Topic: First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus

[Autos_Editor]

With its 'firm, but not uncomfortable suspension' and new electronically controlled 'torque vectoring' feature, the all-new 2012 Focus demonstrates a 'big handling improvement', reports Grant Yoxon.  On sale in March or April, it will start at just $15,999.  

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[MKII]

When I read that Grant would be doing the California Focus media drive, I did not expect a positive review at all. You surprised me Grant .
 Sarcasm aside, for the new Focus to impress Mr.Yoxon tells me the Focus might sell a few units in Canada.

FYI I noticed in the Focus photo gallery this image below is tagged incorrectly as a Titanium spec,  this is the SEL spec, not Titanium.
The Titanium spec center IP is equipped with the upgraded Sony and MyFord Touch 8" screen.
The Fiesta like IP key-pad and 4" led screen is not available on the Titanium spec Focus

[tpl]

"rear wheel hop"   ?  Surely not in a modern small car.

Went to Ford.ca and looked further. The one mandatory option for me isn't there  Bi-Xenon headlights.  I do hope that will be available before 2012/2013 buying time.

[Ex-airbalancer]

When I read that Grant would be doing the California Focus media drive, I did not expect a positive review at all. You surprised me Grant .
 Sarcasm aside, for the new Focus to impress Mr.Yoxon tells me the Focus might sell a few units in Canada.

FYI I noticed in the Focus photo gallery this image below is tagged incorrectly as a Titanium spec,  this is the SEL spec, not Titanium.
The Titanium spec center IP is equipped with the upgraded Sony and MyFord Touch 8" screen.
The Fiesta like IP key-pad and 4" led screen is not available on the Titanium spec Focus

That is  ugly 

[John MacDonald]

A couple of things kind of stand out to me with this new Ford Focus and this article.  First is the pricing.  Not many cars are cheaper in Canada than the US and I'm thinking that the one in the US must have a few more options on the base model to justify the extra cost.  The other thing is that over the past couple of months it seems that so many people have been complaining about how much a fully loaded Chevy Cruze and Hyundai Elantra are and it seems that this might have step it up a notch in being optioned out to over $30,000.  I don't mind that they put so much into this vehicle and priced it accordingly because I know there are a lot of people who buy compacts and adding these options makes it easier for midsize buyers to downgrade without losing the goodies they are used to having.

The second thing I noticed is that air conditioning is standard on the base model and I have to applaud Ford for that if it's true.  So many compact base models don't come with air conditioning and makes it almost manditory to go one model up or get the air conditioning package, often times adding over $1,000 just for something that everyone wants in their car. 

The last thing I noticed was the lack of performance numbers and comparisons with the Cruze and Elantra.  What everyone wants to know is if this vehicle is faster and/or more fuel efficient than those two.  My guess is that it's marginally faster and about the same on fuel as the Cruze and Elantra (but the Elantra having the edge on a full model lineup). 

Personally I love the interior layout and really enjoy the added euro touches to the suspension.  It'll be interesting what the volume seller will be in this vehicle as the Fiesta it seems to be the mid-upper trim levels that sell the most.  I'm looking forward to trying these new vehicles out back to back, but I might have to wait till the new Honda Civic come out.

[dougjp]

" we could do with a little less rear wheel hop "

I'm with tpl, what in the world is this on a current day car? And a FWD one too! I remember getting wheel hop on my 1970 Duster 340, but that was with smoke pouring out of the wheel wells!

This just jumped off the page to me, and not in a good way. Kind of a shock, as i understand that compared to the Elantra and Cruze, this one has a "proper" rear suspension? So I would like to hear more specifics about what was experienced.

I really like this car otherwise, and when the ST version arrives, it was one I was looking at as a way of moving to a compact size car without giving up the luxuries and performance I want. However this is a BIG stumbling point!

[sailor723]

I'm glad to see more small cars being made available with better quality interiors on more extensive option choices. Just because someone might consider moving to a more compact vehicle doesn't mean they're necessarily looking for an econobox.

I have to echo the surprise about the wheel-hop issue. 

[D]

Haaaaaaaatch!! 

[JohnM]

Second question.

Does the torque vectoring work like limited slip in snow as well as during dynamic handling situations?

If so, it is a great feature.  How does it do it - brakes applied to spinning wheel?

Cheers,
John Meyer

[JohnM]

Looks like a nice package but with 5 speed trannies, a large 2.0L engine and no hatch or wagon, not a cutting edge offering.

What does the engine turn at 100km/hr and how about duel ratings?

Cheers,
John Meyer

[sailor723]

Looks like a nice package but with 5 speed trannies, a large 2.0L engine and no hatch or wagon, not a cutting edge offering.

What does the engine turn at 100km/hr and how about duel ratings?

Cheers,
John Meyer

More importantly,what are the revs like around 120-125 kph ?

