On the other hand, the steering is not as precise as one could wish for and requires non-stop corrections, even when trying to keep a straight line, which somewhat reduces the fun behind the wheel.

Revised engine
Under the hood is a proven Duratec engine. Carried over from the old Focus, this 2.0L, 4-cylinder mill has been revised to increase the output to 140 horsepower.

Still, I found it noisy, harsh and not really effective. It kind of ruins the efforts to improve the rest of the car. I was hoping for a livelier, more dynamic engine, one that would have been better matched to the 4-speed automatic transmission that Ford stubbornly keeps plugging into their cars. The 5-speed manual equipped Focus should prove at least a bit more flexible and pleasant to drive.

Sync is a voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment system.

In the end, the main highlight of the 2008 Focus is the optional Sync system (one of the first Ford models to offer this feature). What it is? Sync is a voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment system developed in conjunction with Microsoft.

Expectations were pretty high for Sync, which was introduced with much fanfare at the 2007 NAIAS in Detroit. As it turns out, they are partially met. Sync does integrate Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and nearly any portable media player, but aside from its text-message reading capability, it's not as innovative as the automaker claims.

Still, offering such advanced technology on an entry-level car like the Focus is a pretty bold move and Ford must be commended for its efforts.


Interesting design
Improved handling
Stiffer chassis


Sync falls short of expectations
Steering feels vague


Harsh engine
Lack of power


Photo Credit : Ford