Redefined: The 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback SEL

It had been sometime since we had the chance to experience a Ford Focus. This week the 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback SEL found its way to the Car Concerns Radio Proving Grounds and proceeded to amaze. After driving this offering from the Ford Motor Company we had to rethink the way that we had thought of this compact vehicle.

You could feel that this was not the Ford Focus of yesterday but a more redefined offering.

For Ford the 5-door SEL hatch represents a 'global performance car' that can compete with any vehicle in its class.

The 2012 Ford Focus sedan measures 178.5 inches long, 71.8 inches wide with mirrors extended and 57.7 inches high. The five-door hatchback is slightly shorter, at 171.6 inches, but the other external measurements are identical. Both models share a wheelbase of 104.3 inches. Our 2012 Focus SEL had 17' Alloy polished wheels.

Inside the interior has a new feel and design. The driver and front-seat passenger in the sedan and hatchback models have 38.3 inches of headroom and 41.9 inches of legroom. Rear passengers get 33.2 inches of legroom in both models. Rear sedan passengers have 38 inches of headroom, while passengers in the five-door hatchback get 37.9 inches.

For the power-plant Ford put a 2-liter, four-cylinder, direct fuel-injected aluminum engine gives the Focus 160 horsepower. A PZEV, or Partially Zero-Emission Vehicle, engine will be available in some states, but as of November 2010, complete specifications are not available for that engine, though its displacement, or size, is identical to the standard Focus engine.

Our Ford Focus can be equipped with a six-speed Power-Shift automatic transmission but a five-speed manual is available. Power-Shift is a transmission system trademarked by Ford and intended to deliver smooth and responsive shifting while maximizing fuel efficiency. Some models will also offer push-button shifting.

The front suspension will consist of independent struts connected by a hollow stabilizer bar, while rear suspension comes from Ford's 'Control Blade' suspension system, which Ford states reduces noise and provides better control. The front and rear wheels all use hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering turns the car, and some models are equipped with a tandem of front disc and rear drum brakes while others come with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.


Spec Overview:

Engine: 2.0L Duratec in-linefour-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder.

Unleaded fuel EPA (08):, 27 MPG city, 37 MPG highway, 31 MPG combined and 385 mi. range. Gasoline direct fuel injection 12.4gallon fuel tank
Power (SAE): 160 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 146 ft lb of torque @ 4,450 rpm


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