There isn't a bad engine among the ones in the Ford Focus range that we've tried, but we reckon the best is the 123bhp 1.0 Ecoboost. This turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine is smooth, quiet and gives you enough pace with which to exploit the car's brilliant handling. Also, running costs are impressively low.
The 1.6 turbodiesel will be popular, too, because it's incredibly efficient.
Similarly, all the trims are pretty generously specified, so there's no bad choice there, either. All versions come with air-conditioning, electric windows, DAB radio and Bluetooth. We prefer Titanium trim, though, thanks to the posher-looking stereo that gives the cabin a real lift.
The 2012 Ford Focus is offered in two body styles and four trim levels. The 4-door sedan is available in S, SE, SEL and Titanium trims, while the 4-door hatchback comes in all but the S trim.
The $16,270 S trim is reasonably equipped, with air conditioning, power front and manual rear windows, AM/FM/CD stereo and P195/65R15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. Starting at $17,270, the SE trim adds fog lights, automatic headlights, Ford MyKey, power rear windows and P215/55/R16 tires. The $20,270 SEL gets the MyFord driver connect system, Ford Sync entertainment and communications system, dual-zone automatic climate control, universal garage-door opener, ambient interior lighting, cruise control and alloy wheels. Topping the line is the new $22,765 Titanium trim, which adds keyless access and starting, MyFord Touch, Sirius and HD radio, sport seats, 10-speaker Sony audio system, sport suspension, rear spoiler and P215/50R17 tires.
Always its strong point, the new model sets a new high-bar for providing the right balance between comfort, compliance over broken tarmac and gravel, and handling performance.
Turn-in is very sharp, and, thanks to a superbly engineered front-end and torque vectoring control, the new Focus can carry higher speeds into a corner and hold very tight lines through it. On a winding road, even a slippery one, it is very sharp and very quick.
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