Back in 2000, the year the Ford Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company was wishing that the model would be well received and exceed the sales totals of its previous small car, the Escort. Unfortunately, the new Focus was tormented by diverse minor quality problems and the vehicle shortly became the joke of the industry. Step forward to 2006, and this Focus is hugely improved on earlier models. Let’s explore what’s helping the Focus become a real challenger in the crowded small vehicle sector:
1. Assertive Price. Yes, the amount of automobiles available under US$15,000 continues to drop every year. However, the Focus takes it one step further as it retails just below $14,000. Comparably supplied Chevys, Kias and Hyundais sell for nearly the same amount, so the patron has a sensible selection when purchasing the Ford Focus.
2. Satisfactory Power. The 2.0L I4 engine paired to a 5 speed manual transmission gives the auto enough power to get it moving and keep it moving at a nice clip on the freeway. Competing models offer smaller engines as tiny as 1.6L as found in the Kia Rio.
3. Spacious Interior. Up to 5 folks can be carried in the Focus and the interior room is enormous for a car in its segment. Most small cars are insufferable for big rear seating passengers, but not so for the Focus. Compare the Focus’ seating to the Cobalt and the Focus is the clear winner.
4. A selection of Body Styles. Most automobiles built today come in only 1 or two body styles, however the Focus features 4 : a three-door ZX3 hot hatch, a five-door ZX5 hatch, a ZX4 sedan and the ZXW wagon. It is the ZX3 that retails for as low as US$13,990.
5. Respectable Fuel Economy. With EPA figures of 26 city / 34 highway, the Focus achieves a fuel mileage level that few tiny automobiles can boast of.
Competition in the small car group remains tight with the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra, and Saturn ION all competitively priced. The Corolla remains the favorite amongst industry consultants, but the Focus has certainly shed its “low quality” standing with the current model. Check out special financing deals through Ford Credit to save even more money on your Focus.
In conclusion, the Focus has improved with age, but it is short of updating now that it is in its 7th model year. With Ford fortunes sagging, the company can’t afford further dips in sales.
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