About 2013 Ford Focus | Overview

Fast Views:

• Seven models are available, including an electric version
• Slight reshuffling of trim levels for 2013
• Last year's makeover added interior room and fuel efficiency
• Other trim levels are available outside the United States

Introduction
The Ford Focus was introduced to the international market in the late 1990s and, according to Ford, recently surpassed the Toyota Corolla as the world's top-selling passenger car model. The 2013 Ford Focus is a compact car that's available in the United States as a sedan or a hatchback. An electric version is available only in the hatchback design. For 2013, the gasoline-powered Focus is offered in four trim levels: S sedan, SE, Titanium sedan or hatchback, and ST hatchback. The electric version is offered in a single trim level. The Focus competes with compact vehicles such as the Mazda 3, Chevrolet Cruze, and Hyundai Elantra.

Exterior Features
The 2013 Ford Focus is available in 10 exterior colors (although not all colors are available at all trim levels, and some are offered at a premium price), with standard 15-inch wheels and black front grille, bumpers, door handles, and power mirrors, plus a capless fuel filler and an optional Focus graphics package. The Focus SE adds 16-inch wheels and automatic headlights, and the ST upgrades them with black surrounds and LED accents. The ST trim level also includes 18-inch wheels, body-color door handles, and a different front grille. The Titanium trim level has 17-inch wheels, enhanced styling, keyless entry and ignition, and a rearview camera. The Electric model's exterior is similar to the Titanium's.

Interior Features
The interior of the base Focus model features a 4-speaker radio/CD player, manual air conditioning, cloth manually adjustable front bucket seats, a 60/40-split rear seat (hatchback) or solid back seat (sedan), power front windows, and power locks. The SE adds cruise control and power rear windows, trip computer, Sync system, and upgraded sound system. The ST trim level is similarly featured. The Titanium trim level adds Sync with MyFord Touch, Intelligent Access with push-button start, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, Sony audio system, leather upholstery in a choice of colors, SiriusXM satellite radio, leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded storage bins and cupholders, and many other enhancements. The electric version of the 2013 Focus is equipped similarly to the Titanium, except that the leather upholstery is optional; so is the power driver's seat. However, xenon headlights and LED taillights are standard on the electric Focus. The sedan provides 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The hatchback's cargo space comes to 23.8 cubic feet behind the seats, and can be stretched to 44.8 cubic feet with rear seats lowered. The electric hatchback provides 14.5 cubic feet of space behind the seats, or 33.9 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered.

Optional Features
The 2013 Focus offers many option packages at various levels. Many features that are standard on an upper trim level are available as individual options on a lower trim level. The Exterior Protection package (hatchback only) includes front and rear mudguards and a scuff-resistant bumper protector. The SE Appearance package adds some of the Titanium's cosmetic features to the SE trim level. On the Titanium model, special red/black or white/black leather upholstery is available; so is the Titanium Handling package (sport suspension, upgraded wheels and tires). A navigation system, full-body styling kit, and a power moonroof are also available. The SFE (for Super Fuel-Efficient) package includes aerodynamic features that minimize air resistance and boost fuel efficiency. The package includes side air deflectors, underbody shields, and blockers on the lower grille.

Under the Hood
The standard power plant for the 2013 Ford Focus is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 6-speed, dual-clutch automatic optional. The automatic transmission is standard on the Titanium, although the manual is still available. The Focus Electric has a 107-kWh (143 horsepower) electric motor and a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Ford claims the battery can be recharged in 4 hours with a 240-volt charger. All 2013 Ford Focus models are front-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Ford Focus are:

• Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission: 28/38/31 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission: 26/36/30 mpg
• Focus SFE with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission: 28/40/33 mpg
• Focus Electric: 110/99/105 MPGe (range per charge is 76 miles, according to Ford)

Safety
Standard safety features on the Ford Focus include anti-lock disc/drum brakes, traction control, front-seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, and a driver knee air bag. Many other safety features are added to upper trim levels, or are available as options.

In government crash tests, the 2013 Ford Focus sedan and hatchback received 5 (out of 5) stars for overall occupant protection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Focus received 4 stars for frontal crash protection; 5 stars for side crash protection; and 4 stars for rollover resistance. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Focus received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--across the board on impact tests.

Technology
Ford's Sync technology includes various voice-controlled capabilities. Ford's Intelligent Access permits entry using a key fob, and starts the engine with the push of a button on the dash. An optional keypad entry system allows entry and ignition when not using the key fob.