While an increase in power for the Focus sedan has been announced, I can't help but feel a loss for the current performance model, the Focus SVT. As for now it will be put to rest, however, it is expected that a new high-performance variant will be released to strike back at rivals in the compact performance market.

Lauded for its impressive road-holding, agility and overall enjoyment, the Focus has been further improved to maintain top ratings among emerging competition. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

An area, which the Focus has always excelled in, is ride and handling. Lauded by magazines worldwide for impressive road-holding, agility and just overall enjoyment, the Focus has been further improved to maintain top ratings among emerging competition. Its front strut and rear multi-link suspension layout, along with its ingenious Control-Blade setup, has been kept intact, with the addition of a larger anti-roll bar. At 21 mm up front and 20 mm in back, the larger bar will improve turn-in feel while reducing lateral movement and body roll.

Addressing quality and design issues, Ford has given the Focus a new dashboard, enhanced color themes and higher quality materials. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Larger wheels and tires have been fitted across the range, topping out with optional 205/50R16 Pirelli performance tires wrapped in beautiful 16-inch alloys. On basic models, the spring rates have been softened slightly to improve comfort, reportedly without compromising handling and ride. The performance ST model will utilize the same springs and dampers as the European Focus ST170, which equates to a ride that is 50 percent stiffer than SE and SES models. Ford has also added larger brakes to improve stopping performance.

Another noticeable area of improvement is the Focus interior. Addressing quality and design issues, Ford has given the Focus a new dashboard, enhanced color themes and higher quality materials. A simpler symmetrical dashboard has been fitted, which is easier on the eyes than that in the current model. Revisions to the heating, ventilation and stereo controls will make for better navigation as well as a look that's less cluttered. Two-tone beige or gray color schemes added to the seats, fascia and door panels, create a lighter, airier ambiance. On the ZX4 ST, Ford has created a sportier atmosphere with aluminum-look trim on the instrumentation plus leather seating surfaces with perforated suede inserts. Molded cupholders, pockets and cubbyholes have been scattered throughout for easy storage.