially the sedan. It looks sportier and has more of a luxury car look than previous years. The front seats were comfortable and all instruments were within easy reach. The Focus has several options available to improve handling and comfort. The technology being offered will meet the needs of today’s phone / Internet techies including USB ports. The trunk storage space was a little lacking in the sedan, so for those who need more storage space you should probably consider the hatchback. The back seat area did not have a lot of leg room but is to be expected in a hatchback. It can hold five adults, but four would have more comfort.
Overall, I think it is a reasonably priced, fuel efficient car that is good for a family with young children.
