Ford Focus dimensions

After a very long wait, American consumers finally get a world-class small vehicle from a Detroit label. The 2012 Ford Focus is the segment's new benchmark. Ford Focus Hatchback offers the following pros: Nimble handling; refined ride; stylish and well-made interior; lively engine; abundant list of upscale and innovative features. Ford Focus Hatchback drawbacks are: Annoying shift programming from automatic transmission; backseat is a little short on legroom; infotainment controls are finicky to learn and use.

The 2012 Ford Focus is a compact vehicle that's available in sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles. There are four versions available: S, SE, SEL and Titanium.

The S model, which is only provided as a sedan, comes with 15-inch metal wheels; keyless entry; air-conditioning; performance front windows; performance locks and mirrors; a height-adjustable driver seat; a tilt-and-telescoping helm; and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and optional stereo slot. Move up to the SE and you get 16-inch metal wheels, automatic headlights, front foglights, a back spoiler (hatchback only), back performance windows, a trip computer, steering-wheel-mounted stereo controls and Ford's Mykey parental controls. The hatchback is pretty alike but gets a 60/40 split-folding seatback (versus one solid folding seatback) and a removable trunk cover.

The auxillary Comfort suite for the Ford Focus SE adds cruise control and map lights. The SE Sport suite adds a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, back disc brakes, a back spoiler (sedan), updated look and dashboard trim, sport seatings and a leather-wrapped helm. Also auxillary is a six-speaker stereo system bundled with Ford's Sync cell phone and Ipod interface.

The SEL model adds one-touch up/down performance windows, multicolor ambient lighting and most of the Se's auxillary features, minus the sport-tuned suspension. Spring for the Titanium model and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, the sport-tuned suspension, updated look and dashboard trim, a back spoiler (sedan), keyless ignition/entry, Myford Touch technology with an 8-inch center touchscreen and Wi-fi capability, and a 10-speaker Sony stereo system with satellite radio and HD radio. Myford Touch and the Sony system are auxillary on the SEL.

The Titanium Luxury suite adds back parking sensors, automatic wipers, a six-way performance driver bench, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a back armrest. The Titanium Handling suite adds 18-inch wheels, an updated sport-tuned suspension, a full-size spare and summer tires.

Auxillary on all but the S is the Winter suite, which adds heated front seatings and heated mirrors with side marking lamps. The SEL and Titanium can be had with the Parking Technology suite, which adds front and back parking sensors, a rearview camera and an automated parking system. Auxillary only on the SE sedan is a Super fuel efficiency (SFE) suite, which adds 16-inch metal wheels with aero wheel covers, low-rolling-resistance tires, back disc brakes and a back spoiler. .