New for 2016

Changes for 2016 are limited to new exterior colors and wheel choices, the new Sync 3 infotainment system, and an automatic transmission option for the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

Focused on You

Americans tend to think of compact cars as bargain-basement econoboxes, but buying a small car doesn’t mean settling for something cheap. The 2016 Ford Focus offers all of the virtues of a mainstream model, but in a smaller and more efficient package. The Focus has a sporty character, fuel-efficient engines, and the latest technology. It’s definitely not a penalty box.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Ford Focus is offered with two powertrain options that emphasize efficiency without sacrificing fun.

A 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine might not seem very substantial, but that just shows how effective Ford’s EcoBoost technologies can be. EcoBoost engines use turbocharging and direct injection, allowing for cuts in displacement and improvements in fuel efficiency. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost produces a stout 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque.

For 2016, 1.0-liter EcoBoost transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a newly-available six-speed PowerShift automatic with SelectShift. The tiny engine proves remarkably thrifty with either transmission, returning an EPA-rated 35 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 32 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway) with the automatic.*

The Focus is also offered with a 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which produces 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. There are three available transmissions with this engine: a five-speed manual, six-speed PowerShift automatic, and six-speed PowerShift automatic with SelectShift. The manual transmission returns 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway),* while the pair of automatics get 31 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 40 mpg highway),* and 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway).*

As an aside, the Focus is also one of the only cars sold in the U.S. with an optional electric powertrain. The Focus Electric features a 143-hp electric motor that also churns out 184 lb-ft of torque. A 23-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides enough juice for an EPA-rated 76 miles of range,* along with 105 MPGe combined (110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2016 Ford Focus is a compact car offered as either a four-door, four-seat sedan or a five-door hatchback. It’s available in three trim levels, starting at $17,225.**

Standard features on the base Focus S includes full-floor center console storage with cupholders and USB ports, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, MyKey® owner controls feature, steering wheel audio controls, a driver-configurable 4.2-inch LCD gauge-cluster display, SYNC® voice control, and more.

The Focus SE includes all of the applicable standard features from the Focus S, along with 16-inch aluminum wheels, automatic quad-beam halogen headlights, power mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, rear-seat heat ducts, illuminated entry, cruise control, and other features.

The top Focus model is the appropriately-named Titanium. It includes all of the applicable standard features from the Focus S and SE, plus many features that are optional on those models. That includes dual-zone automatic climate control, Intelligent Access with pushbutton start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, overhead console, rear armrest with storage, heated mirrors, remote start, Ford’s SYNC® 3 infotainment system, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® satellite radio, leather-trimmed front bucket seats, fog lights, and a rear spoiler.

Design

The 2016 Ford Focus may be a compact economy car, but it’s still got plenty of style. As part of a heavy refresh for the 2015 model year, the Focus inherited the sleek oval grille and streamlined headlights of the larger Fusion. They give the Focus an upscale look, whether in four-door sedan or five-door hatchback form.

The interior is incredibly functional, with lots of standard storage space and an available 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls and a standard LCD display in the gauge cluster help manage the increased flow of information that’s now expected from tech-filled cars. Speaking of tech, the Focus is now available with Ford’s new SYNC® 3 infotainment system, which features a streamlined interface and more effective touchscreen and voice controls than the previous SYNC® with MyFord Touch® system.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Ford Focus includes anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac ESC electronic stability control, traction control, a rearview camera, and a full array of airbags. Optional equipment includes a reverse sensing system, active park assist, and 911 Assist as part of the SYNC® 3 infotainment system.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Ford Focus offers great value and efficiency, making it a worthy consideration for your next purchase.

Be sure to contact us online or visit us at Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands to schedule a test drive.

*EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy or other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

**Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration.

Image: Ford