Ford released an new Ford Focus for the 2008 model year, but when the car was first unveiled it received enough criticism to force the automaker to tweak the final product before it hit dealer showrooms. Well it looks like Ford has added more tweaks to the Focus for the 2009 model year.
The new Focus is selling very well for Ford (up 88 percent in April), but Ford has decided to respond to some of the criticisms about its exterior styling. Instead of tweaking both the coupe and the sedan versions of the Focus, Ford has decided to only tweak the coupe.
The front end of the "tweaked" coupe features a new larger lower air intake, the faux fender vents are gone (hopefully from the sedan as well), and there are new fog lights that are more integrated into the body. New Dark Chrome 17-inch wheels and a new roof mounted spoiler are standard on the SES version.
The 2009 Focus coupe will be in showrooms this summer starting at $15,920. Does it look any better now?
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Ford is Going to Increase Focus Production by 30 Percent to Keep up With Demand
PRESS RELEASE:
SPORTY NEW LOOK FOR 2009 FORD FOCUS COUPE TO DEBUT ON WEDNESDAY 'AMERICAN IDOL' EPISODE
The 2009 Focus coupe is set to debut on "American Idol" on Fox on Wednesday.
* Sporty updates inspired by customer feedback, including new front and rear fascias, a new roof-line spoiler and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES series, enhance the car's profile and further differentiate the Focus coupe from the sedan.
* Performance improvements include increased horsepower on 5-speed manual versions and quicker acceleration, thanks to a new final drive ratio on models with four-speed automatic transmissions – without any compromise to Focus' 35-miles-per-gallon fuel economy rating.
* Focus posted an 88 percent increase in retail sales in April versus a year ago.
DEARBORN, Mich., May 13, 2008 – The hot-selling Ford Focus debuts a new coupe version for the 2009 model year Wednesday on American's hottest television show – "American Idol." This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television.
"Focus is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with 35 mpg fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive, strong quality and the right price," said John Felice, Ford Division group marketing manager. "We've built on those strengths to deliver an even sportier coupe version for 2009 and thought the 'American Idol' debut would be a new way for customers to see the upgrades for themselves."
The new Focus coupe can be seen for the first time during the Wednesday broadcast of "American Idol" on FOX, which airs at 9 p.m. EST.
The Focus coupe will be part of the "American Idol" Ford Video featuring this season's remaining contestants. Episodes of American Idol typically draws an audience of more than 20 million viewers. The 45-second music video also will be featured on the "American Idol" Web site at www.americanidol.com under the Ford Music Video page.
Sportier Design
Focus retail sales were up 88 percent in April versus the prior year, and a growing number of younger customers have been buying the new Focus model that was launched in late 2007.
"We've spent a lot of time talking with small-car customers and Focus enthusiasts," said Sam De La Garza, Focus marketing manager. "Their overwhelming feedback was that a sportier exterior design could attract even more Millennials, or those people born between 1980 and 1995 – 11,000 of whom reach driving age every day in the U.S."
With that in mind, the Focus team sculpted the coupe's new front and rear fascias to provide a sportier appearance. The lower front fascia incorporates a larger open area that bares a strong resemblance to the acclaimed design of the new global Ford Fiesta subcompact. The fog lamps – now standard – are better integrated into the overall design of the front fascia, and its signature two-bar chrome front grille and chrome accents around the headlamps have been darkened for added differentiation.
"The new coupe looks really sporty," said Thomas Tang, co-founder of www.focusfanatics.com and Ford Focus owner. "It is great to see that Ford values our feedback and is willing to make quick changes."
"The new front fascia, 17-inch sport wheels and fog lamps remind me of the old Focus SVT models," Tang added.
For differentiation, the high-end Focus SES will feature a standard high-mounted spoiler that is incorporated into the design of the roof. The high-mounted design contributes to Focus' overall muscular stance. A decklid spoiler will remain part of the Focus SE exterior design.
New premium-painted Dark Chrome 17-inch aluminum wheels, also standard on SES, complete the coupe's redesigned exterior.
