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.