- Feature-rich Focus Titanium available with manual transmission
- Titanium sales outpacing Ford's expectations by double
- Strong Focus sales nationally led by robust California market
Completely redesigned for the 2012 model year, Ford's Focus compact is a significant contributor to the company's recent success. The Focus is available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions, and each is offered in one of four trim levels, from the base S to the top-of-the-line Titanium. All are powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and delivers fuel economy of up to 40 mpg on the highway, thanks in part to direct injection.
Its combination of equipment, economy and overall value has helped to make the Focus a popular alternative to import models, especially in the expansive California market. To meet customer demand for a version that's both feature-rich and sporty, Ford is now offering the Focus Titanium with a five-speed manual transmission.
Ford says Focus enjoyed its strongest January sales since 2004. Demand for the Titanium model has especially exceeded Ford's expectations, selling at twice the rate the automaker predicted. One dealer reports import car owners' affinity for the 2012 Focus, a trend that has in part led to the decision to put the five-speed manual in the Titanium version.
"Almost 40 percent of our January Focus trade-ins were import brands," said Matt Wood, Dealer Principal at Elk Grove Ford in Sacramento, California. Ford says drivers of imports expect a well-equipped vehicle, but also like the sporty driving characteristics of a three-pedal setup. The Titanium includes standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Features including active park assist and a moon roof are optional.
The 2012 Focus has been much lauded since its introduction, and the latest sales figures reflect popularity among the public to match that of the automotive press. The availability of a manual transmission on the Focus Titanium may help sales to grow further as stick-shift models are frequently preferred by trend-setting enthusiast drivers. The range of models stretches from the $17,295 Focus S four-door to the Titanium five-door that starts at $23,495. Even an electric Focus is available, and the 250-horsepower Focus ST will arrive soon as 2013 model.
What it means to you: Ford's completely redesigned 2012 Focus is a hot-seller for the domestic Automaker, and a newly available manual transmission in the top Titanium model may help to continue that trend.
