With every automaker aiming for fuel-efficiency gains, competition in the compact sedan segment has heated up over the past couple of years. While Honda’s Civic and Toyota’s Corolla, two models that used to own the segment down-right, have struggled to impress critics and buyers, the new Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Jetta (somewhat) have all earned a significant amount of praise.

Earlier this year, FoMoCo finally released its new 2013 Ford Focus after the dull outgoing model. Suavely designed, quick on the move and tight in handling, the new Ford Focus is here to remind everyone that Dearborn can still make a solid vehicle that can compete strongly in the compact sedan segment.

2013 Ford Focus Specifications:

• Style: Hatchback/Sedan.
• Seating Capacity: 5.
• Base Price: $16,495.
• Price as Tested: $26,005.
• Engine: 2.0 liter Ti-VCT inline 4-cylinder  – 160-hp at 6,500 rpm and 146 lb-ft of torque at 4,450 rpm.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual; 6-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 7.2 seconds.
• Top Speed: 121 mph.
• Curb Weight: 2,948 lbs (Hatchback).
• Fuel-economy: 26/36 mpg (city/highway) with manual; and 28/38 mpg for AWD.

Exterior:

Following Ford CEO Alan Mulally’s global development program under the company’s One Ford strategy, one of the most important aspects to redoing the new Focus was design.

Available as four-door sedan and five-door hatchback, the new Focus builds on Ford’s kinetic styling with an aggressive front fascia and a suavely shaped rear end. Compared to the rest of the models in the segment, the Focus seems to have the sleekest and sportiest design.

Interior:

The outgoing Ford Focus was downright boring on the inside. It was poorly put together with cheap quality materials – it almost seemed like the design folks at Ford were rushed to get the car out on the market. Well, things have changed… drastically.

For the 2013 model year, the new Focus’ interior design shows that Ford concentrated on quality craftsmanship with the massive use of soft-touch materials. They also focused on keeping an ergonomic layout of all the features and did their best to keep vibration and harshness to a minimum.

Having driven the top two contenders on the market right now (in my opinion), the Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Cruze, I have to say that the new Focus, in comparison, has a sportier layout on the inside with better quality and premium materials.

Our 2013 Ford Focus SEL came equipped with most of the optional extras including the company’s new MyFord Touch system with SYNC, WiFi capability, text-to-voice, HD Radio with iTunes and a voice activated navigation. Depending on what model you choose, you can also get a rear-view-camera, park assist and more.

Performance:

The new Ford Focus is powered by a 2.0 liter Ti-VCT inline 4-cylinder engine producing 160-hp at 6,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 146 lb-ft at 4,450 rpm. Mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed PowerShift automatic, 0 to 60 mph comes in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 121 mph.

Those figures are pretty impressive for an economical car but what’s more impressive here is the way the 2013 Ford Focus rides and handles. Developed in Germany, the new Focus has a very firm and solid ride – especially when compared to the soft riding Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze. When taking quick and sharp turns you can definitely feel that the new Focus is German engineered with driving dynamics in mind.

Fuel-economy wise, the 2013 Ford Focus manages to hit 26/36 mpg (city/highway) or 30 combined when mated to a 5-speed manual. Those figures jump to 28/38 mpg or 31 mpg combined when mated to a 6-speed PowerShift automatic. There is an option of an SFE Package that allows for 28/40 mpg or 33 mpg combined.

Overall:

“Focus brings a desirable combination of dynamic design, outstanding driver engagement, unmatched levels of technology and impressive fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “The new model should expand Focus appeal to a whole new generation of customers.”

We definitely have to agree with Fields here – the new Focus is definitely leaps and bounds better than the outgoing model. However, it does face some tougher competition today.

Prices for the 2013 Ford Focus start at $16,495 and go all the way up to $24,495 (plus options).

FoMoCo also has two new additions this year to the Focus lineup including the 252-hp Focus ST and the Focus Electric. We recently drove the Focus Electric in the city and are waiting to get behind the wheel of the Focus ST. Stay tuned for our review on the latter.

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

- By: Omar Rana