2008 Ford Focus SES

Welcome to the Driving Range with Dave Jordan - Your Auto Guide to the South Shore of Nova Scotia. All you need to know about Nova Scotia's South Shore Auto scene.

This week, Dave Jordan checks the 2008 Ford Focus SES:

In the year 2000, Automobile Magazine, one of North America's most read and respected publications, voted the new Ford Focus its car of the year. Its chic styling, endearing personality and capable driving dynamics garnered accolades form journalists and consumers alike. The ensuing years saw minor changes and enhancements as Ford's formula for continued sales success while the key dynamic ingredients thankfully remained. But like all models, the Focus was due for a major redesign. Enter the 2008 Focus in two- and four-door configurations with a choice of three trim levels. Thanks to Mahone Auto for the opportunity to test this surprisingly competent Focus SES sedan.

Styling is usually the initial reason why consumers are attracted to a particular vehicle and ultimately plays a significant role in their final purchase decision. So manufacturers have to be certain the new direction they are taking will appeal to their target audience. The exterior styling of the original Focus was a bit risky as it was an approach that was decidedly different from the design themes of the day, but it worked. The '08 Focus takes a more conservative approach yet still maintains an element of uniqueness and individuality. The deep creases and sharp, angular features of the previous generation have been replaced with a smoother, more traditional-looking exterior skin. The front is quite dramatic with its elongated, swept-back headlights, making this distinguishing characteristic a design element that should make the new Focus instantly recognizable. Two strong character lines initiated just behind the front fenders dominate the side view with their starting points nicely tied together with a curved front fender crease. A cool-looking stylized "F" chrome applique fills this crease on the SES model. Overall the exterior styling is less bold than that of the original but still distinguishable among the crop of compact cars on the market. The hatchback has been eschewed for a two-door coupe that adapts the new design theme quite well in its own right. With either configuration you can tick off the Performance Package option to add a subtle rear spoiler, upgraded alloy rims, chrome exhaust tip and a host of interior enhancements that lend an element of sportiness to the Focus' appearance. All models carry the two-bar version of Ford's current grill treatment with the big blue oval smack dab in the middle to ensure you won't mistake the new Focus for anything other than a Ford.

Speaking of the interior, Ford has done an admirable job of creating a very comfortable, well-laid-out driving environment. The overall theme has a sporting edge with brushed aluminum treatment dominating the majority of surfaces. This actually works quite well in the Focus as the gloss level is just right and the material quality top-notch. Other surfaces are covered with mostly hard black plastic but, again, the quality is good with very good fit and finish. Operation of all dials and buttons is logical and ergonomically correct with the overall feel reminiscent of a much higher end vehicle. The tilt steering and comfortable multi-adjustable front seats make finding a suitable driving position a cinch. You can even get leather surfaces if you purchase the luxury package. It's good to see North American manufacturers finally realizing that a properly designed headrest is essential to driving comfort and vehicle safety. I expect you could spend hours in the Focus without any discomfort. Rear head and leg room is plentiful as well with three average-sized adults able to travel there in comfort.

At a starting MSRP of around $16,000, even the base S version comes equipped with such amenities as A/C, SIRIUS satellite radio with CD and auxiliary jack, tilt wheel, and, on the safety front, six airbags and Ford's "Personal Safety System." For $17,400, the SE will add P/W and PDLs, heated PMs some exterior chrome bits and keyless entry. With the top-of-the-line SES at 20 grand, you have a choice of option packages that could include leather seats, a moonroof and a cool interior ambient lighting package. The SES also adds ABS and traction control, 16" alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated front seats (thank you, Ford bean-counters), a useful message centre, leather steering wheel with secondary controls, cruise, a few cosmetic enhancements and Ford's new SYNC communications and entertainment system. This Microsoft-developed package pairs steering wheel controls and an internal microphone with a sophisticated software platform. Any USB-based hardware such as an iPod or memory stick as well as any Bluetooth-equipped device is adaptable to SYNC. In a nutshell, you can command your music gadget to play songs or your phone to make calls through the car's controls all via voice commands. From what I have read, the system is easy to configure and works very well. SYNC is a great new feature that definitely separates Ford from the competition on the user interface technology front. Techno geeks, rejoice.

The new design, improved quality and added features are welcome changes that will likely draw many to the showrooms, but it's the driving dynamics that will keep them in the seats. The first-generation model received significant praise for its agility and overall fun-to-drive personality. Thankfully those attributes remain. While highway cruising is quiet and controlled, where the chassis really shines is on secondary, twisty roads. Even with the four-speed automatic transmission in my car, the fun factor of blasting through tight turns and switchbacks is way high. The five-speed stick would make these drives even more enjoyable. With well-balanced handling, linear steering and a sure-footed feel, the new Focus truly demonstrates that you don't have to spend a bundle to get a car with a well-sorted chassis. Even though I'd be happier with a few more ponies than the two-litre Duratec's 140 HP, this engine propels the Focus along with wilful abandon. And at 5.7/8.5 L/100km, fuel consumption is very respectable to boot.

I honestly wasn't expecting this new Ford to be as competent and well-built as it turned out to be. To say that I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. If you're a cost-conscious closet enthusiast and are looking for a practical yet fun-to-drive car, check out the new Focus.

Dave's Auto Archive - In 1939 there were 703 Ford dealers across Canada selling Ford, Mercury and some Lincoln products. By 1947 there were 1,113 dealers, 353 of which were strictly Mercury-Lincoln outlets.