Still, this Focus was newer than most of my recent rentals at E. Only 8k on the odometer and it was spotless. I've learned the price you pay for the Enterprise discount is a propensity toward filth and broken equipment. At least around here, that seems to be the case.
And I realize this is a big leap from my base model excursions of the past few weeks. I'm sure Avis considers the Focus a "standard" size (not economy, not compact). But I never question a free upgrade. And it's not killing me to go a little upmarket and upsize - as long as I'm getting good fuel economy. Focus returns on that promise at 36 highway.
I'm a big fan of the globalization of Ford products, and the fact that us Americans can now enjoy the better Fords that have delighted Europeans for years. The new designs are headed in the right direction. The Focus is clean and sleek on the outside. I do find that the sub-Fusion models, however, still need more presence in the front fascia. The slit grille and giant, black air ducts say economy car to me, while Fusion-on-up models are going all Aston Martin on us.
Inside, the Focus reflects no pretenses that it isn't an economy car. It's all functional and cold. Black plastic. Faux matte metalwork. Low-rent door panels. Don't expect to be coddled. Overall, it's attractive and logical with a techy look heavy on convolutions. The angled audio controls are big and cheap looking. And both the gauge cluster and radio have submenus which hide functions that most cars expose - like the ability to disable traction control. This one had no USB connection, but there was an auxiliary input. Too bad it was so hard to find (in the glove box and not visible when the box door is open).
Once on the road, these quibbles seem minor. Because the Focus is... umm... focused. I've heard the hype about the driving experience and now I understand. The engine stays a little angry - in a good way. The 2.0 liter four cylinder has a surprisingly good engine note that provides a nice rumble in the background, not unlike the VW GLI. Power is easily accessed above 4,000 RPM though downshifts are a bit reluctant. Stomp the gas at a green light and don't be surprised by some tire chirp. The ride is firm and European, but the seats keep you comfortably in place. Steering feedback is good and cornering is flat and willing. The driver side view mirror adds a lot of wind noise, but I did find that the cabin was pretty well insulated from other outside noise. You don't expect Lexus hush at this level.
I wish I had more than a day with Focus. 24 hours isn't enough to evaluate fuel economy, tote the developers around, and jam its trunk full of groceries. But the time we did have together, I enjoyed. It's smart looking. It wants to be driven. It's well equipped for the price and comfortable enough for long trips. Way to go, Ford.
I handed the keys back to Avis this morning, apologizing for the unbelievable amount of bird shit resulting from my parking choice at the hotel. $60 a day is absurd, so the Enterprise van picked me up from Avis and took me to my next victim - at $144 for four days (compact). And surprise, surprise. An upgrade to a Focus competitor. Stand by...
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