I’m a simple guy. When it comes to driving, I don’t have many needs. I don’t often lug around equipment or furniture, so I don’t need much cargo space. I don’t have kids (or friends), so I don’t need spacious rear seating, and I’m not Vin Diesel, so I don’t usually need to race around with a crew of lovable outlaws executing elaborate heists. When I drive, it’s to get somewhere, in both comfort and style. That’s why I most often consider compact cars, and why I’m currently considering the 2018 Ford Focus.
Base Model
There are a variety of trim options, scaling in both price and luxury. The base model (S) starts at $17,950 MSRP, and while the most standard version, it’s still got a few neat features tucked away that you might not find in other base level trims in its class. Its outfitted with more advanced USB ports than most computers, built to charge your devices without overcharging while also saving battery power for the vehicle, meaning you can leave your phone charging overnight without risk of damage to the phone’s battery or loss of power to the car’s. Like most modern cars, it’s equipped with an LCD display to control most of the interior features and a remote start function on the key fob. The Focus also offers an interesting parental settings system, giving the owner of the car the ability to dictate things like maximum audio levels and top speed for when someone else is driving, which has the potential to be hilarious if you ever let a friend or relative borrow your car.
SE
The SE trim level includes all of that and more, though I suppose that’s how these things usually work. The most notable addition to this version is its energy efficient engine with auto start-stop tech, which bumps up the mileage from good to great, boasting 34 MPG on average as opposed to the 28 MPG average offered by the base model. The SE version also features a “map” pocket behind the passenger seat, which can be filled with any useless stuff you desire now that we have robots to tell us where to go. If you’re feeling extra classy you can opt for a leather wrapped and/or heated steering wheel, as well as heated front seats. Heck, even heated mirrors are an option.
SEL
The SEL trim adds an upgraded LCD display, both larger and more advanced, featuring HD Radio. It’s also got an additional USB charging port, in case you ever need to charge more than one device at a time. The SEL has a good deal of additional exterior features as well, like LED lighting and fog lamps. My favorite change that comes with the SEL version is the addition of a moonroof, the main purpose of which is to assist in the expulsion of air contaminated by day-old fast food (of course).
Titanium
The Titanium trim has got a lot going for it, which you might expect seeing as it gets a full word instead of a couple lame capital letters. Remember all those optional fanciness features that I mentioned way back about two paragraphs ago? Well, Not only do all of those things come standard with the Titanium version, but it’s also got an additional vestigial map pocket in case you actually have maps or something weird like that! The Titanium trim also has it’s thumb on the scales of fate, wielding a powerful lane-keeping system. No longer will you hurtle down highways at 60 miles per hour, your steering wheel wet with sweat and your body inches away from screaming metal death at all times. Not with your car watching your back.
ST
The ST model Focus keeps performance in mind, boasting 252 horsepower and a much cooler looking exhaust pipe than any of the aforementioned models. Though the standard version strips away most of the classy interior features that the Titanium trim offers, they can still be added to the ST for an additional price.
RS
There’s an additional model that combines the comfort and class of the Titanium trim with the performance of the ST trim: the RS. But at more than double the starting price of the standard S model Focus, it’s hard for me to be a fan. My earlier Vin Diesel comment, while likely taken lightly by anyone reading, was by no means a joke. I was dead serious when I said I don’t commit heists, and I have witnesses to testify to that. I have no need for a car with 350 horsepower, and that seems to be the main draw for this model. If I see someone on the road driving a Ford Focus RS, I immediately call 911 to report a Michael Bay level heist in progress. Police love me.
Electric
The 2018 Focus is also available as an electric vehicle. The electric model has most of the same features as the Titanium trim, but with one key difference. The steering wheel is not heated. The leather wrap is there, but the ability to keep your fingers toasty all the way to your destination is not. The Electric 2018 Ford Focus is challenging us. It asks us, “Which do you value more? Your planet? Or your metacarpal comfort?” Of course, the answer is hands. The answer will always be comfy hands.
Final Thoughts
In case you forgot, I’m a simple guy. Every single one of these models is a car I would be happy to drive, so I can’t say there’s a car here that I wouldn’t like to own. If I had to give an opinion (which I don’t, but will anyway), I’d say that the best bang for your buck is definitely the Titanium trim. Starting at $24,270, you get the most tangible features and highest level of comfort out of the available models. Sure, it’s a bit more than the base version, but why buy a new vehicle if you’re not looking for the newest technology and the best features?
