 2012 Ford Focus SEL sedan. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Greg Wilson
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2012 Ford Focus
Like the Focus hatchback, the Focus sedan was redesigned for 2012 using the same European-inspired styling and platform that’s sold in other areas of the world. The new four-door sedan bodystyle has sportier, more aerodynamic bodywork with a new grille that automatically opens and shuts to improve airflow and thermal efficiency – its new drag coefficient of 0.30 compares to 0.32 last year.
The powertrain is also new: a more fuel-efficient direct-injection 160-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with variable camshaft timing which, despite offering considerably more horsepower and torque than its rivals, is just as fuel-efficient. Its official city/hwy L/100 km ratings are 7.5/5.3 when equipped with the automatic transmission. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual but optional is a new dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission with optional “Selectshift” manual shift mode.
Other notable mechanical changes include a new electric power steering system and a new front torque vectoring control which acts like a limited slip differential to enhance traction and stability when cornering.
 2012 Ford Focus SEL sedan. Click image to enlarge |
Inside, the Focus sedan features a new instrument panel with soft-touch surfaces, sculpted shapes, new touch-screen technology (optional SEL, standard Titanium) that replaces many of the traditional dash buttons. Other noteworthy features include an automated parking system, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and MyKey parental control.
2012 Focus sedans are offered in four trim levels, S ($15,999), SE ($18,999), SEL ($21,499), and new Titanium trim ($24,499). Keep in mind that these prices can vary at a moment’s notice based on Ford’s current incentives.
Our test car was an SEL sedan ($21,499) which included standard front fog lights, four wheel disc brakes, dual zone climate control, power windows with one-touch up and down on all windows, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, split folding rear seatbacks, Sync voice-activated audio and phone system, MyFord Touch touch-screen, Sirius satellite radio with a free six-month subscription, MyKey parental control and security alarm.
 2012 Ford Focus SEL sedan. Click image to enlarge |
Our tester also was equipped with $6,550 worth of options: the 6-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with SelectShift manual mode ($1,450), 17-inch all-season tires and polished alloy wheels ($600), Rapid Spec Package 303A with a MyFord Touch audio entertainment system with premium Sony audio system that includes ten speakers and subwoofer; front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensitive wipers ($1,500); Parking Technology Package which includes automated parallel parking system and a rearview camera ($600); power moonroof ($1,200), navigation system ($700), engine block heater ($100), and red candy metallic paint ($300). The price of our test car came to $28,049 plus $1,450 Freight and $100 air conditioning tax for a total price of $29,499. Hm. $30,000 for a Ford Focus seems high – but admittedly, there is a lot of stuff here.
  2012 Ford Focus SEL sedan. Click image to enlarge |
In general, we liked the Focus’ new interior: the stylish cabin has adequate legroom and headroom for four adults even though it’s not particularly spacious in its class. The Focus sedan’s passenger volume of 2,568 litres is less than the Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. However, the Focus has more trunk space than the Civic, Corolla and Mazda3. Its 374 litre (13.2 cu. ft.) trunk is fully lined and easy to access. Split folding rear seatbacks are available but only in the upper SEL and Titanium trim. They fold down easily with the push of button on the seatbacks but they don’t sit perfectly flat and there is no locking mechanism.
The driver’s seat has a manual height adjuster and the steering wheel telescopes as well as tilts, both of which help accommodate different sized drivers. We also appreciated the front seat heaters with five heat settings. The new dash has plenty of style, and some things about it are an improvement, such as the easy-to-see gauges that are brightly backlit, the colour information screen and trip computer in the gauge cluster that can be controlled using steering wheel buttons, and the backlighting common to most switches on the doors and dash for easy access at night.
