A perennial best-seller in the compact class, the fun-to-drive 2018 Ford Focus is available as an affordable sedan or as a versatile hatchback. High-tech features and high fuel economy help the Focus compete with the Chevy Cruze, Mazda3, Hyundai Accent, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Kia Forte. Four trim levels are available, as well as several powertrains including an extremely fuel-efficient 123-horsepower 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Focus SE Sedan. For enthusiasts, Ford offers two high-performance turbocharged versions of the 2018 Focus Hatchback, the 297-horsepower Focus ST and the 350-horsepower all-wheel-drive Focus RS.

As this generation comes to a close, the 2018 Ford Focus compact car remains a. Automatic and a manual mode is included on the high-end Titanium trim.

They compete with the VW Golf GTI and Golf R and the Honda Civic Si and Type R. There’s also an all-electric Focus that challenges the Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen e-Golf and offers about 80 miles of range. Few cars in the compact class are as fun to drive as the 2018 Ford Focus.

It handles well, its steering is quick and responsive with plenty of feel and its stopping power is impressive. The standard 160-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the S and SEL models is strong.

If horsepower is less important than fuel economy consider the SE Sedan, which is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder. It makes only 123 horsepower, but gets considerably better mileage than the 2.0-liter, including 40 mpg on the highway. Most will also like the ride delivered by the SE trim, which can be nicely loaded up and still remain well below $25,000. The SEL and Titanium bring even more bells and whistles, including larger tires and a sport suspension. The 252-horsepower Focus ST is an impressive piece of work: fast, fun and comfortable. While the 350-horsepower all-wheel-drive Focus RS is nothing short of the new benchmark in the high-performance small-car market. ACTIVE PARK ASSIST An optional feature for just $395, this clever system will practically parallel park your Ford Focus for you.

After the system identifies an appropriate space, it will do all the steering for you as well as instruct you when to work the pedals and change gears. TITANIUM TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE For $795, this optional package is a strong value. It adds automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, which warns the driver of cars approaching from the side when backing out of a parking space. This package also adds Lane-Keeping Alert, which lets you know when you’re drifting out of your lane. Vehicle Details.

Front-seat accommodations are spacious, and the Ford’s front seats are well-shaped and supportive. The new 2018 Ford Focus can seat five; unfortunately, the Focus’ rear-seat head- and legroom are now surpassed by a number of competitors. The climate controls and steering-wheel buttons are easy to use, and the blue backlighting is both stylish and easy on the eyes. Interior storage is also well-thought-out, with well-placed cup holders and a small cubby ahead of the shifter that’s perfect for your phone.

It even includes a USB port for easy phone charging. The Titanium trim level adds luxuries including a sunroof, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. With a sleek, raked windshield and tastefully flared fenders the well-proportioned Ford Focus sedan is attractive and sporty. But the Focus hatchback is the runway model of the two, with European style and unique taillights that accentuate the width of its rear view. SE and up models all get attractive alloy wheels, with large 17-inch rims on Titanium models. The hot ST model and red-hot RS, also hatchbacks, both wear aerodynamic enhancements that announce their intentions but don’t break out the bullhorn. They look racy but not ridiculous.