Test drove a Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback this morning.

[JulesMaximus]

Went to breakfast with my son and the drove by the local Ford dealership to look at the 2012 Focus. Ended up test driving a top of the line silver model with black interior.

Car drove nice, steering felt good, reasonably sporty with a firm ride. While it is not nearly as powerful as my current car it didn't feel underpowered either. The car was comfortable and had quite a nice setup of technology including nav system and leather. 27mpg city 37mpg freeway mileage would be nice too. Wonder what that would be in real world driving though.

I was thoroughly impressed by both the looks of the car, the utility, and the way it drove. Just a great little car.

Anyone know of any issues with these cars?

Not sure I want to trade the Maxima in just yet though as it only has 100,000 miles on it and it is paid for.

 

[Zargon]

its kinda too new for issues to surface, they havent really been on the lots for much more than a month

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I'm almost afraid to ask what they go for? Prices on cars are getting ridiculous. I paid quite a bit for my truck but it's a friggin truck.

 

[Arkaign]

It's not really all that much more than a tweaked version of the C1-based model that began in Europe in '04 in many ways, though the new motor/tranny combo is a question mark at this time. It would come as a huge surprise if there were any significant issues though. The only recent defect in the Ford lineup is the sometimes problematic manual tranny in the '11 GT, and I imagine that's a combo of putting a Chinese-mfg transmission in a car with those ~400hp/tq numbers.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'm almost afraid to ask what they go for? Prices on cars are getting ridiculous. I paid quite a bit for my truck but it's a friggin truck.

Well, the top of the line model I was looking at had an MSRP of just over $27,000. It was loaded though.

The Titanium Premium package adds rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear armrest. The Titanium Handling package adds 18-inch wheels, an upgraded sport-tuned suspension, a full-size spare and summer tires.

In Edmunds performance testing, a Focus Titanium with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds -- on par with similarly powered cars in the class. Official EPA estimates weren't available as of this writing, but Ford engineers say they expect the car should return about 40 mpg on the highway cycle when fitted with the optional Super Fuel Economy option package. The conventional Focus should get about 38 mpg on the EPA highway test.

What really sets the 2012 Focus apart, however, is the wealth of new technology offered here. This includes a number of items usually found only on much more expensive models, ranging from a rearview camera to Ford's excellent Automated Parking Assist, which can neatly slip the car into a curbside spot without the driver ever touching the steering wheel. On top of this there's the latest evolution of Ford's hands-free Sync technology and the new MyFord Touch system that largely does away with buttons and knobs in favor of a large center touchscreen and voice commands.

Edit-It doesn't require premium fuel.

 

[simonizor]

Well, the top of the line model I was looking at had an MSRP of just over $27,000. It was loaded though. Nice alloys wheels, power moonroof, navigation, voice recognition, bluetooth handsfree phone, Sirius satellite radio, leather...

Anyone know if this car requires premium fuel?

Wow, that's a lot to pay for a 4 banger... NTY.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Gonna have to change your handle to JulesFocus

 

[TechBoyJK]

Why not look at the Fiesta? A bit smaller, but you can get the Ford Racing Suspension for about $300, and it's about $4k cheaper for a comparable model. I like my fiesta so far. It's fully loaded, minus leather.

 

[Arkaign]

Well, the top of the line model I was looking at had an MSRP of just over $27,000. It was loaded though. Nice alloys wheels, power moonroof, navigation, voice recognition, bluetooth handsfree phone, Sirius satellite radio, leather...

Anyone know if this car requires premium fuel?

No premium fuel required on non-turbo Foci

What about the ST model? Not as good fuel economy, but you might have more fun in it?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Why not look at the Fiesta? A bit smaller, but you can get the Ford Racing Suspension for about $300, and it's about $4k cheaper for a comparable model. I like my fiesta so far. It's fully loaded, minus leather.

Too small and mileage is the same. I have a wife and a kid and my wife drives a small Lexus IS250.

I really like the hatchback model because I can fold the back seats down and fit my bike back there easily.

 

[JulesMaximus]

No premium fuel required on non-turbo Foci

What about the ST model? Not as good fuel economy, but you might have more fun in it?

I have a motorcycle to satisfy my need for speed.

Getting this would probably put the Ducati on hold though... :'(

 

[Arkaign]

I have a motorcycle to satisfy my need for speed.

Getting this would probably put the Ducati on hold though... :'(

Ah man. Practicality, or the Duc? That's a hard one. Your current bike is not exactly a slouch, but I understand the temptation. I avoid the local Triumph dealer for that very reason, I might end up coming home on two wheels.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Too small and mileage is the same. I have a wife and a kid.

Ahh. i dont have those problems. So the fiesta was ok with me =)

 

[Doppel]

Well, the top of the line model I was looking at had an MSRP of just over $27,000. It was loaded though.

