Reviewed: 2012 Ford Focus Titanium

Back in January we had the opportunity to head out to Los Angeles for the press launch of the 2012 Ford Focus and came away very impressed with the car.  However, we only got to spend a couple of hours with the car, we wanted to know, it those good first impressions would hold out on a longer review.

So, did we end up liking the Focus as much as we did in California?  How did it stack up against the Hyundai Elantra? Have a look at the video to find out!

First Drive 2012 Ford Focus

We had the chance to head out to Los Angeles to drive the new 2012 Ford Focus in this hills and canyons of Malibu and the surrounding area.  Ford is looking to completely take over the c-segment section of the market from Honda, Toyota and others.  Chevy and Hyundai have new competitors in this market as well with the new Cruze and the Elantra which should keep everyone on their toes.

Have a look at our first impressions of the Focus and some pictures as well.  Provided the Snowmageden coming later in the week doesn't postpone it, we shoud be getting a chance to drive the Elantra later in this week as well, should make for a nice back to back comparison.

2011 Ford Focus

There are a number of us here in the US who have been very envious of our friends in the EU who have the current generation Focus and especially the sporty ST version and then there is the VERY tasty RS version that gearheads in the US have been drooling over since it debuted.

While the ST/RS versions aren't being announced at the NAIAS, they will be coming soon with the 250HP EcoBoost 4 Banger that will be announced, maybe at this show.  This is a mid life refresh, so what that means is that the basic car is the same with some fresh body work, a new interior and some refreshed/refined suspension.  What we will get in the US is a two liter direct injection I-4 with 150HP.  A 6 speed manual or a 6 speed DSG will be available.

The MyFord evolution of the SYNC system will be available with a Sony stereo system that was shown off last week at CES in Las Vegas.

The US, Russia and China get a version with a trunk, and thankfully the US will also get the 5 door which was STUNNING in person when we saw it at an embargoed event last month.  The interior is very well done.  Many people agreed with me that the interior of the Focus was more impressive that the Lincoln MKX that was also shown that day.

Have a look at a couple pictures and read through the press releases.

Focus Overview

Focus MyFord