Short Take – 2009 Ford Focus

It is almost a stroke of luck that the Ford Focus is doing so well. Redesigned for the 2008 model year, critics noted that Ford Europe was receiving a thoroughly modernized and updated model, while American and Canadian drivers were getting a slight variation of 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 from some members of the automotive press, the Ford Focus has succeeded and the company is on pace to sell 240,000 units stateside in 2008, an increase of approximately 25% over 2007. Nope, it isn’t the styling that is winning people over, rather two important features which is helping the Focus to succeed. Please read on and we’ll examine that success, then take a brief look at the 2009 model.

Can you say SYNC? — Beginning with the 2008 model year, new technology from Microsoft began to find its way into most Ford models. As optional equipment, Microsoft SYNC is a fully-integrated, voice-activated in car communication system which allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road while calling friends, selecting songs, ordering food, etc. Available exclusively on 2008 model year Lincoln, Ford, and Mercury products, SYNC has been successfully marketed by Ford to draw attention to their product line including to the youth-oriented Focus.

Can you say excellent fuel mileage? — As fuel prices surged past $4 per gallon earlier this year, quite suddenly small cars came into favor. Not just any small car, mind you, but those which delivered the highest fuel numbers. Utilizing a 2.0L I4 paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Focus gets 24 mpg around town, but a highly sought after 35 mpg on the highway. This latter number is especially appealing for consumers who have lengthy commutes to their jobs, a figure that takes the sting out of high gas prices.

Changes For 2009

Offered as both two and four door models, the most significant change for 2009 is that the coupe gets a face lift. A new front fascia, 17 inch wheels, and fog lamps are now standard equipment, design changes meant to enhance the Focus’ youth 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 chief competitors. Every Focus comes equipped with air-conditioning, six standard airbags, and a CD/MP3 player.

Another Redo and The Fiesta

The current iteration of the Focus will soldier on through the 2010 model year before an all-new model is rolled out. As part of the company’s “One Ford” plan, the automaker will introduce six European models to the American market beginning in 2009 including the next generation Focus and the Fiesta, a car that is smaller than the Focus and able to deliver at least 40 mpg on the highway.

Whether you buy a Ford Focus or not, the car’s success is built on technological improvements and smart marketing. Incentives have been offered to buyers too, savings which can reduce the financial burden on your wallet.