Compact cars usually don't generate the same kind of buzz compared to supercars->ke177.

Tell that to the 2014 Ford Focus->ke440, which seems to be getting its fair share of attention, thanks to a balanced offering that crosses off a whole lot boxes from people's checklists.

The new Focus isn't entirely new, although Ford did put some new additions to keep the model as fresh as can be in the face of competitors rolling out new models of their own (hello there, Toyota Corolla!).

Ultimately, Ford's objective with the 2014 Focus appears to be simple. Keep it true to its nature and build on all the things people enjoy about it.

It's still styled impressively; it's got impressive efficiency numbers; and it's technologically proficient. All of these give the Focus even more depth, character and appeal to the consumer. These are the kind of things that translate to sales.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ford Focus

ford-focus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-focus
Pros
Cons

2014 Ford Focus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Ford Focus
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 160 @ 6500
  • Torque: 148 @ 4450
  • Transmission: six-speed PowerShift automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

There's not much going on around the 2014 Focus' exterior to make you think that there were significant changes done on its looks. The car still looks clean and well balanced with the covers suitably positioned to maintain the car's character.

The front grille still looks a little too big relative to overall size of the front profile, but that's a quirk that we've come to expect from the Focus. After all, you can't have too much of a good thing, otherwise it would've sold like hotcakes already.

Like everything else, the good always comes with the bad and in the case of the Focus' exterior, the little quirks aren't enough to keep us from enjoying what Ford presented to us.

Exterior Dimensions (Inches)

Model

Four-door sedan

Four-door hatchback

Wheelbase

104.3

104.3

Length

178.5

171.6

Width

71.8

71.8

Height

57.7

57.7

Track, front/rear

61.2/60.4

61.2/60.4


Interior

One of the biggest advantages the 2014 Focus has over its competitors is its upscale interior, which isn't usual with base models like this one. But somehow, Ford managed to add a level of refinement to the cabin that belies its true nature as a compact car. Plenty of nice materials were used so off the bat, you know that Ford didn't waste its time giving it the proper dress up.

The center console is similar to that of the higher grade Focus ST and our problems with it remains the same. It looks to cluttered, and offers plenty to the eyes and hands that's going to take some getting used to. Even some of the model's optional tech features like the MyFord Touch infotainment system will take time to get the hang of.

The good thing is that once you settle down on the cabin and understand all the functions that it come with, you're going to enjoy the ambiance of freshness and space that Ford successfully pulled of. Give the company credit for that one.

Interior Dimensions (Inches)

Seating capacity

Five

Five

Front headroom

38.3

38.3

Front hip room

53.9

53.9

Front legroom

41.9

41.9

Front shoulder room

55.6

55.6

Rear headroom

38.0

38.0

Rear legroom

33.2

33.2

Rear shoulder room

53.7

53.7

Rear hip room

52.7

52.7


Drivetrain

The base Focus relies on just one powertrain: a 2.0-liter, in-line-four engine that produces a tidy 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. No performance numbers were released but don't expect the Focus to carry the same blazing numbers as that of the much more powerful Focus ST model. So, temper your expectations a little bit because the Focus is likely to "only" come with a 0-to-60 mph time of about 8 seconds to go with a top speed of about 120 mph.

Engine Specifications

Type

2.0-liter Ti-VCT FFV I-4

Configuration

Aluminum block and head

Valvetrain

DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing

Horsepower

160 @ 6,500 rpm

Torque

146 lb.-ft. @ 4,450 rpm

Fuel capacity

12.4 gallons

Federal emissions (tailpipe/evaporation)

Tier 2 Bin 4/LEV II

California emissions states (tailpipe/evaporation)

SULEV/PZEV

Fuel Economy

2.0-liter, five-speed manual

26 mpg city/36 mpg highway/ 30 mpg combined

2.0-liter, six-speed PowerShift automatic

28 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined (SFE Package); 28 mpg city/38 mpg highway/31 mpg combined

2.0-liter, six-speed PowerShift automatic, SelectShift® capability

27 mpg city/37 mpg highway/31 mpg combined


Pricing

The 2014 Ford Focus will be offered in a variety of trims, ranging from the S sedan all the way up to the Titanium hatchback, with prices starting at $16,605 and ranging up to $24,115.

Trim

Price

S Sedan

$16,605

SE Sedan

$18,515

SE Hatch

$19,115

Titanium Sedan

$23,515

Titanium Hatch

$24,115


Competition

2013 Honda Civic

It's been an off couple of years for the Honda Civic and that's putting it lightly. The 2012 model, pegged as a next-generation offering, bombed so spectacularly that Honda took the unprecedented step of offering a refreshed model for the 2013 model. So did Honda accomplish what it set out to do with this refresh? That remains to be seen, although you can make a case that the new looks is much better than the bland disaster of 2012.

Plus, the Civic still has the most diverse engine offerings of anyone in its segment, which is a pretty big deal given the current state of the market these days.

2014 Toyota Corolla

The 2014 Toyota Corolla benefits from a longer wheelbase and a dramatically improved exterior styling and interior tech upgrades. All that's pretty cool for the new Corolla, although it was a little disappointing to see the model still carry the same gas engines as in the previous models. But hey, if you're not too particular about how much horsepower it has under its hood, you can take comfort knowing that the Corolla now looks up to the times. Heck, it even has LED headlights now.

Conclusion

The Ford Focus has always been a favorite for ours for its excellent combination of style, comfort, technology, and all-around efficiency. You can opt to get the base model and enjoy it no-frills, or you can make plenty use of the wide range of optional features to give the car a nice dress up. The center console inside will drown and confuse you, but once you get the hang of it, you should be able to navigate around without too much of a problem.