After eight long years, the wait is finally over: the completely redesigned Ford Focus is here. And I'm not talking about an import coming straight from Europe but rather a North American model inspired by its cousin from overseas.
First things first: the new Focus has nothing to do with the previous generation, at least not physically. (Only two body styles were retained: the 4-door sedan and the 3-door coupe.) No connections can be made; in fact, the difference is so great that this Focus could rightfully be considered as a whole new model. That's good news for consumers, since the old yet popular Focus was becoming pretty outdated.
The second-generation Focus appears longer and more refined, except for the massive front bumper which spoils the overall sleekness of the car. Is it a styling miscue or a safety requirement? No one knows exactly.
My biggest disappointment comes from Ford's decision to kill the 5-door Focus, even though it had proven quite popular in years past. Adding insult to injury is the fact that most competitors now offer such models in the entry-level segment. Could somebody explain that one? Please!
Improved handling
Another thing that jumped at me as soon as I took off with the new Focus was the improved handling. The car attacks corners, even sharp ones, with newfound confidence and agility -- especially in urban streets. That's a significant advantage for a city-first compact car.
The ride is also remarkably improved. When I first drove the 2008 Focus at Niagara-on-the-Lake as part of the AJAC's annual TestFest, it proved surprisingly comfortable. Put to the test on Quebec's roads for a longer period of time, it maintained stability and British-like composure despite hitting some serious potholes from time to time.
But how did it get there? Well, Ford engineers equipped the Focus with an all-new, totally revamped suspension system using upgraded mechanical components. What's more, the chassis is stiffer and better at withstanding torsional forces.
First things first: the new Focus has nothing to do with the previous generation, at least not physically. (Only two body styles were retained: the 4-door sedan and the 3-door coupe.) No connections can be made; in fact, the difference is so great that this Focus could rightfully be considered as a whole new model. That's good news for consumers, since the old yet popular Focus was becoming pretty outdated.
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| More stylish than its predecessor, the new Focus has what it takes to please. |
The second-generation Focus appears longer and more refined, except for the massive front bumper which spoils the overall sleekness of the car. Is it a styling miscue or a safety requirement? No one knows exactly.
My biggest disappointment comes from Ford's decision to kill the 5-door Focus, even though it had proven quite popular in years past. Adding insult to injury is the fact that most competitors now offer such models in the entry-level segment. Could somebody explain that one? Please!
Improved handling
Another thing that jumped at me as soon as I took off with the new Focus was the improved handling. The car attacks corners, even sharp ones, with newfound confidence and agility -- especially in urban streets. That's a significant advantage for a city-first compact car.
The ride is also remarkably improved. When I first drove the 2008 Focus at Niagara-on-the-Lake as part of the AJAC's annual TestFest, it proved surprisingly comfortable. Put to the test on Quebec's roads for a longer period of time, it maintained stability and British-like composure despite hitting some serious potholes from time to time.
But how did it get there? Well, Ford engineers equipped the Focus with an all-new, totally revamped suspension system using upgraded mechanical components. What's more, the chassis is stiffer and better at withstanding torsional forces.
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| The new Focus offers sound driving dynamics and much higher levels of comfort. |