2016 Ford Focus Electric Review Car New

There are many positive things about the 2016 Ford Focus Electric compact hatchback. Fully battery-powered runabout has a handy 76-mile driving range and a top speed of 84 miles per hour, along with the same style attractive, responsive handling and cool technology like any other Focus. Apart from the back seat and cargo area is simple, it is a rare electric vehicle (EV) Potentially that could fit the lifestyle of most commuters.

On the other hand, the Focus Electric is not cheap, ranging from $ 30.045 this year's model. There are many conventional cars remarkable for this kind of cash, Although the tax credit could help ease the blow here. But if you are open to what has electric vehicle to offer, give this one a close look. It's among the best of its breed, and in the final shakeout, it MIGHT make sense financially.

What's New for 2016?

Ford has been upgraded to the SYNC infotainment system 3, replacing slow and finicky MyFord Touch setup. Updates can be loaded via Wi-Fi, and a Recognising system swiping motion smartphonelike and pinch-to-zoom.

What We Like

upscale styling; confidence-inspiring handling; High-tech interior

What We Do not

High price; rear seat is tight; Cargo capacity is compromised

How many?

$ 30.045

Fuel economy

Focus Electric is supported by a 107-kilowatt electric motor that is connected to a lithium-ion battery stored in the trunk. In conventional terms, its output is 143 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The charging time is claimed to be 3.5 hours using the optional 240-volt charging station (sold separately by Ford). Estimated driving range is 76 miles and a top speed of 84 mph.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the Focus Electric in terms of miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), with a gallon of gasoline equivalent of 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Focus Electric is rated at 110 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway.

Here's another way to think about this: According to this formula, the Focus Electric uses about one-third more energy per mile as a highly efficient economy car that gets 35 miles per gallon. Depending on the cost of electricity in your area, the savings can be quite substantial.

Standard Features & Options

2016 Ford Focus Electric ($ 30.045) comes in one trim level is complete.

Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, disc brakes four wheels, xenon lights, LED rear lights, keyless entry / start, cruise control, SYNC voice-command functions to Bluetooth, SYNC system 3 infotainment with 8-in touchscreen, configurable gauges plus with EV-specific functionality, mobile applications with vehicle-status monitoring, eco-themed fabric upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and a premium Sony audio system.

Options include a bundled leather seats with seat 6-way power driver and rear center armrest, house 240-volt charging system and Exterior Protection package with mud guards and a protective layer rear bumper.

security

Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control, and seven airbags (front, front-side, driver knee and full-length side-curtain).

In government crash testing, scoring a perfect five regular Focus five-star, Including four stars for frontal impacts and five stars for side impact. Independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Focus its top score well in all crash tests except for small-overlap front crash test, where it ranks second best of Acceptable.

behind the wheel

Focus Electric uses most of the same high quality materials with the rest of the Focus range, with one exception. Upholstery fabrics that are environmentally friendly is certainly different, but not in a bad way. For those who do not like, leather is an option.

In terms of features, the Focus Electric comes standard with luxury extra costs to lower its siblings, such as dual-zone automatic climate control and infotainment system SYNC 3. This is not a cheap car, but it certainly played a part of the premium models from the driver's point of view.

rear passengers may be less impressed, because of its compact dimensions are evident in the limited headroom and rear seat legroom. In connection with the conventional hatchback, electricity lost some cargo capacity for trunk-mounted battery, provides 14.5 cu ft. Behind the rear seats or quite useful 33.9 cu ft. With the seats folded. Focus hatchback usual offering of 23.3 and 43.9 cu ft., Respectively.

Focus Electric ended up handling-wise slightly less capable because of his bias tire-efficiency. Overall, however, has the same responsive, agile shades as the rest of the family. For those who want to go electric and still have fun, Ford is delivering the goods. A regenerative braking system takes getting used to, but that is common with electric and hybrid vehicles. The car also deserves high marks for calm, supple ride.

Other Cars to Consider

2016 Chevrolet Spark EV - Spark is fundamentally smaller and less refined than the Focus, but 400 lb-ft of torque of this electric version and very low price can get anybody's attention.

2016 Kia Soul EV - Electric Soul has attractive styling along with some real cargo and people carrying flexibility.

2016 Nissan Leaf - This is the vehicle that most people think of first in this segment. While it lacks the dynamic handling Ford and upscale interior, can deliver approximately the same range with low entry costs.