Sounds 'Bad' and Goes Faster -- With More Control
The 2009 Focus SES coupe features more horsepower and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2 final drive ratio to deliver quicker off-the-line acceleration for a faster 0-60 mph time.
A new option for 2009 is electronic stability control (ESC), which uses sophisticated sensors and the anti-lock braking system to help correct skids that can lead to accidents.
Fuel-efficient Powertrains
The 2009 Focus Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 143 horsepower when mated to a five-speed manual transmission and 140 horsepower when paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). The 20E's tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles'. The Duratec 20 and 20E in Focus Coupe are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg.
SYNC Standard on Focus SES
Also setting the Focus coupe apart from other small cars is Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC technology, which will be standard equipment on the SES series and optional on the SE. SYNC is a fully integrated in-vehicle, voice-activated communications and entertainment system for customers to use their Bluetooth cell phones and digital media players.
SYNC was first introduced on the 2008 Focus and was an immediate hit with customers, helping to increase Focus' share in an extremely competitive small-car market. Nearly 50 percent of the 2008 model year Focus units sold during April included SYNC. SYNC-equipped vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without.
SYNC also was a feature that helped motivate editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com to name the 2008 Ford Focus one of the "Top Ten Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" in April.
The 2009 Focus Coupe, available later this summer, will have an MSRP that starts at $15,920. All Focus models are built at the Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant.
Comments (40)
Something about that rear quarter panel and window reminds me of the old Tempo. I don't personally see a net gain on the exterior.
Posted by Rod | May 13, 2008 6:48 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 06:48
LOL, I thought it was a Kia or something. That is seriously the worst looking car I have seen in some time. Don't get me wrong, I applaud Ford for making smaller, more efficient cars, but damn..at least try making it look nice. At least take the EU Focus!
Posted by patrick | May 13, 2008 6:55 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 06:55
It looks way better than the 4 door. It's much imrpoved in one year, mostly by removing the fender louvres (vents).
I'm still not sure why anyone would buy this over the Genesis coupe. It's easily worth the 3-4k more.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | May 13, 2008 7:00 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 07:00
Oh hi older Hyundai Accent!
Posted by John Kimble | May 13, 2008 7:13 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 07:13
dear god, the toyota echo rides again!
the back is malibu maxx all the way
might be the worst looking car since the dodge rampage
Posted by akkadain | May 13, 2008 8:08 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:08
I was thinking the same as others, it looks like an early-mid 90's Kia/Hyundai. Just bring the Euro Focus over already.
Posted by Gary | May 13, 2008 8:21 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:21
Man thats one ugly looking car.
The reason for the redesign, Ford didn't sell hardly any 07 or 08 Focus coupes.
By the looks of this, they will do about the same.
Posted by Will | May 13, 2008 8:23 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:23
are that 13" wheels?
That is how Ford realised a profitable Q1: no investments in new, putting make-up on an old pig, and sell-it for another year.
In 5 year out of business, or saved by Euro-Ford with Tata money.
Posted by lowest IQ | May 13, 2008 8:25 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:25
Fords crack team of accountants are at it again, the Hyundai Accent was crap and this looks like more of the same, next thing you know someone will post the nurburbring time for this car...
Posted by dennisil | May 13, 2008 8:32 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:32
Ouch. I thought when I opened this article I would get blasted for posting a bad comment on an American car and get the "education" from the domestic crowd. It is refreshing to see that it is a vast majority vote so far that this car is the ugliest thing since the Pontiac Aztec. Even rental car companies should shake a little when they see this, as it could turn a lot of renters off...haha. The styling is bad and the wheels look tiny...they definitely don't look like 17"s. I'm getting a little suspiscious of Ford's motives right now. I thought they were trying to earn a profit and return to prominence. This is the opposite direction.
Posted by Mike M | May 13, 2008 8:48 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:48
Heck yes the car is ugly, but it's cheap and efficient. That's what a lot of people want. If you recall, the focus 4 door is selling extremely well. This will do the same. It's definitely terrible looking, but they will sell quite a few.
The current US focus makes it easy for all the import fans to bash on domestics because it's stupid. Luckily americans are stupid too, and can re fooled by a new front facia.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | May 13, 2008 8:54 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 08:54
....
