Ford Focus Third Generation

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus interior

The third-generation Ford Focus is now a global vehicle, meaning that North American and international markets get the same new look as part of the One Ford program.

With the Europe market offered in three trims; sedan, hatch and station wagon, the North American Focus Mk.3 offers only two body styles; a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. What matters most is that the world is all one for the all-new, third-generation, Ford Focus.

The exterior of the new Ford Focus was inspired from the Ford Fiesta, providing some aggressive stance and European design suitable for the sophomores who are looking for something that is highly competitive against the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda Axela/3, Mitsubishi Galant Fortis/Lancer, Subaru Impreza, or even the Kia Forte/Cerato and the Hyundai Avante/Elantra.

The interior of the new global Focus is highly improved to make it premium with some added premium features suitable for the savvy drivers. The available 8-inch LCD touch screen with MyFord Touch system is made for those who need to look for some directions, stay up-to-date with the latest news, or just listening to some music.

The global Focus comes with the new 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4 engine that gains a power output of 160hp/6500rpm, torque output of 146lb. ft. /4450rpm, and it has a fuel economy of 36mpg highway on the 5-speed manual grade and 38mpg highway on the 6-speed PowerShift automatic with SelectShift manual control. In some states, an available Partial Zero Emission engine option for the 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI l-4 engine is available to make it more of an American eco-car.

The global Focus comes with the new Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS), which is great on your cornering preferences and with the Pull-Drift Compensation technology, you'll find less hassles on turning various corners. To eliminate the causes of under-steering, the new Torque Vectoring Control system is added for transferring the torque for optimum grip. Other cornering enhancers include the AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes, and sport-tuned suspension.

My thoughts about the Focus:
Finally, the new third-generation Focus is now made to be a global vehicle, settling the differences since the 2nd-generation Focus that has separate tastes from the US and in the global market. Thanks to the One Ford program, this latest Focus is made to make it "The world is all one", providing some world class design, world class performance, and everything world class to appeal most drivers who had it with their Corollas, Civics, or even the Chevrolet Cruze as well!

I expect that this new global Focus will hit the Philippines soon if FGP has the chance.

Photo: Ford Motor Company