Sneak Peek: Sharper, smarter 2012 Ford Focus

What is it: The latest version of Ford’s compact hatchback and sedan siblings, made sharper, larger and much smarter.

Design: The new Focus incorporates the company’s kinetic design language, as first seen on the Fiesta. The new car features an arrow-shaped profile, sharp creases along the hood and front fenders, and on the doors. The roofline arcs dramatically, both to improve aerodynamics and to give an impression of speed. Ford hopes you like triangles, as they’re prominent on the front bumper and near the C-pillar. The trademark bulges along the wheel arches are now integrated more smoothly, flowing smoothly into the doors and along the rear fenders. Crucially, it’s worth noting that, unlike in previous Foci, the sedan looks just as good as the hatchback. Under the skin is a monocoque infused with higher-strength boron steel, to cut weight and increase stiffness.

The interior carries a similarly technologically inspired design, with the dashboard, gauges and even the air vents looking like something from Tony Stark’s drawing board. Ford promises high-quality materials throughout and distinctive cabin lighting will be available—something usually seen only in more expensive cars.

Engine and transmission: Focus will reportedly feature a 2.0-liter gasoline direct injection four-cylinder engine, paired with the six-speed dual clutch transmission. Another technology unique to this class is torque vectoring, where the car redirects more torque and/or braking power to either of the front wheels, to improve handling and provide maximum grip.

Suspension: One area where the Focus was years ahead of its rivals was its supple yet taut suspension. The new Focus wisely keeps the MacPherson strut front and unique control-blade independent rear suspension setup.

Positioning: It’s been five years since the introduction of the iPhone and now everyone is familiar with the concept of a smartphone. Ford reckons that the Focus is a smart car, and throws in a boatload of new technology. From the Explorer, we know about Ford Sync, which connects to one’s phone for voice-command dialing. Now Ford has included several features unique to its class, which make it ahead of its time, too:

• Active City Stop: similar to erstwhile subsidiary Volvo’s system, while in slow-moving traffic, the car can monitor traffic in front and automatically applies the brakes to avoid a collision.

• Keyless go: you can lock and unlock the doors and start/stop the engine while keeping the transponder key in your pocket.

• Blind Spot Information System: warns the driver of vehicles hidden in the car’s blind spot, as well as warns of impending traffic when backing out a slot.

• Active Park Assist: the show-stopping technology of the Focus, the car automatically steers into a parallel-parking slot while the driver just manipulates the accelerator, gearshift, and brake. The system can reportedly slot the car into a space just 12 inches longer than the car. Novice drivers and ladies rejoice!

Built in: Thailand. With the closure of the Philippine plant in Sta. Rosa, most Ford vehicles will be imported from our Asean neighbor.