I find myself oddly conflicted. I think Ford putting time/energy developing the small car is the smartest move in the last 30 years for making themselves competitive again.
On the other hand, I think the car is on the ugly side. However, functional, ugly cars that get 35 mpg when gas is pushing 4.00/gal will sell.
keep trying Ford, you're on the right direction even if the styling needs help.
Posted by DaveM` | May 13, 2008 9:36 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 09:36
what I want to know is, who is ford's "mother"? you know, who is the one saying "good job sweetie, of course it's a nice looking car, I'm so proud of you for designing it all by yourself..."
this car stands in direct opposition to the notion that mankind is inherently good, because someone, somewhere thought this car looked good, and thats a lie, and we all know where lies come from...
Posted by akkadain | May 13, 2008 9:57 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 09:57
call it the nietzsche edition
Posted by akkadain | May 13, 2008 9:58 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 09:58
Ford, why do you punish your home crowd?
#1. fire your design staff.
#2. get a new logo while you're at it.
Posted by nine | May 13, 2008 10:06 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 10:06
I think they must have gotten a great deal on some used Hyundai Accents and just beat them with a mallet and threw a Ford badge on the front.
The sad thing is, used Hyundais are still more reliable than new Fords.
Posted by gm0n3y | May 13, 2008 11:20 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 11:20
Looks a lot like the old Escort's.
Posted by Dave K | May 13, 2008 11:38 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 11:38
Looking more like a Neon all the time.
Posted by harryo | May 13, 2008 12:40 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 12:40
What's a "Yet Focus"? Special Himalayan version...;-)
Posted by WS | May 13, 2008 1:16 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 13:16
Now all it needs is a hatch, a rear anti-sway bar, better dampning, and available 4-wheel disc brakes.
(That will bring it up to par with the 2001 focus.)
Posted by bubba551 | May 13, 2008 1:18 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 13:18
I think it looks good except for the headlights, those need to be redesigned.
Posted by Chris | May 13, 2008 1:24 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 13:24
sporty looks... The only reason to talk about sporty looks, is because there is nothing sporty abut the car. If I see one of these and it says sport on the back I will hardly be able to contain my laughter, at ford for making it, and the idiot driving it.
Posted by mf | May 13, 2008 1:50 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 13:50
Regardless of the negative feedback from some of you, it's selling very well. So why should Ford change it? "If it works, don't fix it" There is nothing wrong with this Focus and the sales figures prove that.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | May 13, 2008 2:51 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 14:51
For some reason I actually like it. I think its because of the lack of chrome. (almost looks like a black-chrome) Apparently I must be on some pretty good drugs today though.
Posted by Alex | May 13, 2008 3:27 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 15:27
Well, it is quite ugly, but I am very fond of the interior. My parents back South drive old Ford Focuses, and the interior is just plain crap. It isn't anything special, but I like the blue lighting and simple design. Yay.
Anyway, great engine choices, decent mpg, crap look. Damn. Hell, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
Posted by Joan of Arc | May 13, 2008 4:37 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 16:37
Ford complains that the Euro Focus is to expensive to build, but they sell the Mazda 3 sedan here, and its on the same platform.... considering the US cheaper labor (accounting for our currency to the Pound Sterling and Euro) it'd be alright to build here.
Styling is terrible, thats why I did not buy one. The reason this car is selling well is because the sedan is, and Ford is heavily pumping three things: 35 mpg highway. Several other cars achieve this, including the much better Toyota Corolla, but that leads me to number two: much better financing. 1.9% for sixty months. Add to that the fact Ford is selling these cheap.
Right now Americans are looking to reduce bill as much as possible, and city mileage in the mid to high twenties and highway of 35 does that, low sales price keeps property taxes down and the financing makes it affordable. Toyota is doing 2.9%, a flaw as I see it.
What most people do not understand is that comparable Kia's are equally cheap right now, and look much better. Americans only sparsly shopy Kia though it seems.
My mind is this: Americans are dying to buy the most efficient cars they can. I've seen sales of V8 cars die, and people are either buying the same car with smaller engine or going to sedans and wagons.
