2015 Focus

2016 Ford Focus sedan

Pros: Acceleration in ST and RS models; sporty driving character; high-quality interior trim; impressive fuel economy

Cons: Tight rear-seat space; higher-end models get quite pricey; not all drivers like behavior of automated-manual transmission

CG Says: Ford Focus gains a high-performance RS model for 2016. The RS packs a 350-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard and a 6-speed manual is the only transmission choice. Ford’s finicky MyFord Touch media control system is replaced with a new SYNC 3 interface on all Focus models. An automatic transmission can now be ordered with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Focus is a sporty, fun-to-drive compact that can be ordered with some unexpected high-end equipment. It can also be equipped with Ford’s fuel-efficient 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine. We like the manual transmission more than the automated manual. Focus prices range from class-competitive to surprisingly expensive for loaded Titanium models. The ST promises lots of muscle, but we were a bit disappointed in the front-drive car’s ability to get it to the road. The AWD RS should solve that problem. While it’s not our favorite compact, Focus is still worth your consideration.

The Facts
Class Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Ford
Nation of Manufacture USA, Germany
Base Prices S sedan: $17,225
SE sedan: $18,515
SE hatchback: $19,015
Titanium sedan: $23,225
Titanium hatchback: $23,725
ST hatchback: $24,425
AWD RS hatchback: $35,900

Base Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
160
Std. Transmission
5-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
26
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
36-40

Optional Engine
turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder
Horsepower
123
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
28-30
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
40-42

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
252
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
31

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
350
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
19
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
25

16FocusRS_07_HR
2016 Ford Focus RS
2015FocusST_01_HR
2016 Ford Focus ST
15FordFocus_27_HR
2016 Ford Focus hatchback
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