2009 Ford Focus

NEW FOR 2009:

- New SEL sedan trim line with chrome door handles, chrome mirror caps and Sync

- Base S coupe model discontinued

- AdvanceTrac stability control standard on SEL and SES sedan and SES coupe, optional on S and SE sedan and SE coupe

- 17-inch wheels and new suspension tuning on SES models

- Coupe adds new front and rear fascias, and standard fog lamps

- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels and roofline spoiler on SES coupe

- Increased horsepower on coupe five-speed manual version and new final drive ratio with quicker acceleration on four-speed automatic version

Redesigned for 2008, the Ford Focus enters 2009 with some enhancements. Most noticeable is electronic stability control, unavailable in 2008, which is now standard on the SES coupe, and SES and SEL sedan, and optional on the SE coupe, and S and SE sedan. The coupe also gets a sportier appearance, and better performance to back up its looks.

The Focus uses a 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Trim line choices in the sedan are the S, SE, SES and SEL; the coupe comes as the SE or SES.

Features on the S sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring system, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and Sirius satellite radio, centre floor console, courtesy lights with theatre-dimming feature, floor mats, tilt column, two-speed intermittent wipers, and manual black mirrors.

The SE adds vehicle message centre, chrome door handles, heated power mirrors, power windows, and power locks with keyless entry.

The SES adds 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability control, performance suspension, rear stabilizer bar, heated seats, Sync, chrome exhaust tip, body-colour door handles, fog lamps, rear deck lid spoiler, ambient lighting, cruise control, and leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls.

The SEL builds on the SE and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, enhanced suspension, rear stabilizer bar, heated seats, chrome exhaust tip, fog lamps, front fender painted appliqués, ambient lighting, cruise control, and leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls.

Features on the SE coupe include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring system, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and Sirius satellite radio, centre floor console, courtesy lights with theatre-dimming feature, tilt column, two-speed intermittent wipers, vehicle message centre, heated mirrors, chrome exhaust tip, fog lamps, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, deck lid spoiler, and rocker mouldings.

The SES coupe adds 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, performance suspension, heated seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Sync, high-mount rear spoiler, ambient lighting, cruise control, and leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls.

The ambient lighting and Driver's Group of leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls and cruise control can be added to the SE models, while a Luxury Package of heated leather seats and power sunroof can be added to the SES and SEL models. Other available options include the stability control and anti-lock brakes on lower-line models, along with a premium six-CD sound system and block heater.

Ford has announced that it will offer the European version of the Focus in the future; in the meantime, the Focus remains a reasonably-priced model that benefits from the new addition of electronic stability control. The new front-end appearance on the Focus coupe, intended to give it an appearance closer to the European model, adds considerably to its sporty looks.