Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Ford Focus Sedan & Coupe

No Euro-second generation Ford Focus jazz here as Ford preferred to save a few bucks and tweak the current version. Although it boasts a “bold design, modern interior, improved driving dynamics” we can’t warm up to this new idea. Besides the fact that the front end reminds us of the Suzuki XL7, while the rear end is reminisant of the Suburu Legacy Sedan, the whole thing looks like a semi-botched effort. Unlike its predecessor, the 2008 Focus will only be available in two-door coupe and four-door sedan body styles. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

The redesigned interior didn’t leave such a sour taste in our mouths. The gimmick that caught our attention in the new Focus was the instruments and switches that are lit in "Ice Blue." An option of “ambient lighting package” that places tiny LEDs inside the front and rear cupholders and footwells is also available for those kinky summer nights. The LEDs come in seven different colors (red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow) controlled by a dash-mounted switch. Viva Las Vegas!

The 2008 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam, inline four-cylinder engine delivering 136 hp and new suspension tuning and chassis refinements. The Duratec 20 and 20E are available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. Revised final drive ratios let the engine turn at a lower rpm rate during highway driving for better fuel economy.