2015 Focus

2017 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: For 2017, Ford Focus adds a new SEL model. SEL slots between midrange SE and topline Titanium. The Focus is available as either a four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback, in trims ranging from base S to well-equipped Titanium. There is also a sporty ST model and a high-performance RS–both of which are hatchback only. All Focuses are front-wheel drive except the all-wheel-drive RS. The base engine is a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automated-manual transmission. Also available is a fuel-efficient 123-hp turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that mates to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The ST has a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the RS packs a 350-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A six-speed manual is the only transmission choice for both ST and RS. Available equipment includes active park assist, heated steering wheel, blind-spot alert, lane-departure mitigation, and cross-traffic alert. Focus is a sporty, fun-to-drive compact that can be ordered with some unexpected high-end equipment. 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 is a ferocious performance machine with formidable capabilities, but its uncompromising nature and steep price tag make it a vehicle for serious enthusiasts. In any of its forms, the Focus doesn’t quite top its class, but it 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: $16,775
SE sedan: $18,175
SE hatchback: $19,765
SEL sedan: $21,175
SEL hatchback: $21,675
Titanium sedan: $23,575
Titanium hatchback: $24,075
ST hatchback: $24,775
AWD RS hatchback: $36,120

Base Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
160
Std. Transmission
5-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automated manual
EPA City Range (mpg)
25-26
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
34-38

Optional Engine
turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder (Std. SE sedan)
Horsepower
123
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
27-30
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
38-40

Optional Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (ST)
Horsepower
252
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30

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

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