The 2009 Ford Focus SEL offers the delight of cruising at 35 mpg and talking to your ride, courtesy of Ford’s incredible SYNC entertainment and communications system. The SEL also offers a touch of luxury with leather heated seats to name just one upscale feature.

For 2009, Ford has upgraded the Focus lineup with the SEL, what you might call the “Formal Focus.” Cool 16-inch Euro-flanged alloy wheels add a bit of flash to the corners. For the first time, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control is available on all Focus models. AdvanceTrac uses sophisticated sensors and the antilock braking system to help correct skids that can lead to accidents.

The upscale Focus SEL is perfect for the buyer with a higher level of taste. The SEL lists for just $17,970 (MSRP). Sixteen-inch Euroflanged Alloy Wheels add a touch of flash to the already bold Focus exterior. You’ll find luxury features such as cool blue ambient lighting in the cabin and leather seating with heat, a true luxury on a frosty morning. Go for the special “Moon & Tune” package, and your SEL will sport a power moonroof with shade and a premium sound system.

Also new for 2009, Ford has upgraded the SES series to 17-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.

Perhaps the foremost achievement of the 2009 Focus is its impressive fuel economy. In an independent test conducted by Edmunds.com called the Gas-Sipper Smackdown, Focus achieved 37.5 mpg on the highway. Officially, the Focus gets an EPA mileage estimate of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway when equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission.

Last model year, the Ford Focus received a makeover that applied the Ford family look, distinguished by a two-bar version of the company's characteristic razor blade-like grille. It was the year of SYNC, Ford’s brilliant and innovative entertainment and communications system. Developed with Microsoft, SYNC provides a hands-free link to cell phones and MP3 players through a series of voice commands. It recognizes your cell phone's address book. It can even read text messages to occupants through the stereo system. It's an amazing system, and Ford appears to be ahead of everyone else in this area.

For 2009, the Ford Focus lineup consists of four sedan models and two coupe versions. The Focus S Sedan starts at an MSRP of just $14,995. With 15-inch wheels, black door handles and sideview mirrors, the “S” no doubt stands for “sporty.” A chrome two-bar grille and halogen headlamps complete the basic and well-equipped package.

Every Ford Focus is equipped to satisfy. The combination of a 2.0-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine teamed with an easy-shifting five-speed manual transmission is sporty and particularly fuel-efficient. The European-inspired suspension, consisting of an independent MacPherson strut front and unique independent Control Blade rear, offers great handling and a comfortable ride. Power front disc brakes and rear drums provide the stopping power. Safety equipment begins with Ford’s Personal Safety System for the driver and front passenger including dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, safety belts with usage, position and crash severity sensors, pretensioners and energy-management retractors. All five seating positions are seatbelt and side-curtain airbag protected. The LATCH child safety seat system is standard, and child safety rear door locks are standard, too. A tire pressure monitoring system is also onboard.

For 2009, the Ford Focus lineup consists of four sedan models and two coupe versions. The Focus S Sedan starts at an MSRP of just $14,995. With 15-inch wheels, black door handles and sideview mirrors, the “S” no doubt stands for “sporty.” A chrome two-bar grille and halogen headlamps complete the basic and well-equipped package.

Inside, the Ford Focus is an aesthetically pleasing cockpit. On top of the dash is a hooded cutout that displays trip computer, radio, and when ordered, SYNC information. The instrument panel has two large gauges, the speedometer and tachometer, and two small gauges, the fuel gauge and water temperature gauge. Thanks to SYNC, the center stack has more controls that you'd expect to find in an economy car. Along the top are buttons for 10 radio station presets. When SYNC and SIRIUS Satellite Radio are ordered, drivers can store up to 60 stations: 20 FM, 10 AM and 30 SIRIUS.

Materials in the cabin are nice and the fit/finish is solid. Focus seats are comfortable, and the cabin has a roomy feel to it. Trunk space is nearly 14 cubic feet, a generous size and easily accessed.

With 140 hp and good road feel through the steering wheel, the Ford Focus is fun to drive, economical to operate and entertaining mile after mile. Incredibly, the new 2009 Ford Focus SEL adds luxury and style lacking in rivals costing thousands more. You really should drive one and see for yourself!