The Focus has sporty handling and is fun to drive. Its supple and controlled ride, low noise levels, and solid interior make it feel substantial. The 160-hp four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration. Both the hatchback and sedan versions got 28 mpg overall; the SFE returned 31 mpg overall. Despite software updates, the PowerShift automatic is not smooth at very low speeds. The rear seat is tight even by small-car standards, and some controls are needlessly complex. First-year reliability is well below average. The sporty ST is a raw and dedicated performance hatchback with 252 turbocharged horsepower. We think the Focus EV is the nicest affordable electric. It can go about 80 miles on a charge, and charges relatively quickly.
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