Thats why I wish we had the Euro Focus: they offer a good hatchback there. Really, hatchbacks are the way of the future (some older Americans still call these cars "wagons"): they have all the interior space of small SUVs but get better gas mileage still, handle better, and typically are cheaper. Its win win.
But they still have to look good. The first company to make a reasonable hatchback with good styling will succeed well in America.
Posted by Allen | May 13, 2008 9:11 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 21:11
back to the future? or to the past?
Posted by R3TNIAP | May 14, 2008 4:44 AM
Posted on May 14, 2008 04:44
wow that is an ugly car
Posted by alec | May 14, 2008 5:59 AM
Posted on May 14, 2008 05:59
Straight up ugly. American or not it deserves to be bashed.
Posted by Sandmanwn | May 14, 2008 7:11 AM
Posted on May 14, 2008 07:11
bwahahahahahaha!!!
this is a joke right ?
Posted by patman | May 14, 2008 11:55 AM
Posted on May 14, 2008 11:55
With the looks of it maybe they can resurrect the tempo name as they did with the taurus and then it will sell like hotcakes.
Posted by peter | May 14, 2008 12:09 PM
Posted on May 14, 2008 12:09
Wow, will they ever learn?? So nasty looking. The problem is the same as the Ford 500. Functionally, the 500 is a great car, but so ugly no one wants it. This car is the same, except its cheap enough that people will hold their noses and buy one. The other reason they will is that its a great driving car. Its the most comfortable small car in that class, its efficient, the interior is attractive and very functional, but its all wrapped up in another US ford exterior design disaster. I loved the car when I drove it, but I want a hatch. Yet another Ford brain fart that they release this excellent little car without a hatch version.
If they had just designed it as sharp as the EU focus there is no doubt this car would be a much bigger hit than it already is. Yes, this car is selling very well, but it would have rocked the US market in this catagory if they could have just dragged their heads out of their butts and made an attractive car people would be drawn to for its looks, and its functionality.
Posted by GRIZZ | May 14, 2008 2:26 PM
Posted on May 14, 2008 14:26
- handles well.
- good interior looks.
- good on gas if you get the right engine. the other one sucks gas and it's still slow.
- rear end is ugly as sin. front end is ok. fire the designer.
- what's with the dirty wheels? and they cost extra?
- quality I can't comment on, too lazy to check.
Hyundai Accent SE hatch or Elantra SE will offer much better bang for the buck, which is critical in this segment.
Posted by Kell | May 14, 2008 3:27 PM
Posted on May 14, 2008 15:27
These authors need to check their work.
"Ford Tweaks the Yet Focus Again"
Shouldn't it be "Ford tweaks the Focus yet again?"
Posted by John | May 15, 2008 2:59 PM
Posted on May 15, 2008 14:59
Proof that Ford cares about it's customers! I wouldn't mind buying this Ford Focus.
Posted by Saheed | May 16, 2008 5:32 AM
Posted on May 16, 2008 05:32
fugly. outdated shit. Ford needs to die
Posted by Jake | May 18, 2008 8:09 PM
Posted on May 18, 2008 20:09
If you want the euro-focus, then buy the mazda3. If you want the ST then buy the C30.
If, on the other hand, Ford imports the euro-focus and sells it at a competitive price in the US, how will it justify the price gouging in Europe.
Posted by bubba551 | May 22, 2008 3:48 PM
Posted on May 22, 2008 15:48
butt ugly. i'd rather have 2nd hand/used cars.
Posted by adrian | May 28, 2008 8:00 AM
Posted on May 28, 2008 08:00
new wheels my ass... Google pics of the 03/04 SVT Focus Euopean package... now that was a car to get excited about...
Posted by Scott | May 30, 2008 10:59 AM
Posted on May 30, 2008 10:59
Yeah I have only seen about 10-11 coupes ever since this thing came out in October. I don't mind this, but please take that rear window spoiler off, and at least put it on the trunk where any normal car would have it. Can't wait until 2010 though, when Ford brings the frickin Euro Focus over. Oh well that's why we're getting the Fiesta for now.
Posted by Tyler | July 3, 2008 12:54 PM
Posted on July 3, 2008 12:54