?2016 Ford Focus 5-Door Titanium?
A Fun, Practical and Versatile Hatchback

The 2016 Ford Focus stable consists of not only a popular 5-door hatch, but also a practical and economical 4-door sedan, both in different levels of trim. Both body configurations are front-wheel drive and are available in four progressive levels of trim ? S, SE, SE and top-of-the-line Titanium trim that delivers an unprecedented serving of luxury in a compact vehicle. Featured throughout the entire Ford Focus lineup is an appealing and expressive design quality inside and out, combined with refined driving dynamics and an impressive inventory of smart new technologies.

Focus ranks as Ford?s most significant global nameplate, with over 10 million vehicles sold worldwide since its introduction in1998, and despite the small car?s economical operation (EPA estimates up to 40 mpg), it still manages to deliver a dynamic and engaging driving experience. The latest iteration Focus was developed under the company?s One Ford philosophy, and demonstrates how the global Blue Oval team is able to fulfill universal needs of worldwide consumers while tailoring to satisfy preferences in varying regions. Focus is safe, green and smart along with registering very high on the visual appeal scale.

Focus four-door sedan and hatchback models both display Ford?s acclaimed kinetic exterior styling, which emphasizes the car?s athletic stance. The interior styling highlights outstanding craftsmanship that serves to create a premium-class experience, while the stiff body structure keeps noise, vibration and harshness at comfortable levels.

Technology abounds in the 2016 Ford Focus camp, featuring the latest-generation SYNC? system with MyFord Touch? with Wi-Fi? capability, text-to-voice, HD Radio? with iTunes? Tagging and voice-activated navigation. An available Active park assist, enabled by electric power-assisted steering, can identify a parallel parking space and maneuver into it, with minimal input from the driver. Ford?s PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift? allows for manual control of shift points, for a more engaged feel. Also available is Intelligent Access with push-button start, and an SFE package that maximizes fuel economy with improved aerodynamics.

The Titanium package sets class standards for design and comfort, while all Focus models come with Ford safety and security features, including: AdvanceTrac? with electronic stability control; Dual-stage first-row airbags; Side-impact airbags; Side-curtain airbags; Four-wheel anti-lock braking system; and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children); Tire Pressure Monitoring System; Child Safety rear locks; and an Anti-theft engine immobilizer. A rearview camera is standard along with an available Lane-keeping system and BLIS?

The 2016 Ford Focus 5-door hatchback displays a sleek and aerodynamic overall form. The body rides low over the alloy wheels shod with low-profile performance rubber that fills the pronounced wheel wells nicely. The nose showcases a bold trapezoidal lower grille, with active shutters, flanked by triangular air intakes, with a floating bar upper opening that displays the Blue Ford Oval logo positioned above and just ahead of the front hood line. The hood slopes upward from there featuring dual character lines and flanked by stylish, integrated headlamps. The sharply angled windshield flows into the roofline, which continues to the downward-curving rear end with large, jewel-like taillamps A stylish rear spoiler is integrated into the top of the rear gate, and both the ?B? and ?C? pillars are blacked out, producing an elongated coupe effect. A chrome beltline trim piece runs from the ?A? pillar, and sweeps up toward the rear spoiler suggesting motion even when standing still.

The interior has been redesigned and is equally attractive and symmetrical, with controls and switchgear optimally positioned for functional ease of use.

The power source for the new Focus is a front transversely-mounted
2.0-liter Ti-VCT DOHC, 16 valve inline four-cylinder engine with Direct Gasoline injection that makes 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm along with 146 pound feet of torque at 4,450 rpm. The engine mates to the latest version six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission, offered with SelectShift Automatic? that allows for manual gear selection control. A five speed manual gearbox is also available on specific models. A 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is also new available with the six-speed automatic SelectShift?

Cornering and stability of the Focus are enhanced by a standard torque vectoring control system that operates in similar fashion to a limited-slip differential, constantly balancing torque distribution between the front wheels, resulting in reduced understeer, improved traction and enhanced turn-in.

My test 2016 Ford Focus five-door hatchback was in Titanium trim with the six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. It sported a Blue Candy Tinted Clearcoat metallic exterior finish with a Charcoal and Black interior accented by satin silver-finished trim. The base price was set at $23,725, while optional fare such as: the clearcoat metallic paint; Technology Package; 18-inch wheel Package; Voice activated navigation system; Park Assist; Cold Weather Package; Exterior Protection Package and Destination and Delivery charge elevated the final sticker to $28,045.

SUMMARY: The 2016 Ford Focus Titanium five-door hatchback is a winner. It performs admirably on all levels with almost no noticeable torque steer, healthy and responsive acceleration, combined with a pleasant ride quality. It?s firm but not harsh, comfortable and not mushy. Basically, it?s FUN, but let?s not forget function either, or safety for that matter ? the Focus is loaded with the latest in safety features, seats five comfortably, and the rear seat backs fold flat for added cargo flexibility.

The SYNC? with MyFord Touch? replaces what would otherwise be an excessive number of traditional buttons knobs and gauges, with clear, colorful LCD screens and five-way buttons which feature available personalization relevant for each driver.

I prefer the additional versatility and functionality the 5-door hatchback provides over the 4-door sedan, not to mention what I rate as superior styling.

The Focus fits into Ford?s vehicle offerings just below their successful mid-size Fusion sedan, and is produced at Ford?s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

[wptabs style=”wpui-light” effect=”slide” mode=”horizontal”]
?[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2016 Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback Titanium [/wptabtitle]
?? [wptabcontent]

?? [/wptabcontent]
[/wptabs]

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.