The Portage Center is one of the top offerings in the reduced section on account of exact, pleasant taking care of, a helpful show of cutting edge highlights and a refined inside. Accessible as a customary car or a payload benevolent hatchback, the Center isn't without flaws boss among them restricted back seat space and an eccentric programmed transmission however they could not hope to compare to what this balanced little car to the table.The downsized engine is accompanied by a brand new front fascia that falls in line with Ford's Kinetic design language thanks to design cues such as an Aston Martin-like grille with five slats, sharp headlights, a redrawn bumper and a rippled hood. The rear end features more minor updates such as redesigned tail lights and a new trunk lid.
Additionally, the Focus gains a new center console and a three-spoke steering wheel, while thicker carpet and window glass work with additional insulation in the engine bay to reduce cabin noise
The Focus certainly doesn't look or drive like a traditional American compact, and there's a reason for that - it was primarily developed in Europe, where small cars tend to be much more upscale than their U.S. counterparts.
The Old World influence is clearly evident in the Focus' classy cabin, which charms with high-quality materials and a distinctive design. There's sufficient space up front, but the rear seats are lacking in legroom compared to some competitors.
Opt for the Focus' versatile hatchback bodystyle, and cargo space is ample - 23.8 cubic feet are available behind the rear seats, and 44.8 cubes can be unlocked by folding the rear seats flat.
There's plenty of technology inside, as all Focuses except for the base model come standard with SYNC, Ford's Bluetooth-based connectivity system that allows smartphone users to place calls and stream music by using voice commands or steering wheel-mounted buttons. SYNC can also read incoming texts aloud to help the driver keep his or her eyes on the road, and allows the use of Ford-approved apps like The Wall Street Journal news and Pandora radio.
The Focus can be spec'd with MyFord Touch, an infotainment system that builds on SYNC by letting users control everything from navigation to climate control to the sound system with voice commands. MyFord Touch also replaces conventional sound system knobs and buttons with a center-mounted eight-inch touchscreen, dual 4.2-inch displays in the instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls in the center stack. Many consumers report that the system is a "love it or hate it" item, so those interested in the Focus are advised to try before they buy.
Other nifty technology features include an automated parking system that's adept at parallel parking maneuvers - the driver just needs to worry about working the gas and the brakes, and the Focus steers itself - as well as a rearview camera and a proximity key with remote start.
The Focus' European heritage is also reflected in its sturdy platform and well-executed mechanicals, which make for a surprisingly fun small car.
With a multi-link suspension - that's a sophisticated touch for this price point - and a well-weighted, communicative electric power steering system, the Focus is a nimble, playful and planted backroads companion. Handling is further (ahem) focused by a standard Dynamic Cornering Control system that automatically brakes the inside front wheel to reduce understeer.
When the driver is in the mood for a mellow cruise instead of canyon carving, the Focus obliges with a comfortable ride and good pothole impact absorption.
The Focus comes standard with a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. A well-sorted five-speed manual is standard on most Focus models, while a six-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.
The latter behaves differently than a traditional torque-converter automatic, which is both good and bad. On the negative side, the dual-clutch can be slightly jerky at lower speeds, and it doesn't always creep forward the way one would expect, which can make parking a little touch and go. It does, however, provide smooth, rapid shifts once underway and return excellent fuel economy - 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, to be exact.Buyers after even better fuel economy can order the Focus with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine tuned to generate 123 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque. Exclusively linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
The SE comes standard with a rear-view camera, A/C, power locks, windows and mirrors, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an aux input, SYNC, cruise control, a trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Options bundles available for the SE is the SE Appearance Package, which brings leather upholstery, 17-inch aluminum wheels, rear disc brakes, ambient interior lighting, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, an anti-theft alarm, a rear spoiler and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE winter package includes heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors. The SE Super Fuel Economy Package brings low rolling resistance tires, 16-inch steel wheels with aero hubcaps, rear disc brakes and a rear spoiler.
Also optional is the MyFord Touch, which is bundled with a navigation system, a 10-speaker Sony audio system and HD Radio.
The top-spec Titanium includes all of the features from the SE Appearance Package and the SE Winter Package. Additional content includes dual-zone automatic climate control, MyFordTouch, a 10-speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio, a proximity key, rear parking sensors and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Those looking for the sharpest possible driving experience should spring for the Titanium Handling Package, which brings a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels shod with summer tires. Alternatives to the Focus Hatchback include the sporty and efficient Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback, the the sleek Kia Forte Hatchback and the Subaru Impreza Hatchback, which offers standard all-wheel-drive.
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