www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday July 16, 2008 - 23 Ford's feisty Focus on value Compact coupe and sedan offer leading edge technology, comfort and safety By the Editors of Carguide Magazine Ford's new compact Focus has been remade to attract young professionals, couples and families and anyone looking for style, durability and daily utility in an economical package. The Focus showcases new technologies and styling mixed with a confidence-inspiring ride and reflexive handling that give it a nimbleness and funto-drive factor that rivals the best small cars. The cabin is well equipped, meticulously appointed and spacious for four grown adults. And the trunk is simply cavernous. Several southern Ontario couples representative of potential buyers were recently brought together to drive the new car for their evaluation for Carguide Magazine. In a controlled environment, they practiced advanced driving skills in the vehicle before taking it out on public highway, this time in and around historic Montréal and the ski and golf resort town of MontTremblant. They were the first `civilians' in Canada to drive the new 2008 Focus. New exterior design, an all-new interior and improved driving dynamics, plus the industry-first Ford/Microsoft SYNC system (bringing previously unheard-of levels of connectivity to the market, regardless of segment) define the new Focus. Suspension tuning and chassis refinement have improved the ride, and safety provisions have been enhanced. The Focus is offered in two body styles -- as a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. Three trim levels include the base model S, mid-range SE and top-of-the-line SES. In addition to front and side airbags, side curtain airbags are standard on all models. Fuel economy has been improved through better aerodynamics, engine modifications and a body that weighs 45 kg less than before. The new Focus is also quieter inside, through use of thicker windshield and door glass, better aerodynamics and sound deadening materials. Pricing for the S model coupe and sedan starts at $15,999, including air conditioning. Prices start at $17,399 for the two-door SE coupe and top out at $19,999 on the four-door SES sedan. Basic advanced driving instruction was given by Trois Rivieres, Que., racing driver and professional instructor Guy Lahaie, who taught proper use in an emergency situation of the anti-lock braking system (standard on SES; optional on S and SE), demonstrated Continued on Page 24