RideLust

2009 Ford Focus RS

Perhaps to punish us for all the grief we’ve given them over their small cars, in 2009 Ford will introduce the 295-hp Ford Focus RS pictured above to the European market, while we here stateside get a redesigned, fugly – to be quite frank – Ford Focus, pictured below.

2009 Ford Focus

For the 2009 U.S. model, the thick chrome vents of the 2008 Focus are gone, replaced with more subdued black chrome. Gaining a premium trim level in the form of the Ford Focus SEL, both the SEL and S models will only be offered in 4-dr sedan form [all other trim options, SE and SES, will be offered as either a 4-dr sedan or 2-dr coupe]. Standard on all 2009 Focus models will be a 2.0L 4 cylinder 140-hp engine with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

In a sort of half-assed attempt at a “sportier” feel, the 2009 Ford Focus will be offered with an optional rear spoiler and heavily-advertised new anti-skid technology – as if a Focus could ever be traveling fast enough to need it. For those who look to the Ford Focus for practicality over looks [which should be just about everyone], the 2009 Focus’ 13 gallon tank features an EPA fuel consumption average of 24mpg city/35hwy for the 5-sp manual transmission, and 24mpg city/33 hwy for the 4-sp automatic. With prices ranging from $14,091 to $16,648, the 2009 Ford Focus is an excellent choice for the fuel efficiency-concerned, looks-don’t-matter crowd…or, hippies.