On the highway, the Focus is a very comfortable car, with a well-damped ride, responsive steering, and predictable handling. The standard suspension is fully independent, compared to a semi-independent suspension in the Escort. With MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link 'Control Blade' system at the rear, the Focus corners very well. The 'Control Blade' suspension introduces a small amount of passive rear wheel steer to improve steering and directional stability. After having driven the Focus on the track, I can state that this car offers exceptional stability and grip for a small car with a tall bodystyle.
ABS is standard on the ZTS and optional on all other models.
Interior is Trendy, But Functional The Focus' interior design continues the 'New Edge' styling theme found on the outside, featuring bold diagonal character lines across the dash, and acute angles around the instruments and dash controls. The driver's seat is manually height-adjustable with a small wheel under the front of the seat. The higher seats and taller doors make entry and exit easier than in a typical sedan. Outward visibility is excellent, particularly over the low hood, but the trunk lid is a bit high for clear visibility when backing up. Standard safety features include front airbags, optional side airbags, rear child seat anchors and door locks, and front head restraints - surprisingly, rear head restraints are not available.