Ford Focus and Five Hundred: Extreme Makeover and a Facelift

After developing its midsize and new crossovers, Ford has returned its focus to itssmallest car in North America, the Focus. For 2008, it's been completely redesigned, sporting such a different appearance that it will be nearly impossible to link to the current Focus. Ford has also slashed the body styles of its smallest North American entry from five to two, removing the hatchbacks and wagon, keeping the sedan and adding a brand new two-door coupe. Underneath, it's much the same car, using the first-generation platform (not the European one) which has excellent handling characteristics and a peppy but fuel efficient 2.0-liter inline-four powerplant. Ford dropped the Mazda-sourced 2.3-liter version from the performance ST model. Minor tweaks were made to keep all elements of the vehicle up to date.

As mentioned, the new Focus looks nothing like the previous car, with its sharpedges toned down for swooping curves and a rising beltline. The chromed face only features two bars on the grille, rather than three as is the norm with Ford's modern design language. Its interior is vastly different than before as well, all for the better. The most prominent design cue of the cabin is the dash pad that sweeps right across the car, brightening the cabin and adding a European ambience. It also features Ford's new instrument panel with "poke through" buttons and a dash top information center, all of which are back-lit in Ice Blue, Ford's new interior lighting color. The stereo system includes an auxiliary input socket, plus a USB plug for MP3 players. What's more, ambient lighting can change colors like the MyColor system for the Mustang's gauges.

Ford’s other update is for the Five Hundred sedan. This full-size four-door was the brand’s attempt at using its global resources, with a chassis structure that can be traced to Volvo, and styling that reflects products offered in Europe. Though it was available with all-wheel drive and an efficient CVT gearbox, the Five Hundred didn't sell as well as it could have due to its low output engine and anonymous styling. For 2008, the car features a new nose with Ford's new trademark three-bar grille, and a revised tail.