Short Take – 2009 Ford Focus
It’s almost a stroke of luck that the Ford Focus is doing so well. Restyled for the 2008 model year, critics noted that Ford of Europe was receiving a completely modernized and updated model, while American and Canadian drivers were getting a slight variation on the original theme. Clearly, Ford must have been thinking that North American consumers wouldn’t mind the design difference.
Ford Focus sales are way up
Despite the misgivings of some in the automotive press, the Ford Focus has been successful and the company is on track to sell 240,000 units in the United States in 2008, an increase of about 25% over 2007. No, it’s not. the style what is winning. more people, rather two important features that are helping Focus succeed. Read on and we’ll examine that success, then take a quick look at the 2009 model.
Can you say SYNC? — Beginning with the 2008 model year, new Microsoft technology began reaching most Ford models. As optional equipment, Microsoft SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communication system that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road while calling friends, selecting songs, ordering food, and more. Available exclusively on 2008 model year Lincoln, Ford and Mercury products, SYNC has been successfully marketed by Ford to draw attention to its product line, including the youth-oriented Focus.
Can you say excellent fuel consumption? — As fuel prices topped $4 a gallon earlier this year, small cars were suddenly all the rage. Not just any small car, mind you, but those that delivered the highest fuel numbers. Using a 2.0L I4 engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Focus gets 24 mpg in the city, but a much sought after 35 mpg on the highway. This latest number is especially attractive to consumers who have long commutes, a number that washes out high gas prices.
Changes for 2009
Offered as two- and four-door models, the most significant change for 2009 is that the coupe receives a facelift. A new front fascia, 17-inch wheels and fog lamps are now standard equipment, design changes intended to enhance the Focus’s youthful appeal. With a base MSRP of $15,920, the 2009 Focus coupe is priced competitively with the Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla, its main competitors. Every Focus comes equipped with air conditioning, six standard airbags and a CD/MP3 player.
Another Redo and the Party
The current iteration of the Focus will continue through the 2010 model year before an all-new model is released. As part of the company’s “One Ford” plan, the automaker will introduce six European models to the US market starting in 2009, including the next-generation Focus and Fiesta, a car smaller than Focus and capable of delivering at least 40 mpg. on the freeway.
Whether you buy a Ford Focus or not, the success of the car rests on technological improvements and savvy marketing. Buyers have also been offered incentives, savings that can reduce the financial burden on your wallet.
