AUTO RED BOOK REVIEW: 2012 FORD FOCUS

On The Cover Review: 2012 Ford Focus

When it comes to the new Ford Focus, Ford’s focus has changed. Gone are the days of the cheap econobox. Today’s version is better looking, more sophisticated, and potentially more expensive. The 2012 Focus is basically the same car sold in Europe, so taught handling and high quality were greater priorities. Options include Ford’s SYNC system, Sony HD radio with iTunes tagging, active parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. All of these options can increase the $17,000 base price of the Focus to more than $27,000 for the Titanium model. Ford believes that the higher-priced, higher-optioned models will appeal to a more tech-savvy audience who are more willing to pay a premium price for a sophisticated small car than they ever had in the past. This is partly due to fuel mileage concerns, as people want to lose the gas guzzlers, but still have nice features. The Focus can achieve up-to 40-mpg with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.