Used 2015 Ford Focus ST

The compact-car market is one of the most competitive, and it’s the details that make a car a winner. The 2015 Ford Focus hones in on those details with exterior styling that won’t look old in 12 months, while its modern interior boasts numerous usability upgrades across trim levels. The 2015 Ford Focus remains available as a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback, and has a variety of powertrains that span from an efficient 1.0-liter 3-cylinder to the ferocious 252-horsepower Focus ST, and even an all-electric variant in the Focus EV. Though not the least-expensive compact car, the Focus holds its own against the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Mazda Mazda3.

The 2015 Ford Focus follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. As a "world car," with similar versions sold in multiple countries, the Focus is designed to appeal to just about everyone in the world, really. So it’s not surprising that the Focus delivers a first-class driving experience. All models combine a comfortable ride with confidence-inspiring driving dynamics. The top-level Titanium with its sport suspension rides a little firmer, but with even better handling. With front disc/rear drum brakes on the Focus S and 4-wheel discs on higher-trim levels, the brakes deliver sure stops. Even the Focus Electric can be considered fun to drive. If you’re looking for the ultimate Focus driving experience, the Focus ST is your ticket. With a 252-horsepower engine and sport-tuned suspension, it’s the sportiest Focus you can buy, and a blast.

The 2015 Ford Focus comes with a host of interior upgrades to enhance usability. For example, there’s now a small cubby and USB port ahead of the shifter, perfect for your phone. The climate controls are easier to use, buttons on the new 3-spoke steering wheel are easier to use, and the door-lock switch has moved to the doors. With additional sound deadening, the 2015 Focus should also be quieter. The overall pros and cons remain. With expensive-feeling materials, the Focus boasts the look of a pricier, but it’s not the roomiest in its class.

For 2015, the Focus adopts an exterior design that’s much closer to the Fusion midsize sedan, with sedan models in particular resembling a smaller Fusion. Yet the parts we love about the Focus remain: The sleek aerodynamic look, raked windshield and tastefully flared fenders give the Focus a substantial look that belies its price. Both the sedan and hatchback can be outfitted with wheel and tire packages ranging from 15-inch steel wheels on the Focus S to 215/55 tires with 17-inch aluminum rims on Titanium models; Titanium models also offer an 18-inch wheel package with a sport-tuned suspension.

HEAD-TURNING STYLE
It’s hard to find inexpensive cars brimming with style. Yet here we are, with a small car that resembles one of the best-looking midsize sedans available, the Ford Fusion. Like the Fusion, the 2015 Focus has styling elements, such as the grille, that pay homage to Aston Martin.

GREAT DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Just because a car is entry-level doesn’t mean it has to be a drag to drive. Ford engineers understood this when putting together the Focus, and if you appreciate good road manners, this car might be the perfect fit.

All 2015 Ford Focus models now get Ford’s MyKey as standard equipment, allowing owners to limit maximum speed and other settings for young drivers. This adds to an already generous standard-equipment list, which includes air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering column, keyless remote entry and AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio, all of which come standard on base S models. SE models get standard SYNC with MyFord Driver Connect, cruise control, a folding rear seat, 4-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch tires on alloy wheels. Titanium models add leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, push-button starting, and MyFord Touch; Focus Electric models get eco-fabric seat covers and voice-activated navigation.

The 2015 Ford Focus benefits from several new option packages. SE models can get a new Sport Package, which adds exterior styling enhancements, paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, revised suspension settings and 17-inch wheels. Also available are a blind-spot-warning system and lane-keeping system. Focus buyers can also order the new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine for maximum fuel economy. Additionally, Ford’s SYNC AppLink is now available in the Focus, allowing Focus drivers to interact with more than 60 AppLink-enabled apps on their phones through the car’s SYNC technology. Active Park Assist, handling and winter packages, and navigation are also available.

To take fuel economy to a new level, the 2015 Ford Focus can be equipped with a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine. Dressed in its most frugal form, the 3-cylinder Focus SFE is rated at 42 mpg in highway driving. Only a manual transmission is available with this engine, however. Most 2015 Ford Focus models use a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. On the SE with Sport Package and Titanium models, the automated-manual transmission adds SelectShift paddles on the new steering wheel. Focus Electric models get a 143-horsepower permanent-magnet motor and a range of about 75 miles. The 2015 Focus ST uses a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine that makes 252 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. All Focus models are front-wheel drive.

1.0-liter turbocharged inline-3
123 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/40 mpg, 30/42 mpg (SFE model)

2.0-liter inline-4
160 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
146 lb-ft of torque @ 4,450 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/36 mpg (manual), 26/38 mpg (automatic), 27/40 mpg (SelectShift automatic)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Focus ST)
252 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
270 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 mpg

Synchronous electric motor/generator (Focus EV)
23kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack
107kW/143 horsepower
184 lb-ft of torque
Projected range on a full charge: 76 miles