Overview: Ford’s only entry in the small-car category, the Focus, has been reworked for 2008 but not necessarily improved. When it debuted in 2000, the Focus was a bright star, with excellent driving dynamics and a well-thought-out and spacious interior. It was sensible, capable, and fun to drive. The Focus ultimately came in several versions: hatchback, sedan, and wagon. It received a minor freshening for 2005 and significant reworking for this year, but that still leaves an underlying car whose age is beginning to show. For 2008, the lineup has shrunk to coupe and four-door sedan versions.

We bought a well-equipped Focus SES sedan with optional 16-inch wheels and the much-vaunted new Sync in-car communications system. The sticker price came to $18,490.

First impressions. Some of the handling agility and good ride remain, but the revamped Focus seems to have lost the supple yet tied-down driving feel that made the original Focus seem so sophisticated. The driving dynamics are now rather ordinary with reduced agility in corners and less refinement than newer designs such as the Honda Civic and Mazda3.

Only one engine is available, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rated at 130 hp in our PZEV-certified version (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle). Mated to a four-speed automatic, it does the job but without much enthusiasm. According to the onboard computer, we’ve been averaging about 24 mpg overall. Engine noise is noticeable if not overly objectionable. Road noise, though, is pronounced. Ford claims it has reduced noise levels, but if so, it’s only modestly.

Interior fit and finish have gained very little refinement, but access remains easy front and rear. It’s clear that a good portion of this partial redesign amounted to little more than reducing cost by eliminating features. The assist grips above the doors are gone, and the seats are flatter with less lateral support. There is no more telescoping steering column, and the wiper controls are now crowded onto the turn-signal lever. Instead you get a new dedicated button that changes the color of the light in the foot wells and inside the cup holders—a paltry compensation for what was taken away.

One of the most-hyped features of the Focus is the Sync in-car communications system, co-developed with Microsoft. It can pair with any of several cell-phone brands via Bluetooth, integrate an iPod or other MP3 device, and send and receive text messages. Unlike other systems, it allows you to control all those devices through voice commands. That feature might cut down on some driver distractions while creating the potential for more. Sync will be available on many other Ford products soon.

Standard side-curtain airbags are a welcome addition, but rear head restraints won’t arrive until next year, at which time electronic stability control will also finally become available.

CR’s take. We are not convinced that this revamp did much to bring the Focus up to date. (A major redesign isn’t due until around 2011.) We will see how this Focus ranks among such peers as the redesigned Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla when we complete a full road-test report, for the June issue of CR, available online in May.

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