Pros

• Great cargo space
• Quite cabin ride
• Stylish looks
• Good tech features
• Heated cloth seats

Cons

• Automatic has slow response
• Confusing technology
• Small back seats

Specs

Engine size: 2.0 four cylinder
Horse power: 160 @ 6500 RPM
Torque:  146 @4450 RPM
EPA:  26 city /36 highway

Exterior

The exterior of the new 2014 Ford Focus is outstanding! The Focus has a very stylish look to it giving the customer a great first impression based on looks.  The Ford Focus is available in both a sedan and hatchback version if more room is needed.

Interior

The Ford Focus we drove was the Focus SE. This model had a gray and black cloth interior. The available packages allow for different colored interiors including two toned models like the one we test drove. Leather is an option for the Focus in models such as the SE with appearance package or the Focus Electric. The front seats of the Focus also provide you with the option for heated seats, which makes for a warm winter ride! The rear seats weren’t to bad but leg room may be a problem for someone a bit taller. Overall Ford provides the customer with many great options for the interior in the Ford Focus.

Ford also provides you with decent audio in base model Focus’s. There is an option to upgrade to the Ford MyTouch package which comes with a great 10 speaker system.  The Ford MyTouch isn’t as great as it may sound. Although a 10 speaker system sounds awesome, it comes with a bunch of confusing features. The overall technology for the Focus seems a bit to confusing to use. The many buttons make it a bit intimidating to look at.

Performance/ Drive

The Ford Focus is powered by a 2.0 four cylinder engine equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 5-speed manual is also an option for those who like to have some fun and feel in control.  The Focus S and SE both make 160 HP and 146 Torque. For those who feel like that isn’t enough power Ford also offers the Ford Focus ST which is powered by Fords 2.0 EcoBoost motor producing an amazing 252 HP @5500 RPM and 270 torque @ 2500 RPM.

The overall drive on the Focus we test drove was decent at most. The ride was pretty smooth and relatively comfortable. Road noise was not an issue in the Focus, no abnormal noises as you drove the car. It also had a pretty surprising turning radius.  The only extreme downfall that was brought to our attention while driving this vehicle was the automatic transmission seemed a bit late on responding.  As the gas pedal was pressed it took the Focus some time to respond. This downfall of course could easily be fixed by obtaining the 5-speed manual in the vehicle.

Summary

The Ford Focus comes with many different packages to suit the need of its buyer. Ford really nailed the exterior looks on the Focus, making it a great looking car up close and from a far. The overall performance of the Focus is great as well besides the sluggish automatic transmission. With decent power and great gas mileage this makes the Focus a great car to consider if you’re in the market for something simple.