08 Ford Focus 4 door coupe By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net A few weeks ago,  I had a Ford Focus for a week long test drive.  So what’s exciting and new about the Focus?  It’s been around for a few years now and has become popular among consumers, especially because of the good mileage and the initial low cost.

This was not the little two door we are all familiar with, but a new, four door coupe.  Ford has stopped making the Focus hatchback and the wagon style and this new four door coupe may be just the thing to spur sales better than they have been.  Yes, there is a slightly improved exterior design and some new interior improvements, but these don’t necessarily set the world on fire.  This 2008 model Focus has even better fuel economy and more technology features that are appealing.

My test drive model of this new four door sedan was a very attractive silver color that had a depth of shimmer.  It was called Vapor Silver.  The interior was a contrasting darker look called Charcoal Leather.  It was powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder matched with a five speed manual transmission.  This four cylinder engine has quite a bit of power and performance, yet gets over 30 mpg on the highway.  I am a fan of standard shift and this obviously adds to the fuel economy. 

The 2008 Ford Focus Sedan has a base MSRP of just $15,375 plus delivery charges.  That is a terrific price and is for the four door SE model with a long list standard equipment.  It includes 15 inch alloy wheels, intermittent wipers, an auxiliary audio input jack, a large center console with storage compartment, and a lot more.  My test model was spruced up with a lot of extras, which is what Ford hopes will happen.  The options added on included chromed rearview mirrors, chromed door handles, 16 inch wheels, chromed exhaust extension, integrated fog lamps, power heated mirrors, heated seats, leather bucket seats, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded sound system, Sirus satellite radio, and that great new Ford SYNC that allows hands-free controls of the sound system.  Wow.  That is a lot of upgrades and it did increase the bottom line to $18,555 plus delivery charges.  Other options are, of course, available.

This Focus handled extremely well during my driving.  Road driving seems to be smoother than the previous models.  The feel of the road, whether on the highway or city streets, is firm and confident.  The Ford engineers have improved the suspension and refined the chassis for 2008.

The small car segment is being re-defined on almost a monthly basis due to the increased demand for more fuel efficient cars.  Manufacturers are increasing improving the driving dynamics and interior appointments as well.  This new four door Focus is well positioned to become a major player in this years rush to the smaller vehicles.  There is plenty of room in the back seat and easy accessibility to the rear area with those two extra doors. 

I think Ford has made a good choice by introducing this new four door Focus coupe.  Check it out yourself at your Ford dealership.