[hemusbull]

No question, Ford makes great new products now! But with the whole this attack on North American market with smaller cars, it remindes me early '90s. Then they tryed to introduce Mondeo as Contour/Mistique after total catastrophe with Tempo/Topaz. Now is a new generation they introduce after the crush of the same Contour/Mistique duo. Before was European car now they call it global. Anyway, after the fanfares are coming long years of operating and servicing the vehicle - and here is where above mentioned Ford's performed poorly. No one discuss their long term reliability. In this connection there are a lot of questions. Is this 2.0 l motor Zetec based? How about suspension components and the failire prone auto  transmissions from the past? What about electrical/electronics on board? This are important things which made Ford's family class cars' image as cheap up front and expensive in operation vehicles in the past.  

[tpl]

Looks like a nice package but with 5 speed trannies, a large 2.0L engine and no hatch or wagon, not a cutting edge offering.

What does the engine turn at 100km/hr and how about duel ratings?

Cheers,
John Meyer

It has a hatch and according to MKII there may well be a wagon version for NA.  Now a 6MT would be nce in all variants but as long as the ST has it... that will be fine.

[tpl]

Second question.

Does the torque vectoring work like limited slip in snow as well as during dynamic handling situations?

If so, it is a great feature.  How does it do it - brakes applied to spinning wheel?

Cheers,
John Meyer

My BMW had the traction control done with brakes. The smell of burning pads was a sure sign to turn the traction control off.   

[Ice]

Looks like a nice package but with 5 speed trannies, a large 2.0L engine and no hatch or wagon, not a cutting edge offering.

What does the engine turn at 100km/hr and how about duel ratings?

Cheers,
John Meyer

Ummm.... There are three body styles: sedan, hatch and wagon. The sedan and hatch are confirmed for North America. The wagon has also been "confirmed" by Ford as a strong possibility. The 2.0L seems "large" but it's said to be a very efficient one with all of the latest gadgetry (DI, VVT, etc.). Basically it's the non boosted version of the EcoBoost engine.

Fuel economy in US terms is said to be 38 MPG highway with a fuel economy version with low rolling resistance tires at 40-41MPG. A little less than the new Elantra normally but just as good with the fuel economy tweaks. It has a reasonable amount of extra power so I figure that's acceptable.

[northsparrow]

In Canada Ford sold lots of the first generation Focus wagons and going back a little farther they sold plenty of Escort wagons as well.

Hopefully the new generation of Focus wagon is on its way to cater to the specific tastes of the Canadian market.

[Scazza]

I have read a few "first drive" reviews of the 2012 Focus and not one has commented on the interior space.  Specifically the rear seat room.  Is there an embargo in place on commenting on this aspect of the car?  It can't be a coincidence so many reviewers failed to give first impressions of the interior accommodations.  The photo of the rear seat doesn't look like there is very much leg room.  I figure that this may be where Ford had to compromise for their "world car" aspirations.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I have read a few "first drive" reviews of the 2012 Focus and not one has commented on the interior space.  Specifically the rear seat room.  Is there an embargo in place on commenting on this aspect of the car?  It can't be a coincidence so many reviewers failed to give first impressions of the interior accommodations.  The photo of the rear seat doesn't look like there is very much leg room.  I figure that this may be where Ford had to compromise for their "world car" aspirations.

That is my biggest concern with this new Focus family too - interior room. It's lacking in the Fiesta and appears to be lacking in the new Focus similarly to previous Jettas in the rear - possibly front too. I'm anxious to have a seat and decide for myself.

I could see myself in a Titanium model loaded except leather. Want HID Bi-Xenons as well too.

[conwelpic]

I have read a few "first drive" reviews of the 2012 Focus and not one has commented on the interior space.  Specifically the rear seat room.  Is there an embargo in place on commenting on this aspect of the car?  It can't be a coincidence so many reviewers failed to give first impressions of the interior accommodations.  The photo of the rear seat doesn't look like there is very much leg room.  I figure that this may be where Ford had to compromise for their "world car" aspirations.

I just checked the Ford Canada website on the 2012 model and they say 41.9" (1064) for the front, but on the rear it says 43.7" (1110 mm), which is ridiculous, there 2011 model was 36.1" and the passenger volume of 90.7 cu.ft. is less than the 2011 model at 93.4, so obviously this is some sort of typo.
Checked some other Ford models:  Fusion rear leg room - 37.1" (942mm), Edge 39.3" (1006 mm), Taurus 38.1 (968 mm), Fiesta 31.2" (792 mm).  It's physically impossible for the Focus to have rear legroom of 43.7", the vehicle is not a limo.

Just checked the US site and this seems far more realistic:  Front - 43.7" and rear 33.2", and seeing the model is going to be built at the same US plant for North America - something isn't right, time for a phone call to Ford to get there facts right.

[vdk]

" we could do with a little less rear wheel hop "

I'm with tpl, what in the world is this on a current day car? And a FWD one too! I remember getting wheel hop on my 1970 Duster 340, but that was with smoke pouring out of the wheel wells!

This just jumped off the page to me, and not in a good way. Kind of a shock, as i understand that compared to the Elantra and Cruze, this one has a "proper" rear suspension? So I would like to hear more specifics about what was experienced.

I really like this car otherwise, and when the ST version arrives, it was one I was looking at as a way of moving to a compact size car without giving up the luxuries and performance I want. However this is a BIG stumbling point!

I'm guessing the Focus experiences rear wheel hop going over uneven pavement when taking a turn.

The Rabbit I had did the same thing.