2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus

If you have been looking at any automotive website starting early this morning you probably noticed that there is a slew of press today on the 2012 Ford Focus—mostly first drive reports. Yes, we here at AllSmallCars.com are guilty of that as well and you can read our first drive at your leisure. While spending time with the 2012 Ford Focus we learned so much that we didn’t want to try and cram it all into one first drive impression. So over the next couple articles we will tackle some of the points of the 2012 Ford Focus that really captures our attention—besides the driving part, which may be one of it best characteristics. Where else would we start but with the MyFord™ and MyFord Touch™?

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus

No, this isn’t a Foreigner song and you don’t have double vision. There really is a difference between MyFord and MyFord Touch. If you are familiar with the 2011 Ford Fiesta, then the MyFord is going to make plenty of sense because it is basically the same setup. If you aren’t then allow us to explain. MyFord driver connect technology is an option paired with the Sync system and only available on the SE trim level and up; it gives you the voice-activated control over the Sync system. If you look around on the Internet you won’t see a ton written on just the MyFord and that is because the MyFord Touch is really the special part of the system.

MyFord Touch is an upgrade found on the SEL and up trim and includes the 8-inch touch screen and Sony package. The catch here is that the SEL trim in the sedan form starts at an MSRP of $20,270 and the SEL hatchback starts at an MSRP of $21,065. So basically to get the MyFord Touch consumers are looking at approximately a $2K upgrade from the SE with MyFord. You will also have to give up the manual transmission because the SEL is only available with the dual clutch six-speed automatic. So why would you want the MyFord Touch over the standard MyFord and is it worth the extra $2K?

The answer is, if you are looking to buy an economy car, but like the idea of hands-free voice-activated entertainment controls then you should splurge on yourself and get the SE trim with MyFord. It basically takes the functionality of the Ford Fiesta and puts it in the large car with more power and a sportier feel. Of course, you can also keep the manual if you just can’t live without it. However, if you are a technology person or have teenagers, then you should look at the MyFord Touch seriously. It will change the way you use your vehicle and keep you safer while doing it. What is even more interesting is that it is pretty intuitive—you want to make the car warmer then hit the steering wheel button, wait for the prompt and tell the car make it warm. That command will make the car warmer by two degrees each time you say it. Of course you can also say, “Climate Control, 72 degrees.” Don’t know what to say? Ask it, “What can I say?” and it will show you a list or tell you commands.

Bottom line—the MyFord Touch is probably the best value for the money of any system on the market. However, Ford has a variety of options even if they would rather everyone embrace the MyFord Touch system as the way of the future. For the ludite, yes you can still get the Focus with none-of-the-above in the base S model. 

 

[Source: Ford]