Ford Focus a Finalist for North American Car of the Year
Nearly two decades after it was first given, the prestigious North American Car of the Year award has never been presented to the same car twice—but that could be about to change: The Ford Focus, which earned the honor when its first generation debuted in 2000, was recently named one of just three finalists for the 2012 award.
Ford’s all-new compact breaks new ground in the segment with plenty of the automaker’s signature technologies, including the latest edition of SYNC with MyFord Touch. The system uses cutting-edge voice-recognition capability that allows drivers a new level of hands-free control for key vehicle functions, and it’s been significantly enhanced to better meet owner expectations. The Focus also offers mobile Internet connectivity via an onboard Wi-Fi router, active park assist, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, ambient lighting, a rearview camera and push-button start, and all that is just inside the cabin.
Under the hood, there’s an all-new 2.0-liter I4 engine with gasoline direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing, which results in 20 more horsepower and 10 percent better fuel economy than provided by the previous Focus’ 2.0-liter I4. Further, the new engine can be mated to Ford’s innovative PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear control, creating a powertrain that helps the Focus SFE achieve EPA ratings of up to 28 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined.
Will that be enough for the Focus to earn its second North American Car of the Year title? The public will find out on Jan. 9, 2012, when the award is presented in Detroit just prior to the opening of the North American International Auto Show.