The 2012 Ford Focus is a fun-to-drive, highly fuel-efficient car that delivers the kind of comfort, and even luxury, once reserved only for larger, more expensive vehicles. Achieving up to 37 mpg fuel economy, the top-of-the-line 2012 Focus model, the Titanium, delivers driving performance that transcends the compact segment.
The 2012 Ford Focus Titanium has a starting MSRP of $22,200 for the sedan and $22,700 for the five-door model. Perusing this model, the technology and feature rosters of the Focus Titanium, however, you will recognize many things usually found in cars costing well into the 30s. In fact, you’ll find one available Focus Titanium feature – the Parking Technology Package – from only one other brand, Lincoln, the luxury division of Ford.
Taking a closer look at the Parking Technology Package in the Focus Titanium shows a level of convenience and sophistication that no other car in its segment offers. You may have seen the TV commercials showing how a Ford vehicle equipped with this feature can parallel-park itself – accurately, neatly and with just minimal involvement from the driver. Other luxury brands have attempted this technology, but automotive critics – among them Lawrence Ulrich of the New York Times – agree that the Ford system works best. The feature could even add an element of fun to hunting for an urban parking space.
Real fun in the Ford Focus Titanium, though, begins with the driving experience. Its high-spirited performance and agility stem from a 160-hp 2.0-liter engine with class-exclusive direct-injection, sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension and an advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. Notably, Ford developed the Focus chassis in Europe, but tailored its ride comfort for America. As a result, the car’s driving performance will help make your daily commute a lot more enjoyable.
“Enjoyable” in this case means “quick.”
Motor Trend magazine tested the Focus Titanium and achieved zero-to-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which will scoot you through a highway entrance ramp much more quickly than will rivals like the Chevrolet Cruze. “Enjoyable” in the Focus also means agile through the curves, in a way that recalls more expensive sporting machinery. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels yield an athletic stance, and you can take the car’s handling into expensive sports sedan territory with the available Titanium Handling Package, which adds 18-inch wheels with low-profile summer tires and a performance-tuned suspension. Ford value really comes into play here: The Focus Titanium Handling Package includes a full-size spare tire.
Credit for this car’s agile demeanor also goes to a feature called Torque Vectoring Control. High-end cars, including some Porsche models, use similar technology. In the Focus Titanium, torque vectoring constantly balances the torque distribution between the front wheels. You won’t feel it working, but you will feel the results, which make the Focus feel more like a sports car than a roomy sedan.
You can recognize the Focus Titanium from other Focus models by its upscale trim including a piano black grille, body-colored mirrors with integrated side marker lamps and a rear spoiler. Inside, the Focus Titanium embellishes the standard soft-touch Focus trim with available luxuries including dual-zone automatic temperature control, power windows with one-touch up/down on all windows and ambient lighting. Available leather seating, a six-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats bring additional comfort to this trend-setting model.
Ford leads the auto industry in infotainment technology with SYNC®, which offers easy speech-controlled access to such features as audio and Bluetooth hands-free calling. In the Focus Titanium, Ford pairs SYNC with MyFord Touch™, a new system that replaces many traditional buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, colorful LCD screens and five-way buttons. Each driver can personalize the MyFord Touch display, much as they would a personal computer’s desktop.
Because the Focus Titanium comes with the SYNC with MyFord Touch system in place, the available voice-activated navigation system option is available for less than in other Focus models, and can be augmented with SIRIUS Travel Link and SIRIUS Traffic. The standard Sony 10-speaker audio system in the Focus Titanium puts impressive power behind any type of music while standard HD Radio with iTunes tagging and SIRIUS Satellite Radio expand music choices.
Come in to test drive the 2012 Ford Focus Titanium model, and when you do, remember that with all of its luxury, technology and outstanding driving performance, this car delivers up to 37 mpg.