Used Toyota RAV4 EV - The electric RAV4 is based on the previous generation model, but it has the most cargo space of the bunch. It is also fast enough thanks to powertrain from Tesla.

Suggestion This Autotrader

If the price seems reasonable Focus Electric, go for it. But electric vehicles still can only do a number of things that we all need the car for. It is a wiser course of action to have this (or EV date) as the second vehicle in the family.

When it comes to the factors of fun-to-drive hard to understand, for example, you'll find the Focus become one of the more interesting cars in its class, with nimble handling that does not come at the expense of ride comfort. Focus boasts additional interior looks sharp that can be loaded with the latest technology. This is especially true for 2016, Ford has installed Sync 3 all-new touchscreen interface, which promises a faster response and easier operation than the MyFord Touch system is stopped.

Under the hood, you will find a full list of the machine. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a solid effort, but there is also a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that returns impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy and newly available with automatic transmission for 2016, which should greatly broaden its appeal. If you prefer to plug-in, the Focus Electric can go about 75 miles between charges, slightly less than some rivals but still a range useful for many passengers.

There are plenty of great options for small sedan or hatchback this year, though. alternatives to begin with the 2016 Mazda 3, which also offers sedan and hatchback body style and a good balance of sporty handling and good fuel economy. The redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and 2016 Honda Civic should be interesting picks, while the value-packed 2016 Kia Forte is another of our favorites. There is also smooth and roomy 2016 Volkswagen Golf hatchback, which offers diesel and electric variants. Among this group, Focus is not prominent enough that a few years ago, but it remains one of the better examples of why it makes sense to think small.

Body styles, Trim Levels, and Options

2016 Ford Focus is a compact car available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. There are three main trim levels are available - S, SE and Titanium - and Focus Electric. High-performance Focus ST and Focus RS reviewed separately.

A choice of four-door sedan and hatchback body styles practically means no 2016 Ford Focus for a variety of potential buyers.

Model S, which is offered only as a sedan, equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, blind-spot mirrors integrated, keyless entry, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40 split folding rear seats, wheel tilt- and-telescoping steering, rear-view camera, 4.2-inch central display, power windows front (manual rear window), power locks and mirrors, Ford MyKey (limit speed, audio volume, etc. for young drivers), Sync voice control, Bluetooth and four-speaker sound system with CD player and USB port.

Up to SE trim level (which for the hatchback is the base model) and you get the wheels 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, exterior mirror Body-color and door handles, cruise control, power windows rear, a trip computer, a front center armrest , an additional adjustment of the front headrest, rear air vents, six-speaker sound system and steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary control. hatchback models also get a rear spoiler and a removable tray packages.

A number of option packages are available for the SE model. SE package Luxury adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, fog lights, LED lights running, rear parking sensors, a steering wheel wrapped in leather / shift knob, leather upholstery, driver strength of seats eight-way, center armrest rear, multicolor ambient interior lighting and satellite radio. SE EcoBoost Appearance Package has a three-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission (no manual available with this package), 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, fog lights, LED running lights and black exterior trim.

SE Cold Weather package bundles heated outside mirrors, heated front seats and heated steering wheel. SE Sport package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear disc, sports body kit, foglights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel paddle shifters mounted (automatic models only). Navigation Package adds dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio, navigation systems and infotainment system Sync 3 with 8-inch touch screen, enhanced voice control and dual USB ports.

Other SE options include a sunroof, keyless entry keypad and remote start.

Spring for the top-of-the-line model Titanium and you get the contents of the SE luxury package and the package Navigation (except navigation system that actually) plus a remote start, rear spoiler, hill-start assist, heated mirrors with lights puddle, keyless entry and ignition, the keyless-entry keypad, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.

Titanium Technology Package includes high-beam automatic light control, blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. A system of self-parking is also available. Rounding out the option Titanium is the 18-inch alloy wheels with full-size spare and a heated steering wheel, navigation system and sunroof.

Offered only as a hatchback, the Focus Electric is equipped similar to Titanium, although the leather upholstery and electric driver's seat is optional. The Electric gets exclusive xenon lamps and LED rear lights as standard.

Powertrains and Performance

Front-wheel-drive 2016 Ford Focus starts with the engine 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The S and SE models get a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional (technically, it is a dual-clutch automated manual that Ford calls "Powershift"). Automatic comes standard on Titanium, although the manual transmission is still available as a no cost option.