The Titanium Premium package adds rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear armrest. The Titanium Handling package adds 18-inch wheels, an upgraded sport-tuned suspension, a full-size spare and summer tires.

In Edmunds performance testing, a Focus Titanium with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds -- on par with similarly powered cars in the class. Official EPA estimates weren't available as of this writing, but Ford engineers say they expect the car should return about 40 mpg on the highway cycle when fitted with the optional Super Fuel Economy option package. The conventional Focus should get about 38 mpg on the EPA highway test.

What really sets the 2012 Focus apart, however, is the wealth of new technology offered here. This includes a number of items usually found only on much more expensive models, ranging from a rearview camera to Ford's excellent Automated Parking Assist, which can neatly slip the car into a curbside spot without the driver ever touching the steering wheel. On top of this there's the latest evolution of Ford's hands-free Sync technology and the new MyFord Touch system that largely does away with buttons and knobs in favor of a large center touchscreen and voice commands.

Edit-It doesn't require premium fuel.

$27k for a FORD FOCUS? F**king insane. The new hatch looks nice but I can't see paying more than high teens for a focus, 20k or 21 if it's fully decked out with leather and gold trim and jewel encrusted wheels. It's still a small four cylinder Ford.

 

[Arkaign]

$27k for a FORD FOCUS? F**king insane. The new hatch looks nice but I can't see paying more than high teens for a focus, 20k or 21 if it's fully decked out with leather and gold trim and jewel encrusted wheels. It's still a small four cylinder Ford.

I understand your incredulity, though this is a strange switchover in the US Ford heirarchy. The old Focus was their entry-level economy car, and priced/equipped accordingly. The new Focus is a dramatic upgrade, which leaves the incoming Fiesta to take the place of the previous Focus as the entry-level economy car (mostly in more base models though).

The new Focus, particularly those Titanium models, are pretty comparable to the compact Audi/BMWs in interior feel, material quality, options, safety, etc, while offering a slight tradeoff of better fuel economy for a bit of a hit in power (unless you opt for the ST turbo). You really have to sit in one and take it around to let it soak in.

In the UK, this is a lot more understood. BMW offers even lower models than the 128i there, and they overlap completely with the UK Focus, which is definitely cross-shopped by shoppers looking for a good-driving compact car.

 

[Doppel]

The new Focus, particularly those Titanium models, are pretty comparable to the compact Audi/BMWs in interior feel, material quality, options, safety, etc, while offering a slight tradeoff of better fuel economy for a bit of a hit in power (unless you opt for the ST turbo). You really have to sit in one and take it around to let it soak in.

That may be true. Heck, they may even be better. But they are a focus and carry the same name as the rusty dime a dozen ones we've seen around for years. It's like Ford reusing the Taurus name in their current, large, pretty sedan. All I think when I see it is old piece of crap that cost $1200 new back in the 90's.

Imagine if Dodge came out with an awesome car and called it a Neon. With all the words in the english language I don't understand the reuse of ones associated with rinky dink cares and slapping on a newer, nicer one. The new focus HB does look sweet, though. I saw a commercial for it last week named Fringe. It was an hour long. I think that show used to be science-based but is more or less a Ford commercial.

 

[Arkaign]

Good and valud points for sure. I think Ford is hoping to slowly build up their branding over time, and if the past few years are any indication, they are well on their way. At least they've dropped some of the weaker brands that were probably hopeless like the 'Escort', etc. Imho they should do the same with the Taurus brand, and continue building the Fusion brand.

The Focus is tougher, but I think they'll get there. The 'Fiesta' I think is a horrible name for a great car, and it reminds too closely of that horrible old 'Festiva' they used to sell. Ah well, too late now.

One of the most hilariously bad ideas in Ford history was deciding at the last minute to replace the V6 and V8-powered full-size RWD Cougar with the renamed 3rd-gen Probe. The Probe was a general sales success, but suddenly slapping a Mercury badge and price on it was a terrible idea.

 

[Smoove910]

I will never agree with a car that cost 1/4 of what a house in my area costs. Doesn't make any fiscal sense to a low-life like me.

 

[Arkaign]

I will never agree with a car that cost 1/4 of what a house in my area costs. Doesn't make any fiscal sense to a low-life like me.

Heh, most cars are almost invariably terrible investments. It's nice to drive something modern, reliable, and safe though, and it's just a general necessity in today's society.

I *could* drive a 1982 Honda Civic with 550,000 miles that drives just fine, but it'd be a little embarassing, and I'd probably die if I got hit by anything larger than a dirt bike.

All kidding aside, most people would be more logically served by even a lightly used car vs. new though, and to keep it until it's absolutely falling apart or suffering severe mechanical problems. Just on pure monetary logic. I even see this ethic in some ludicrously wealthy neighborhoods. I know a retired man who worked at TI for almost 30 years, and he has a nice estate/home next to a golf course that's probably worth at least 4 million now, and he has a crappy old F250 Diesel from the mid 80s as his only vehicle besides a golf cart

 

[Pulsar]

One of the most hilariously bad ideas in Ford history was deciding at the last minute to replace the V6 and V8-powered full-size RWD Cougar with the renamed 3rd-gen Probe. The Probe was a general sales success, but suddenly slapping a Mercury badge and price on it was a terrible idea.

