Short Shot – 2009 Ford Focus

It’s almost a stroke of luck that the Ford Focus is doing so well. Redesigned for the 2008 model year, critics noted that Ford Europe was receiving a fully modernized and updated model, while American and Canadian drivers were getting a slight variation on the original theme. Clearly, Ford must have been thinking that North American consumers wouldn’t mind the design difference.

Ford Focus sales are way up

Despite the misgivings of some members of the automotive press, the Ford Focus has been successful, and the company is on track to sell 240,000 units in the United States in 2008, an increase of about 25% from 2007. No, it’s not. the style what is winning. more people, rather two important features that are helping the Focus succeed. Read on and we’ll examine that success, then take a brief look at the 2009 model.

Can you say SYNCHRONIZE? — Beginning with the 2008 model year, new Microsoft technology began making its way to most Ford models. As optional equipment, Microsoft SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communication system that allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road while calling friends, selecting songs, ordering food, and more. Available exclusively on 2008 model year Lincoln, Ford and Mercury products, SYNC has been successfully marketed by Ford to draw attention to its product lineup, including the youth-oriented Focus.

Can you say excellent fuel consumption? — As gas prices topped $4 a gallon earlier this year, small cars suddenly became all the rage. Not just any small car, mind you, but the ones that delivered the highest fuel numbers. Using a 2.0L I4 engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Focus gets 24 mpg in the city, but a highly sought after 35 mpg on the highway. This latest number is especially attractive to consumers who have long commutes, a number that eliminates high gas prices.

Changes for 2009

Offered as two- and four-door models, the most significant change for 2009 is that the coupe receives a facelift. A new front fascia, 17-inch wheels and fog lights are now standard equipment, design changes intended to enhance the Focus’s youthful appeal. With a base MSRP of $15,920, the 2009 Focus Coupe is competitively priced with the Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla, its main competitors. Every Focus comes equipped with air conditioning, six standard airbags, and a CD/MP3 player.

Another Redo and The Party

The current iteration of the Focus will continue through the 2010 model year before an all-new model is released. As part of the company’s “One Ford” plan, the automaker will introduce six European models to the US market beginning in 2009, including the next-generation Focus and Fiesta, a car smaller than the Focus and capable of delivering at least 40mpg. on the freeway.

Whether you buy a Ford Focus or not, the success of the car is based on technological improvements and clever marketing. Buyers have also been offered incentives, savings that can reduce the financial burden on your wallet.

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