Sporty handling, relatively low noise, and a well-done interior make the Focus feel more like a small sports sedan than a humdrum compact. Though not blazingly fast, the Focus does get good fuel economy.
Several flaws keep it from being one of our top-rated small cars, though. The most irksome of those is the PowerShift automatic transmission, which stumbles at low speeds. While updates have improved refinement, this transmission is still hesitant in stop-and-go traffic and sometimes transmits drivetrain vibrations through the cabin. Rear-seat space is tight for this class, with little leg room for two adults and very cramped quarters for three people. A more minor consideration is the radio controls, which are needlessly confusing.
We tested the 4-cylinder sedan and hatchback, as well as the sporty ST and all-electric model.
The electric Focus has all the underlying qualities of the regular versions: taut handling, good ride, and nicely finished interior. And it also provides the benefits of its electric powertrain: silent running, cheap operation, and effortless-feeling acceleration. Unfortunately, it also shares some of the Focus's basic flaws, including a very cramped backseat.
Also, the large, lithium-ion battery pack consumes much of the Focus's already modest cargo space. At least the standard xenon high-intensity low and high beam headlights provide high levels of intensity and shine a very good distance down the road.
At least the electric Focus also gets you one of the most useful and efficient electric cars on the market. We got 3.18 miles per kilowatt hour, or about 107 mpg. That's a little less than the tiny and underwhelming Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but one better than the Nissan Leaf, the Focus Electric's closest competitor. We consistently found we could go about 80 miles on a charge, about 5 miles more than in the Leaf, and charging it takes half the time, under four hours on a dedicated 240V electric-car charger.
The Focus ST is a blast to drive, with gobs of power, razor-sharp cornering reflexes, and tenacious brakes. It also offers decent fuel economy and the inherent practicality found in any Focus hatchback. Although the ride is stiffened for sports duty, it's not abusive.
This is not a car for novices: For starters, it's only available with a manual transmission. While the suspension tuning rewards expert drivers with the ability to tail-slide around corners on the track, it can also make emergency maneuvers tricky for the inexperienced. Buying this car for a new teenage driver would be a big mistake.
Stepping on the accelerator brings either a marvelous growl or intrusive racket, all depending on your mood. And for a car that warrants your full driving attention, the optional MyFord Touch control system seems even more of a handful than usual. The optional Recaro sport seats grab you tight in the corners, but severely compromise comfort and access.