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.