2014 Ford Focus Hatchback Consumer Review
Impressive Compact Hatch with a Few Quirks
The Focus is an important vehicle for Ford. The compact car category continues to grow and the Focus is a solid seller within the segment. Offered in either sedan or hatchback body styles, the Focus features contemporary styling and a lot of unexpected technology for a compact car.
But this comes at a price and the Focus can get quite costly as the option boxes get checked off. Wanting to find out if the high feature content was worth the high price penalty for potential owners, we put our general car reviewer Amanda behind the wheel of one to find out her thoughts on the car.
The Specs
Up for evaluation is a 2014 Focus SE hatchback that starts at a price of $19,450 after destination charges. Her test vehicle, however, came in at $25,560 thanks to the addition of options like the 201A group, automatic transmission, Sony & MyFord Touch package, winter package and parking sensor package. Painted in race red, the car includes 17-inch dark metal gray wheels and fog lights.
SEE ALSO: 2012 Ford Focus Review
Aside from the hyper Focus ST, all versions of Ford’s compact car come powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 160 hp and 146 lb-ft. Although a five-speed manual is available, Amanda’s test vehicle is equipped with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This combination is good for fuel economy ratings of 28 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. During a week with the car though, her observed average was just 26.1 MPG.
How Does it Drive
An unfamiliar car on unfamiliar roads can be daunting, but that’s not the case with the Focus. Amanda immediately feels comfortable behind the wheel and finds it’s easy to drive. She has complete confidence piloting the Focus through city streets or on highways and really appreciates the ample power levels when merging onto a freeway.
The transmission however is a sticking point. The dual-clutch automatic hasn’t made many friends at the AutoGuide.com office and it’s the same story with her. During the constant on-the-gas, off-the-gas daily grind that is stop-n-go traffic, the transmission is jerky and slow to respond.
The View from Inside
A comfortable driving position can be found quickly as she finds the mirrors and seats are easy to adjust. The MyFord Touch GPS system takes a while to properly learn and Amanda wishes the screen wasn’t set so high on the dash as it’s awkward reach. However, once programmed, the navigation works fine and is easy enough to follow.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Mazda3 vs 2014 Ford Focus
The rest of the interior is lacking in appeal for her as she isn’t a fan of the dashboard design or the abrasive seat fabric. The center console lacks storage space and rear seat passengers have no fold-down center armrest in the SE hatchback. Seat space for rear occupants is also small for the class with only 33.2-inches of rear legroom. Trunk space is good though with 23.8 cubic feet of storage room behind the rear seats.
What She Liked
Aside from the engine power and car’s looks, another detail that stands out with the Focus is a pair of little storage areas from backseat passengers that are wedged between the doors and the seatbacks. Although they won’t hold much, with there being no fold down center console, it’s a good place for passengers in the back to put things like cell phones, sunglasses or water bottles.
What She Didn’t Like
Amanda is not a fan of the MyFord Touch screen, but for reasons that differ than most reviewers. Her issue has to do with the reflective screen finish that smudges easily and shows fingers prints in great detail. Not only does this distort the screen’s display, but it’s also unappealing for passengers to look at, especially germaphobes.
The other minor issue has to do with the HVAC vent positioning. No matter how they are adjusted, she feels air is always blowing directly on her instead of around the cabin. On hotter days it feels like she is driving a mobile wind tunnel.
The Verdict
Easy to park, easy to drive and easy on the eyes, Amanda is fond of the Focus, but not in love with it. The two biggest downfalls for her are the unappealing interior and jerky transmission. Although it’s probably too small of a car for her needs now, she would recommend it to “Amanda from 5 years ago” who was looking to buy her first car; depending, of course, on what kind of deals or incentives Ford is offering at the time to help ease the pain of that high sticker price.
Discuss this story on our Ford Focus forum.
GALLERY: 2014 Ford Focus
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
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Not a bad review! Would Amanda describe herself as a hypermiler, a leadfoot, or somewhere in between--or is this another example of the mileage reporting issues Ford (and other carmakers) seem to have had of late?