The new 2008 Ford Focus goes on sale this fall with a long list of changes including 35 miles per gallon highway fuel economy and a starting price under $15,000, the automaker reports. The new Focus is redesigned from the inside out, is available as a sedan or new coupe body style, is 30 pounds lighter, 10 percent quieter, and has 3 percent more horsepower. With a starting price of $14,695, Focus pricing is essentially unchanged from last year – even with the addition of new standard safety features like side-curtain air bags. The Ford Focus also introduces two new factory-installed technologies: programmable LED-powered ambient lighting and Ford Sync. Sync is a Ford-exclusive technology developed with Microsoft that allows users to control most portable digital music players and Bluetooth-enabled cell phones using voice commands. Features Include: • Value – 2008 Ford Focus starts at $14,695 and offers the an all-new design, fuel economy in the mid-30s and such available class-exclusive features as Ford Sync and factory-installed ambient lighting.
• Ford SyncDebuts – As an industry-exclusive, hands-free way to use cell phones and portable music players using voice commands, Ford Sync comes standard on 2008 Focus SES models and is available on Focus SE models.
• Fun to Drive – Acclaimed Focus driving dynamics are further improved with new suspension tuning and chassis refinements. Improved NVH levels provide a quieter ride.
• New Features – Standard safety equipment now includes side air bags, side air curtains and tire pressure monitoring system. An audio input jack, tilt steering wheel and air conditioning are standard on all models. SIRIUS Satellite Radio is now available.