FAST FACTS
* Model: 2015 Ford Focus Sedan* Exterior color: White Platinum Tri-Coat* Interior color: Charcoal Black* Engine: 2.0 liter, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 160* Transmission: six-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 38 mpg highway, 26 mpg city* Dealer: Mountain View Ford* Price (as tested): $25,485
There’s always a philosophical tug-of-war when it comes to designing compact cars. It essentially boils down to this: Should a compact car look like a family sedan or a Hot Wheels racer?
Ford has chosen Option A, a family sedan, by injecting some of the design DNA from its Fusion mid-size sedan into the new-for-2015 Focus.
While not a clean-sheet re-do, the new Focus looks more sophisticated. The Focus now shares the bigger Fusion’s handsome hexagonal nose, which, in turn, contains echoes of the regal British brand, Aston Martin. The Focus also has the Fusion’s low roof and bold character lines.
Our tester this week, in top-of-the-line Platinum trim, was provided by Mountain View Ford new car sales manager Doug Cawood, and has a sticker price of $25,485 before discounts. A base Focus S start at $17,170, and hatchback models are also available.
Our test drive took us to TVA’s Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant where we pushed the 160-horsepower Focus through some twisting roads to sample its main strength: a level of sportiness not found in other compacts, with the possible exception of the Mazda 3.
DESIGN AND FEATURES
With its new schnoz framed by a sculpted hood and swept headlamps, the Focus might be the best looking little car on American roads today. Coated in White Platinum Tri-Coat paint a (a $595 upgrade), our tester gleamed in the morning sunlight.
Our tester’s 17-inch, split-spoke wheels and black leather interior add to the Focus’ upscale vibe. A wrap-around dash and center stack have been upgraded with high-quality materials.
The gauges and switches are all laid out intuitively. I did have a bit of trouble locating the radio volume control, though. (I finally defaulted to the “plus” and “minus” buttons on the steering wheel.) Meanwhile, Ford has upgraded its MyFord Touch telematics system to be more user friendly, and it shows.
The front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. On on platinum-trim models, the front seats are also heated for those crisp winter days when leather can be a bit chilly.
Other standard features on the Focus Platinum are the 17-inch alloys, halogen headlamps, a power driver’s seat, push-button start, a rear-view camera and Sony audio system with available Sirius XM satellite radio. The only option on our tester, besides the tri-coat paint, is a power moon-roof ($895).
Outward visibility and driving position are generally good, although the A-pillar does intrude some on the forward view. There’s just over 13-cubic-feet of cargo space in the trunk. Those who need more space might opt for the versatile Focus hatch.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Driving dynamics is where the Focus really shines. Its precise handling and high-revving engine seem positively European.
Most Focuses are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes nearly 160 horsepower. New for 2015 is a tiny, 1.0-liter turbocharged, EcoBoost engine that makes just 125 horsepower, but also returns 35 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
On our test drive around Raccoon Mountain the Focus was a willing playmate. The six-speed automatic transmission downshifts aggressively to propel the Focus from 0-60 miles per hour in about 7.5 seconds.
With its European-style chassis, the Focus is a perfect fit for our mountain roads. It hugs and chugs through turns while climbing up mountains, and has stout enough brakes to make the descent fun, too.
For those wanting even more performance, Ford is offering the new Focus RS hot hatch with the same turbocharged engine offered in the new Mustang.
BOTTOM LINE
In the years we have left before automobiles become self-driving appliances, we should all celebrate the car companies with enough courage to keep turning out fun-to-drive rides.
The Ford Focus is for those of us on a budget who haven’t resigned ourselves to a numb driving experience. It threads the needle between practicality and adventure in a completely satisfying way.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.