The 2009 Ford Focus is something of a mechanical metaphor. Instead of simply being the economical coupe and sedan in Ford’s lineup, the Focus represents, well, the focus of the company itself. Ford’s solid foundation in practicality and versatility is matched only by its commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This year, Ford’s renowned Focus has been improved even further, adding an element of luxury and style to a vehicle already known for its functionality and fuel efficiency. Instead of resting on its laurels, Ford is improving upon an already proven platform, rolling out the best Focus yet and opening up the introductory model to a wider spectrum of drivers.

Start outside where Ford’s latest exhibits modern style and flair. A sleek, simple body design is well thought out and perfectly crafted, a testament to Ford’s entire line redesign and obvious emphasis on contemporary quality. Up front, the blue oval rests between bold horizontal chrome bars stretching between two wraparound headlamps. A black mesh grille, integrated foglamps and a dynamically grooved hood complete a remarkably athletic front end.

To either side, the Focus rests on available 16-inch Euroflanged alloys and features long, modern lines, body-colored accents and sporty side air vents. The Focus luxury trim level, the SEL, adds European-inspired chrome accents and amenities. In the back, the 2009 Focus features a simple, sloping design, highlighted by an available lip spoiler and wraparound taillights. There’s a great deal of character and class in the Focus design.

Beneath the hood, the 2009 Focus sticks to its eco-friendly roots, but compromises nothing when it comes to performance. The standard 2.0-liter Duratec 16-valve DOHC engine powers out a spirited 140 hp and maintains remarkably low emissions and fuel economy up to 35 mpg highway. Its rigid body design couples nicely with an available performance-tuned suspension system, as well as stabilizer bars and sporty tires to provide a greater feel of the road and ensure precise, dynamic handling. Nobody ever said practical couldn’t be fun.

New this year, Focus includes an electronic stability control system, which actively monitors wheel slippage and divvies up brake power or torque to the wheels with the most traction, ensuring confident handling in adverse conditions. A reinforced safety cage, a feature more often found on larger vehicles, as well as six standard airbags place the newest Focus squarely at the top of its class when it comes to safety.

Inside, the Focus cabin has been given an upscale, tech-savvy makeover. Your choice of available ambient lighting colors gently illuminates a remarkably elegant, surprisingly spacious interior, highlighted by quality materials, available chrome accents, heated leather seats and ample personal space. The seats themselves carry on Ford’s eco-mission as they’re comprised of a bio-friendly plant-based foam.

As with every Ford that rolls off the assembly line nowadays, technology has been strongly and brilliantly emphasized in the newest Focus. A standard CD/MP3 player features an auxiliary input jack while an upgraded six-CD premium audio system includes an eight-inch booming subwoofer and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. To control it all, Ford has integrated their ingenious SYNC^® system, which allows for voice activation of everything from the audio system to the Bluetooth hands-free phone system to your own iPod.

Since its inception, the Ford Focus has been a model of practicality, versatility and value. This year, Ford has taken a strong leap forward, incorporating the latest technology and whole lot of fun. It’s more than an economy sedan; it’s the Focus.

The 2009 Ford Focus features a starting MSRP of just $15,520.