2018 Ford Focus Hatchback
The Ford Focus is one of the top offerings in the compact segment thanks to precise, enjoyable handling, a useful array of high-tech features and a refined interior. Available as a traditional sedan or a cargo-friendly hatchback, the Focus isn't without faults - chief among them limited rear seat space and a quirky automatic transmission - but they pale in comparison to what this well-rounded small car has to offer.
Overview
The Focus certainly doesn't look or drive like a traditional American compact, and there's a reason for that - it was primarily developed in Europe, where small cars tend to be much more upscale than their U.S. counterparts.
The Old World influence is clearly evident in the Focus' classy cabin, which charms with high-quality materials and a distinctive design. There's sufficient space up front, but the rear seats are lacking in legroom compared to some competitors.
Opt for the Focus' versatile hatchback bodystyle, and cargo space is ample - 23.8 cubic feet are available behind the rear seats, and 44.8 cubes can be unlocked by folding the rear seats flat.
There's plenty of technology inside, as all Focuses except for the base model come standard with SYNC, Ford's Bluetooth-based connectivity system that allows smartphone users to place calls and stream music by using voice commands or steering wheel-mounted buttons. SYNC can also read incoming texts aloud to help the driver keep his or her eyes on the road, and allows the use of Ford-approved apps like The Wall Street Journal news and Pandora radio.
The Focus can be spec'd with MyFord Touch, an infotainment system that builds on SYNC by letting users control everything from navigation to climate control to the sound system with voice commands. MyFord Touch also replaces conventional sound system knobs and buttons with a center-mounted eight-inch touchscreen, dual 4.2-inch displays in the instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls in the center stack. Many consumers report that the system is a "love it or hate it" item, so those interested in the Focus are advised to try before they buy.
Other nifty technology features include an automated parking system that's adept at parallel parking maneuvers - the driver just needs to worry about working the gas and the brakes, and the Focus steers itself - as well as a rearview camera and a proximity key with remote start.
Behind the Wheel
The Focus' European heritage is also reflected in its sturdy platform and well-executed mechanicals, which make for a surprisingly fun small car.
With a multi-link suspension - that's a sophisticated touch for this price point - and a well-weighted, communicative electric power steering system, the Focus is a nimble, playful and planted backroads companion. Handling is further (ahem) focused by a standard Dynamic Cornering Control system that automatically brakes the inside front wheel to reduce understeer.
When the driver is in the mood for a mellow cruise instead of canyon carving, the Focus obliges with a comfortable ride and good pothole impact absorption.
The Focus comes standard with a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. A well-sorted five-speed manual is standard on most Focus models, while a six-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.
The latter behaves differently than a traditional torque-converter automatic, which is both good and bad. On the negative side, the dual-clutch can be slightly herky-jerky at lower speeds, and it doesn't always creep forward the way one would expect, which can make parking a little touch and go. It does, however, provide smooth, rapid shifts once underway and return excellent fuel economy - 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, to be exact.
In comparison, the five-speed manual-equipped model is good for 26/36 mpg.
An available Super Fuel Economy package, available only with the dual-clutch, increases mileage to 28/40 mpg.
Buyers after even better fuel economy can order the Focus with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine tuned to generate 123 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. Exclusively linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Focus hatchback is offered in SE, SEL, and Titanium trim levels.
The SE comes standard with a rear-view camera, A/C, power locks, windows and mirrors, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an aux input, SYNC, cruise control, a trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Options bundles available for the SE is the SE Appearance Package, which brings leather upholstery, 17-inch aluminum wheels, rear disc brakes, ambient interior lighting, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, an anti-theft alarm, a rear spoiler and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE winter package includes heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. The SE Super Fuel Economy Package brings low rolling resistance tires, 16-inch steel wheels with aero hubcaps, rear disc brakes and a rear spoiler.
Also optional is the MyFord Touch, which is bundled with a navigation system, a 10-speaker Sony audio system and HD Radio.
SEL brings 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, black headlight bezels, and a power moonroof.
The top-spec Titanium includes all of the features from the SE Appearance Package and the SE Winter Package. Additional content includes dual-zone automatic climate control, MyFordTouch, a 10-speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio, a proximity key, rear parking sensors and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Those looking for the sharpest possible driving experience should spring for the Titanium Handling Package, which brings a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels shod with summer tires.
Occupant Safety
All Focus models are equipped with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.
Safety-conscious buyers can order radar-based blind spot warning and lane-keeping systems at an extra cost.
Key Competitors
Alternatives to the Focus Hatchback include the sporty and efficient Mazda3 Hatchback, the sleek Kia Forte Hatchback and the Subaru Impreza Hatchback, which offers standard all-wheel-drive.
- Propulsion: Gas 2.0L I4
- Power: 160hp
@
6500rpm - Torque: 146ftâ‹…lb
@
4450rpm - Mileage: TBD MPG ( TBD city, TBD hwy)
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Seating: 5 seats
in
2 rows - Passenger Volume: TBDcu ft
- Length: 171.7in
- Wheelbase: 104.3in
- Height: 57.8in
- Weight: 2948lbs
- Cargo Volume: 23.3cu ft
- Front Leg Room: 43.1in
- Front Head Room: 38.3in
- Front Hip Room: 53.9in
- Rear Leg Room: 33.2in
- Rear Head Room: 38.0in
- Rear Hip Room: 52.8in
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: TBD