In Edmunds performance testing, Focus SE with automatic go from zero to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, slightly slower than the average for this segment. With the manual, the amount to increase to 8.3 seconds.

This powertrain returns EPA fuel economy estimates are very good from 31 mpg combined (27 city / 40 highway) with the automatic transmission. This number drops to 30 mpg combined (26/36) with the manual. In Edmunds mixed driving route evaluation with automatic SE comes, we observed 33 mpg.

Optional turbocharged EcoBoost 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine produces 123 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; six-speed automatic is included with SE EcoBoost appearance package. estimated fuel economy for this engine with manual transmission come in at 35 mpg combined (30/42), while the waterfall automatic for 32 mpg combined (28/40). In these evaluations Edmunds, manual-equipped 1.0-liter Focus back disappointing 29.1 mpg.

In performance testing, the same car accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds slower.

Ford Focus Electric has a motor of 107-kilowatt (143 hp) of electricity that draws its power from a lithium-ion battery 23kWh. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed direct-drive transmission. In Edmunds performance testing, the Focus Electric goes from zero to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, which is about the same as the Nissan Leaf.

EPA provides Focus Electric estimated consumption of competitive energy of 32 kWh per 100 miles and projects driving range of 76 miles. With a 240-volt home charger, Ford says Focus Electric can be recharged in four hours.

Security

2016 Ford Focus comes standard with antilock brakes (rear drum brakes standard on the S and SE; disc four wheels are optional on SE and standard on Titanium and electricity), stability and traction control, driver airbag knee, front side airbags and curtain side airbags , Ford Sync system include accident emergency notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with compatible phones. A rearview camera and Ford MyKey system (which can be used to set parameters for the electronic inexperienced drivers) are also standard.

The Titanium trim levels can be equipped with the technology package that includes blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning systems.

In Edmunds brake testing, the Focus SE (with rear disc brakes) was stopped from 60 mph in 120 feet, the average performance for this class. Focus SE with rear drum brakes stop in 131 feet, which is worse than average. The Electric took 126 feet.

In government crash tests, Focus earned an overall rating of five stars (of a possible five), with a total of five stars for frontal-impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave Focus a top score of "Good" in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength test its moderate-overlap. Focus' seat and head restraint designs are also rated "Good" for rear impact whiplash protection, and received the second highest score of "Acceptable" in the frontal-offset test small-overlap Institute.

Interior Design and Special Features

2016 Focus has a cabin suddenly upscale to economy cars called. Aesthetically pleasing dashboard design, and material has a quality look and feel. Controls are generally simple and easy to use, including the newly available touchscreen interface Sync 3. Add the much-maligned MyFord Touch system for 2016, Sync 3 has revamped menu system and smartphone recognizes gestures such as swipe and pinch-to-zoom.

2016 Focus has, handsome high-quality interior that can be equipped with an impressive technological features.

In front, the seats offer good support and comfort even on long drives. In hindsight, though, legroom is limited does not measure up to many competing models. When it comes to cargo space, sedan trunk can hold 13.2 cubic feet, and a 60/40 split rear seatbacks are great to squeeze in another item. Hatchback model, meanwhile, offers a generous 23.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 44.8 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded down. Because the battery greatness, the hatchback Focus Electric offers a more modest 14.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 33.9 cubic feet total.

2.0-liter four-cylinder standard engine 2016 Ford Focus' could not do much to speed up the pulse, but it gets the job done for typical everyday tasks running and returns strong fuel economy to boot. Unfortunately, the manual transmission automated six-speed conventional automatic is not always as smooth at low speeds. If you do not mind the shift itself, the base five-speed manual transmission works well enough and gives the car a sporty feel. We do not like the 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine is optional. It works well in smaller Ford Fiesta, but here a little outmatched, and the acceleration suffers.

No matter the model, we like how the 2016 Ford Focus handles. Around the turn, the car can lean a lot, but always stable and secure. Better yet, capable of handling does not compromise ride quality of the car. The focus was quiet and very calm in everyday use.

The Focus Electric, battery-powered motor that provides direct acceleration from a standing start, but the sensation sharply reduced at higher speeds. Handling is not sharp enough good, but still a good EVS-driving in this price range.

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