The Focus, the first true world car from Ford, is already on sale in Europe where it won the 1999 Car of the Year award. It is due in U.S. showrooms this fall, replacing the Escort. Hatchbacks will come in well-equipped base and sporty ZX3 trim. Sedans can be had with LX, SE or ZTS decor.
Wagons come only in SE guise.
This engine makes 130 horsepower. Engineered in Europe, the Focus should prove to be as fun to toss around as its larger sibling, the Contour. Styling epitomizes Ford's New Edge philosophy of combining rounded forms with sharply creased detail. The cars look great up close and personal, and should inject a bit a personality and flair into what is often a staid segment of the marketplace. Inside, you'll find logically placed controls and switches, with rubberized knobs and pleasant feeling buttons.