Actually, let's cover the most recent for goofs.

The new convertible T-bird. What were they thinking?
The Probe. 'nuff said.
The 'new' small 2 seat Cougar. OMG ugly.
The Lincoln Blackwood.

Thank god we appear to have left those type of decisions behind us (for now). I still want an AWD 3.5 Twin Turbo Fusion, and the Focus ST still doesn't really have the balls I'd prefer, but Ford's never really been a small sports car company. The last 'good' one was the Focus SVT, and even that wasn't on part with a WRX.

I saw a new Eclipse in Burnt Metallic Orange yesterday and wished we built a car like that.

 

[Pulsar]

Heh, most cars are almost invariably terrible investments. It's nice to drive something modern, reliable, and safe though, and it's just a general necessity in today's society.

I *could* drive a 1982 Honda Civic with 550,000 miles that drives just fine, but it'd be a little embarassing, and I'd probably die if I got hit by anything larger than a dirt bike.

All kidding aside, most people would be more logically served by even a lightly used car vs. new though, and to keep it until it's absolutely falling apart or suffering severe mechanical problems. Just on pure monetary logic. I even see this ethic in some ludicrously wealthy neighborhoods. I know a retired man who worked at TI for almost 30 years, and he has a nice estate/home next to a golf course that's probably worth at least 4 million now, and he has a crappy old F250 Diesel from the mid 80s as his only vehicle besides a golf cart

Exactly. Cars don't make any fiscal sense at all. Don't get me wrong - they aren't overpriced. If you want proof look at the profit margins. 3-5% generally for the successful car companies. That's maybe $800 per car. (That should explain to many people why dealers aren't so eager to compromise much on price).

That T-shirt you just bought at Walmart for $4? probably close to a 200% profit margin.

Buy used. The depreciation isn't worth it in nearly every case.

 

[Falloutboy]

27 grand for a focus? I dunno...I got a fusion in 2010 for 21,000 while its not loaded its got sync + the Monochrome package, so its got the fancy wheels and upgraded paint scheme, and interior. don't think i would spend 6k for a focus with leather but also smaller.

 

[JulesMaximus]

That may be true. Heck, they may even be better. But they are a focus and carry the same name as the rusty dime a dozen ones we've seen around for years. It's like Ford reusing the Taurus name in their current, large, pretty sedan. All I think when I see it is old piece of crap that cost $1200 new back in the 90's.

Imagine if Dodge came out with an awesome car and called it a Neon. With all the words in the english language I don't understand the reuse of ones associated with rinky dink cares and slapping on a newer, nicer one. The new focus HB does look sweet, though. I saw a commercial for it last week named Fringe. It was an hour long. I think that show used to be science-based but is more or less a Ford commercial.

I would never have considered the old Focus. The new ones really are that much better in every way. Pictures don't really do it justice. It is a great looking car...who cares what it's called.

I was also very impressed with the level of sophisticated electronics on the interior. Features you normally find on luxury brands like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

All the reviews seem to be glowing.

There's hardly space to discuss all of the technology that can be jammed into the new Focus, but I'll try to highlight a few key options. The big one is MyFord Touch, Ford's latest hands-free driver interface. It is possible to adjust climate control, audio, communications and navigation functions without ever removing your hands from the steering wheel or your eyes from the road.

MyFord Touch works with Microsoft's SYNC, and a premium Sony audio system is also an option with HD Radio and GraceNote music database. I love gadgets and technology, and I could easily lose a week playing with all of the features and functionality that's possible with this system. You can even order active park assist on a Focus, a very capable radar-based parking system that can parallel park quickly and with very little driver intervention.

This level of available technology is certainly a first for the compact economy car class, and will certainly spur the competition to action. It's great that you don't have to buy a premium luxury vehicle to get access to the latest in technology, and believe me, this is the latest in technology. Very cool.

 

[angry hampster]

I would never have considered the old Focus. The new ones really are that much better in every way. Pictures don't really do it justice. It is a great looking car...who cares what it's called.

While I agree that the new Focus is a really great compact, the outgoing generation is a stellar value. They're able to be had for MUCH cheaper than equivalent Hondas/Toyotas and superbly reliable. Our '08 has had zero issues and drives nicely.

 

[Bignate603]

I don't understand why people are freaking out about price, it's not overpriced. The Focus MSRP starts at about $16k. When you start adding features typically found in much more upscale cars you end up with a much higher price tag.

We're probably going to be in the market for a small car later this year, the Focus and Fiesta are both going to be on our list, but we'll probably be shopping at the lower end of the spectrum.