What is it? Ford's small car gets its most extensive update since its 1999 introduction, with all-new sheet metal, a redesigned suspension designed to make the car feel more solid and substantial, and a new interior said to be both quieter and more contemporary. It is now equipped with an audio input jack, two power outlets, a USB port, and a voice activated communications system with telephone and MP3 compatibility. The cockpit also features lighting that can change between seven different colors with the turn of a knob. Available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan, the Focus is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine matched with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety equipment includes side and side-curtain air bags.
CR's take: While it would be natural to expect a full redesign after a seven year run, the Focus receives only a partial redesign for 2008. However, this may be a testament to how good the fundamentals of the existing platform are. Hopefully, the changes will retain the car's excellent driving dynamics and improve the IIHS side crash performance with its standard curtain airbags. Considering stability control was once available, it is a pity it didn't reappear. The styling moves away from the clean, coherent lines of the original.
What is new or notable: Reeling from slow SUV sales, Ford says the new Focus is first in a series of cars intended to show the automaker's commitment to the growing small car market.
