Ford's latest Sync 3 infotainment system almost makes us forget the regrettable MyFord Touch setup. The Focus lineup includes models that meet needs from rather basic commuting, with base Focus S models, all the way up to top Titanium trims, which have navigation, Active Park Assist, and other extras and effectively play the role of premium sedan without a premium price tag. The Focus lineup lacks any top-tech forward-collision systems or automatic-braking technologies, which keeps it out of the running for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honor list. There are available blind-spot monitors as well as lane-keeping as options, although you do need to ante up to one of the higher trim models to get them. The Focus family provides impressive safety credentials-and that holds true whether you're weighing these compact sedans and hatchbacks up against others in the class, or versus smaller luxury models. In front, there's just enough leg room and head room to fit even those over 6 feet, but head and leg room are skimpy in back. The Focus has lots of plastic, most of it okay, but the design eats up interior space and makes it feel more cramped than it is. The Focus' interior no longer looks as sleek as it once did, now that the Honda Civic has redrawn the map for small-car interiors. The former's a real-world performance option the latter, a drift-happy track toy with confining seats, lots of torque steer, and handling that rewards late decisions and lots of exaggerated throttle. On the performance front, we'd opt for the sweet ST over the slightly nuts RS. Its electric steering is well-weighted, and its firm suspension doesn't crash over large bumps. Like the Mazda 3 and VW Golf, the Focus has better handling than many cars in its class. The Focus RS gets a 2.3-liter turbo-4 and 350 hp, along with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a loopy sense of fun generated by driver-selectable Track and Drift modes. That model is paired exclusively to a 6-speed manual. Step up to the high-performance Focus ST, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, making 252 hp, and you can get to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds and to a top speed of 155 mph. Those who appreciate lean performance will appreciate the SE Sport Package, bringing a touring suspension, 17-inch black gloss aluminum wheels, H-rated tires, and paddle shifters for automatic versions. It comes with either a 6-speed automatic or manual. A turbocharged inline-3 displacing just 1.0 liters is the slowest, leanest model available, unless you opt for the plug-in Focus Electric.
2017 FORD FOCUS MANUAL
It provides plenty of pep for the Focus, whether fitted with the 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Most of the Focus lineup is powered by a 160-horsepower, 2.0-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder engine. That said, there's a lot of plastic inside, and the design cuts into usable space.
2017 FORD FOCUS PLUS
Inside, the Focus remains on the overstyled side, but the vertically-oriented vents and pleasant surface sculpting give it a look and feel that's original and complex-a definite plus in a crowded class of look-alikes. The new front end fits nicely with the existing profile it's a calming hand applied to a design that's been seen by some as a bit too swoopy. The Focus is fresh off a light restyle in the 2015 model year, meant to keep it looking sleek until a 2018 redo.
We give the entire lineup a 6.3 out of 10, with many kudos (and some brickbats) for its more extreme versions.
There's even a Focus Electric, which we cover separately, if you're looking ahead to a new generation of cars. No matter which you pick, the Focus antes in smart handling and good fuel economy.