 2009 Ford Focus SES sedan, five-speed manual. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Ford Focus
Toronto, Ontario – In automotive terms, the North American Ford Focus is Neolithic. Having been around for over a decade, this car has seen more face-lifts than Joan Rivers. Europe got a new Focus in 2005 built on the corporate Mazda3/Volvo S40 platform, but not us. Our Focus’ last big refresh came in 2008, when the compact car got a new skin, new interior and a lightened and considerably strengthened chassis.
What it gained in refinement it lost in utility – the wagon and five-door hatch versions, both big sellers in Canada, got the axe. I’m betting Ford wishes it had those cars now. The only other Focus body style is a two-door coupe.
 2009 Ford Focus SES sedan, five-speed manual. Click image to enlarge |
The 2009 Focus sedan continues largely unchanged save for the availability of electronic stability control, optional on the $15,699 Focus S and $ 17,099 SE, and standard on the $19,399 SEL and $19,999 SES.
All Foci have air conditioning and are powered by a 140 hp and 136 lb.-ft 2.0-litre “Duratec” four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed auto will set you back $1,150.
With the compact sedan arena lousy with new models and buyers spoiled for choice, one might wonder how Ford’s senior citizen has a fighting chance.
