Back in 2000, the year that the Ford Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company was praying that the model would be well received and surpass the sales totals of its previous small car, the Escort. Sadly , the new Focus was plagued by various minor quality issues and the car soon became the gag of the industry. Step forward to 2006, and the current Focus is vastly improved on earlier models. Let’s explore what’s helping the Focus become a proven challenger in the crowded tiny car sector:
1. Assertive Price. Yes, the number of automobiles available under US$15,000 continues to drop every year. However, the Focus takes it a step further as it retails just below $14,000. Comparably provided Chevys, Kias and Hyundais sell for just about the same quantity, so the client has a sensible choice when purchasing the Ford Focus.
2. Acceptable Power. The 2.0L I4 engine paired to a five speed manual transmission gives the automobile enough power to get it moving and keep it moving at a nice clip on the freeway. Competing models offer smaller engines as little as 1.6L as found in the Kia Rio.
3. Spacious Interior. Up to 5 folks can be carried in the Focus and the inside room is massive for a vehicle in its segment. Most small automobiles 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 variety of Body Styles. Most vehicles built today come in only one or two body styles, however the Focus features four: a three-door ZX3 hatchback, a five-door ZX5 hatchback, a ZX4 sedan and the ZXW truck. It’s the ZX3 that retails for as low as US$13,990.
5. Respectable Fuel Economy. With EPA figures of 26 city / 34 road, 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 favourite among industry consultants, but the Focus has certainly shed its “low quality” standing with this 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 needing updating now that it is in its seventh model year. With Ford fortunes sagging, the company cannot afford extra dips in sales.
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