Ford Focus 2012 Sedan 1.6L Auto Fashion: A Balanced Choice of Sporty DNA and Family Practicality
Model Overview
The Ford Focus is Changan Ford's key compact sedan, combining "sporty driving" with "family practicality." The 2012 sedan 1.6L Auto Fashion went on sale in April 2012, positioned as a compact sedan within the mainstream lineup.
Its core selling point is the front MacPherson + rear multi-link four-wheel independent suspension—rare at this price—with chassis tuning that delivers class-leading handling and driving pleasure. It pairs European ride quality with the family-friendly three-box practicality Chinese buyers expect, becoming one of the hottest "driver's cars" in the compact segment that year.
On safety and equipment, the 2012 sedan includes front driver/passenger airbags, ABS+EBD, brake-force distribution and other basics, with optional body stability control; air conditioning, fabric seats, and a multifunction steering wheel cover daily needs. Against era rivals, the Focus differentiated itself through solid chassis components and a sporty character.
You can experience the car's driving and static qualities through this video:
Core Specifications
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Specification
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Focus 2012 Sedan 1.6L Auto Fashion
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Body Style
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Compact sedan, 4 doors / 5 seats
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Powertrain
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Gasoline (1.6L NA L4)
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Max Power
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125 hp (92 kW)
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Max Torque
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159 N·m
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Transmission
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6-speed DCT (dry)
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Dimensions (L×W×H)
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4534 × 1823 × 1483 mm
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Body Structure
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Sedan
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Wheelbase
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2648 mm
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Front/Rear Track
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1553 / 1544 mm
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Trunk Volume
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530 L
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Top Speed
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185 km/h
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NEDC Combined Fuel Use
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6.4 L/100km
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Drivetrain
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Front-engine, front-wheel drive
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Front Suspension
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MacPherson independent
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Rear Suspension
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Multi-link independent
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Front/Rear Brakes
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Vented disc / solid disc
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Parking Brake
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Handbrake
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Front/Rear Tire
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205/60 R16
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MSRP
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RMB 143,900
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Maintenance & Service: Vehicle warranty 3 years/100,000 km; estimated total maintenance over 60,000 km is about RMB 6,258.
Three Highlights & Three Caveats
Highlight 1: Segment-leading Handling & Driving Fun
The Focus has long been known for its handling. The 2012 model pairs a MacPherson front and multi-link rear independent suspension—while most rivals in its class used a torsion beam rear axle. Four-wheel independent suspension gives strong cornering support and precise steering, making it one of the genuinely "best to drive" cars in the compact segment.
Highlight 2: Smooth Power, Economical Fuel
The 1.6L naturally aspirated engine (125 hp / 92 kW) delivers 159 N·m of torque, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic for smooth, linear response. With a NEDC combined figure of just 6.4L/100km and a 185 km/h top speed, it's an economical and easy daily driver.
Highlight 3: Practical Space & Useful Equipment
As a sedan measuring 4534×1823×1483mm with a 2648mm wheelbase and a 530L trunk, it offers neat rear seating and cargo space—comfortable for commuting, family errands, and short trips.
Caveat 1: DCT Judder/Shudder Risk
The 6-speed dry dual-clutch transmission (DCT) can exhibit jerking or shuddering at low speeds during slow traffic—a widely-reported weak point of this model that warrants attention in both purchase and use.
Caveat 2: Space Not a Strength, Storage on the Compact Side
Despite the 2648mm wheelbase, rear legroom trails the lengthened Japanese/German rivals of the era; interior cubby storage is limited, feeling tight when fully loaded on long trips.
Caveat 3: Average Comfort & Noise Isolation
The sport-oriented rear suspension gives a firm, busy ride; tire and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds, so overall comfort trails comfort-focused rivals.
Ownership Costs & Service
Warranty: Vehicle warranty 3 years/100,000 km.
Maintenance Cost: Estimated total maintenance over 60,000 km is about RMB 6,258. As a joint-venture compact car, routine servicing is affordable, with oil and filter items priced reasonably.
Fuel Cost: At a global average gasoline price of about USD 1.3/L and NEDC combined use of 6.4L/100km, fuel runs about USD 8.3 per 100 km—excellent economy.
Competitors Comparison
In the same family-car segment, these four models target different priorities. The Focus sedan (4534mm, 125 hp, rear independent suspension) leads on sporty handling and driving fun. The Volkswagen Polo Cross (3987mm hatchback, 105 hp, 5-speed manual) is compact and nimble.
The Escort (4587mm, 113 hp, 6-speed automatic) leans toward space and comfort. The Buick Excelle XT (4419mm hatchback, 121 hp, 5-speed manual) offers a sporty hatchback shape with European chassis. Overall, the Focus is the most balanced on handling and equipment; Polo and Excelle XT are sporty hatchbacks, while the Escort is more comfort-oriented for the family.
