Ford Focus is Detroit Free Press Car of the Year
While plenty of publications from around the world offer their opinions on the best vehicles of the year, the honor from the Detroit Free Press—one of the industry’s hometown newspapers—certainly stands out from the crowd. And so does the 2012 Ford Focus, the vehicle recently named the Freep’s “Car of the Year.”
Acclaimed auto journalist Mark Phelan, writing for the paper, said that “The sleek 2012 Ford Focus may be the most sophisticated small car ever sold in America,” and lauded the car for features including its refreshed Ford SYNC connectivity and infotainment system and PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. According to Phelan, the former is unequalled in the Focus’ segment and “remains blissfully straightforward and easy to use.” As for the latter, Phelan noted that even though that transmission has received some criticism from other reviewers, “I think the problem is that Ford neglected to explain to owners that it can feel a little different from the automatic transmissions they’re used to. For my money, it more than makes up for its differences with responsive performance and EPA fuel economy.”
In fact, thanks as well to a high-efficiency 2.0-liter I4 engine with direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing, the Focus SFE sedan is capable of reaching 28 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined.
Then, on top of all that, “The Focus’ sporty handling, quiet ride, and roomy and practical hatchback model add to its standing as an exceptionally refined, advanced and enjoyable car.”
With an MSRP that starts as low as $16,500, the award-winning 2012 Ford Focus is on sale now.