Focus hatchback impresses with its superb handling. The sporty flavor is especially evident during highway passing maneuvers and drive times along curvy roadways. Focus is jam-packed with technologies within a presentation that’s all-new for the 2012 model year. The car has been popular since its 2000 debut, but there’s even more to like now. It’s a quieter ride, thanks in large part to an acoustic-minded windshield and thicker side and rear glass that help keep road and wind noise at bay. An expansive technology list includes active park assist, rear view camera, and the Sync voice-controlled system as a command source for various in-vehicle functions. The new Focus is also more robust with a 30% stiffer body than the previous model.

An all-new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the Focus with 160 horsepower (20 more than the prior engine) at 6500 rpm and 146 pounds-feet of torque at 4450 rpm. Engine mates to either a 5- speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The front wheel drive Focus hatchback with a 104.3-inch wheelbase is available in SE, SEL and Titanium trims. Fifty-five percent of the car’s body shell is comprised of high strength steels, while the skeletal frame uses more than 31% ultra high strength steels and boron steels. The five-door hatchback provides 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. MSRP of the Focus hatchback SEL is $21,300. Estimated mpg when fitted with 6-speed automatic transmission is 27 city and 37 highway.