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The compact Focus line keeps a conventional 4-door sedan, but drops its hatchbacks and station wagon.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. A responsive 4-speed automatic is optional, although a 5-speed automatic would improve performance and fuel economy. However, a 5-speed automatic would probably increase prices.

List prices began at $14,075 for the base S coupe with a manual gearbox and go to $16,375 for the SES sedan with an automatic transmission. All trim levels can be had with either the manual or automatic.

Transmissions have revised final-drive ratios for better highway fuel economy. The more-realistic 2008 EPA fuel economy numbers put the Focus at 24 mpg inthe city and 35 on highways with the manual and 24 and 33 with the automatic.

The new Focus has the front-wheel-drive layout of its predecessor, but its handling is crisper and it has new features.

The Focus coupe and sedan are sold in base S, mid-range SE and top-line SES trim levels.

Styling of the European-style Focus is influenced by Ford’s larger Fusion sedan, with a prominent chrome-bar grille design, flared wheel arches and sweeping lines. Still, the Michigan-built car won’t win many beauty contests.

Seats have a better shape and there are larger, somewhat more useful bins and cup-holders in doors. But fuel and temperature gauges are too small.

The more-efficient climate control system provides improved heating and cooling. And the interior is quieter because Ford uses such items as a new acoustic windshield and thicker side glass. However, my test Focus coupe had noticeable tire noise with the radio off.

There is room for four tall adults, but leg room is tight for a long-legged passenger behind a driver.

The coupe’s doors are long and heavy, which makes them awkward in tight spots. They open wide, but getting in and out of the back seat calls for contortions, which aren’t necessary with the sedan.

The trunk is roomy, and cargo space can be increased by flipping the split rear seat-backs forward.

The refined all-independent suspension provides better ride and handling, with new spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars and bushings. Trim levels with 15-inch wheels get front stabilizer bars, while those with 16-inch wheels and more responsive Pirelli tires use front and rear stabilizer bars for sharper handling.

Focus brakes have been improved, the front ones are discs and the rears are drums. The brake pedal allowed smooth stops because it wasn’t touchy.
There’s newly standard air conditioning, front side impact air bags and side curtain air bags for outside seat positions. There’s also 2-way adjustable manual front seats, tire pressure monitoring system, AM/FM stereo with single CD player and a new audio input jack for MP3 players.The SE and SES add power side mirrors, windows and locks with remote key-less entry, although those items aren’t offered for the base S.

Popular options include the automatic transmission, upscale sound systems, anti-lock brakes, power sunroof, cruise control, 4-way adjustable driver’s seat and heated front leather-covered seats.

Optional Sync technology is a voice-activated, hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system that fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the car, using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

An ambient lighting system lets Focus occupants “set the mood” in the car with “subtle LED lighting” in cup-holders and front/rear footwells. One can choose red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow by cycling through a dashboard switch.

Whatever its options, the 2008 Focus fits well in the expanding market for small, affordable, economical economy cars.