2011 Ford Focus Review

2011 Ford Focus Review

Inside, the Ford Focus displays tastefully and functionality applied materials. The original dash was replaced with a more traditional design, netting improved storage spaces, better-positioned controls and attractive ice-blue backlighting. Gauge faces are black on the S and white on SE, SES and SEL models, and a dash-top display graces the interior of all models. The large central accent panel, tan or black on S and SE, has an upscale brushed-nickel finish on the SES and SEL. Tall bucket seats provide high-quality comfort and support up front, while the 60/40-split rear bench can handle two average-sized adults or three kids and adds utility to the 13.8 cubic-foot trunk.The exterior design cues used for the 2011 Ford Focus were inspired from the first-generation Fusion and Edge designs, displaying crisp character lines and a chrome bar grille that help align it more closely with other Ford vehicles. Base S models come with 15-inch steel wheels; the SE gets alloy rims of the same size, the SEL variant move up to 16-inchers, and the SES is outfitted with 17-inch painted wheels. Chrome faux side vents add a bit of bling to the front quarter panels of SE, SES and SEL models and the top-line Focus also has body-color door handles and side mirrors and gets a subtle rear decklid spoiler.The Focus S boasts a respectable basic roster of features, including high-efficiency air conditioning, dual 12-volt powerpoints and front, a tilt steering column, front-side and side-curtain airbags. It also includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with auxiliary audio input, power locks, MyKey programmable vehicle key, remote keyless entry, a five-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction and stability control. The SE, SES and SEL trims add power windows, power mirrors and unique alloy wheels (15-inch on SE, 16-inch on SEL and 17-inch on SES). Moving up to the SES and SEL adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control switchgear, upgraded interior trim, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, fog lamps and the slick SYNC in-car communications system.All models can be fitted with an electrochromic rearview mirror - with or without Homelink and compass - remote starting for cars with automatic transmission and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The SE Rapid Spec Package adds cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, electrochromic rear-view mirror and SYNC, while the SEL and SES Rapid Spec Package adds the Moon and Tune Package (power moonroof and 190-watt audiophile sound system with six-disc CD/MP3 changer, eight speakers and subwoofer). Other options include factory-installed ambient interior lighting, a four-speed automatic transmission and leather seats (optional on SES, standard on SEL).The Focus offers two variations on the existing 2.0-liter twin-cam Duratec four-cylinder engine. In Federal form, the engine makes 140 horsepower whether it's paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The "California-spec" engine, mandated in five states, makes only 132 horsepower but qualifies for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) status. While both engines get similar fuel economy numbers in the city, the manual gearbox raises the official highway number from 34 to 35 mpg.