Configuration Comparison Table:
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Dimension
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Focus 2012 1.6L Auto Fashion
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Polo 2012 1.6L Cross POLO MT
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Escort 2017 Happiness 1.5L Auto Fashion
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Excelle XT 2012 1.6L Manual
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Launch Date
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2012.04
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2012.03
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2017.03
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2012.03
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Manufacturer
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Changan Ford
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SAIC-VW
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Changan Ford
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SAIC-GM Buick
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Class
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Compact
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Small
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Compact
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Compact
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Powertrain
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Gasoline
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Gasoline
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Gasoline
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Gasoline
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Engine
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1.6L 125hp L4
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1.6L 105hp L4
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1.5L 113hp L4
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1.6L 121hp L4
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Max Power
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92 kW
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77 kW
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83 kW
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89 kW
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Max Torque
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159 N·m
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155 N·m
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142 N·m
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150 N·m
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Transmission
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6-speed DCT
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5-speed manual
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6-speed auto
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5-speed manual
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Body Structure
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4dr/5seater sedan
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5dr/5seater hatch
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4dr/5seater sedan
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5dr/5seater hatch
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Dimensions (L×W×H)
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4534×1823×1483
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3987×1705×1486
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4587×1825×1490
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4419×1814×1487
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Wheelbase
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2648 mm
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2470 mm
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2687 mm
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2685 mm
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Top Speed
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185 km/h
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183 km/h
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179 km/h
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185 km/h
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0-100 km/h
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-
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10.9 s
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-
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12.3 s
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NEDC Combined Fuel
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6.4 L/100km
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6.5 L/100km
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6.8 L/100km
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-
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Front Suspension
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MacPherson indep.
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MacPherson indep.
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MacPherson indep.
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MacPherson indep.
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Rear Suspension
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Multi-link indep.
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Torsion beam non-ind.
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Torsion beam non-ind.
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Torsion beam non-ind.
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Front/Rear Brakes
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Vent disc/solid disc
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Vent disc/drum
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Vent disc/solid disc
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Vent disc/solid disc
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Front Tire
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205/60 R16
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185/60 R15
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205/55 R16
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205/60 R16
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Vehicle Warranty
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3yr/100k km
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3yr/100k km
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3yr/100k km
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2yr/60k km
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Maint. over 60k km
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~RMB 6,258
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~RMB 7,368
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~RMB 7,023
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~RMB 15,908
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MSRP
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RMB 143,900
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RMB 113,900
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RMB 122,300
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RMB 129,900
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If you value driving fun and four-wheel independent suspension, the Focus sedan is the most worthwhile sporty family car at this price. If you prefer a compact, easy-to-park urban runabout, the Polo Cross suits best. If you need more rear space and a comfort bias, the Escort offers more. The Excelle XT appeals to those favoring a sporty hatchback shape.
Expert Test Drive (Professional Media Views)
Pros
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Segment-leading handling: MacPherson front + multi-link rear independent suspension delivers strong cornering support and precise steering—widely regarded as one of the "best to drive" compacts, with outstanding road feel and fun.
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Economical, smooth power: The 1.6L NA engine responds smoothly, and the 6-speed DCT shifts briskly, with NEDC economy of 6.4L/100km—cheap and efficient for daily driving.
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Balanced, practical equipment: The sedan body and 530L trunk cover family needs; standard safety and multimedia kit make it balanced and durable.
Cons
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DCT low-speed judder: The 6-speed dry DCT can judder or hesitate in slow city traffic—needing adaptation and posing a long-term reliability concern.
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Compact rear seat & storage: Rear legroom trails lengthened rivals, and interior cubby storage is limited.
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Average comfort & noise: Sport-oriented rear suspension gives a firm ride; wind and tire noise are noticeable at highway speeds.
Real-World Test Scenarios
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Economy Test: NEDC combined 6.4L/100km, with real-world combined use typically 6.5-7.5L/100km, slightly higher in city congestion. Source: media tests and official data.
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Reliability Note: Professional sources (e.g. Edmunds, Parkers) identify the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission as the main reliability weak point of this Focus generation; used-car buyers should scrutinize the gearbox. Source: Edmunds 2012 Focus review, Parkers Focus used review.
Real Owner Reviews
Positive Feedback
Positive 1: Power & Handling
Outstanding handling and precise steering, smooth power—fun and easy to drive. "The Focus champions sportiness; handling and chassis feel are much better than its class rivals, steering is precise, and it's genuinely fun to drive."
Positive 2: Fuel & Economy
Low fuel use, economical for daily commuting, and affordable maintenance. "Combined fuel is around 6.5, economical around town, and maintenance isn't pricey—very suitable for the family."
Positive 3: Space & Practicality
Neat space, roomy front and rear, a big trunk, and enough for family use. "As a family sedan the space is adequate, the trunk is large, and trips with the whole family are no problem."
Negative Feedback
Negative 1: DCT Judder/Shudder
Low-speed judder and hesitation are obvious—the most commonly complained-about weak point. "The dual-clutch judders and hesitates at low speed, which is unpleasant in stop-and-go traffic and carries a known-fault risk."
Negative 2: Tight Rear Seat & Storage
Rear legroom is average, interior storage is sparse, and full loads feel cramped on long trips. "Three in the back is a squeeze, and there's not much interior storage, making it inconvenient to stow things."
Negative 3: Noise & Comfort
Highway tire/wind noise is high, the suspension is firm, and comfort is average. "There's noticeable noise on the highway, the suspension is firm, and rough roads feel bumpy."
References
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Autohome: Focus Owner Reviews Retrieved from https://k.m.autohome.com.cn/364
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Edmunds (2012). 2012 Ford Focus Review & Ratings. Retrieved from https://www.edmunds.com/ford/focus/2012/review
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Parkers. Ford Focus (2011-2018) used buying guide. Retrieved from https://www.parkers.co.uk/ford/focus/hatchback-2011/used-review
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What Car?. Used Ford Focus Hatchback 2011-2018. Retrieved from https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/used-review/n345
