2012 Ford Focus vs 2010 Ford Focus January 17, 2010 AUTORIVALS.NET

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The Focus is dead. Long live the Focus. While Europe and other markets got to play with a fantastic looking Focus starting in 2005, we've been stuck with a boring, frumpy looking one due to poor planning and cost cutting. Well, all that's about to change with the introduction of the 2012 Ford Focus that blows the current generation away. 2012 Ford Focus vs 2010 Ford Focus The new Focus is dynamic, eye-catching, and quite stunning, especially compared to the current generation. The oversized grille might get the most negative attention but the rest of the design is very attractive. Who knows what happened to the current generation. There's not much of the design that makes any sense to me with styling that's both awkward and boring at the same time. The sculpted sheet metal of the new Focus is well integrated and flows from one panel to the other. It's nice to see such an interesting design in the compact car segment where traditional, bland neutral designs are usually the norm like the 2010 Focus. The profile of the 2012 Focus is smoother than before giving it a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette. The awkward proportions of the current generation shout economy car unlike the upcoming generation. The differences between the upcoming Focus and the current generation is really amazing. It's like comparing Godiva chocolate and shit. No offense to current owners but upgrading to the new one should be your first priority when it comes out. The new Focus' sculpted rear is handsome, even provocative. Everything is well proportioned whereas the current generation suffers from tiny tail lights and a huge trunk. The current interior isn't all that bad but looks outdated compared to the new one. Materials get upgraded in quality and the design has a modern look. Unfortunately, ergonomics is questionable with HVAC controls placed down by the shifter but luckily the touchscreen display will be able to control the majority of the functions.

SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $18,000 - $27,000 (est.) ENGINE: 2.0L I4 HORSEPOWER: 155 hp TORQUE: 145 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 178.0 x 67.8 x 58.1 in. WEIGHT: 2,800 lbs (est) 0-60 MPH: 8.0 - 8.5 sec (est) 1/4 MILE: Unknown TOP SPEED: Unknown ROADHOLDING: Unknown FUEL (CITY/HWY): Unknown SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $16,290 - $18,780 ENGINE: 2.0L I4 HORSEPOWER: 140 hp TORQUE: 136 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 175.0 x 67.8 x 58.6 in. WEIGHT: 2,623 lbs 0-60 MPH: 8.0 sec (manual) - 10.2 sec (automatic) 1/4 MILE: 16.4 sec @ 85 mph - 17.6 sec @ 80 mph TOP SPEED: 112 mph ROADHOLDING: 0.79 g FUEL (CITY/HWY): 24 / 35 mpg RECAP RECAP PROS +Dynamic, eye-catching design +Sculpted body panels +Sleek silhouette +Feature loaded CONS -Oversized grille won't appeal to everyone PROS +Good gas mileage +It's getting replaced soon CONS -Boring, bland, and ugly -Disproportioned pretty much everywhere

Video Source: Car and Driver via YouTube Video Source: KBB.com via YouTube

NOTES

Update: Perhaps I'm being a little too harsh on the current generation Focus. Maybe I'm just jaded by the fact that while Europe got to play with an all-new, better-performing, better-looking, and more upscale Focus in 2005, we've been stuck with one based on a decade-old platform due to cost cutting. The model line was reduced to just a coupe and sedan (no hatchback), and any performance variants were nonexistent. Europe on the other hand, got a plethora of models and engine choices including the hot RS version (below) which Car & Driver boldly claims as the best hatchback in the world. In any case, if the upcoming 2012 Focus is Ford's way of apologizing, then apology accepted. Just bring a performance version (SVT or RS is fine) and all will be forgiven. North American Ford Focus vs European Ford Focus Ford Focus RS SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $28,000 (est) ENGINE: 2.0L I4 HORSEPOWER: 300 hp TORQUE: 325 lb-ft 0-60 MPH: 5.4 sec 1/4 MILE: 13.8 sec @ 105 mph TOP SPEED: 163 mph FUEL (CITY/HWY): 18 / 23 mpg

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