Ford Updates Focus for '09

Ford's Focus may have gone on sale less than a year ago, but it's

already receiving

updates. Ford's compact sales have been on the rise with the

economical, gadget-infused model, and to keep the momentum up the Dearborn-based brand

has listened carefully to consumers and tweaked the car accordingly

for '09.

According

to its research, Focus buyers wanted a sportier looking car, and so

Ford has fitted brand new front and rear bumpers. The twin-bar grille

has gone from bright chrome to a a darker bronze, and the headlamps

are now outlined in chrome. One of the criticisms about the Focus'

exterior directed at its faux extractor vents on the front

fenders; for '09 they've disappeared completely. On SES-equipped cars, 17-inch multi-spoke rims have been added, with a dark finish similar to the grille, as well as a

roof-mounted spoiler.

For the most part,

the Focus is mechanically unchanged, though cars equipped with

manual

transmissions receive a freer flowing exhaust that enables a horsepower

gain of 3. Automatic cars don't get the update. Instead, they receive a

4.20 final drive ratio, which seeks to boost off-the-line acceleration.

Perhaps more relevantly, the Focus will now be offered with stability

control, making it one of the few compact cars available with

this important safety feature.

Ford's updated

Focus won't make its grand debut on the stands of an auto show,

but rather on the next airing of American Idol. After all, it's the

perfect opportunity for the company to showcase its affordable compact car to

its target demographic - 11,000 of which turn the legal driving age in

America every day.