Ford will debut the 2009 Focus coupe in an “American Idol” music video on Wednesday, revealing a modest update inspired by customer feedback, including new front and rear fascias, and a new roof-line spoiler. The SES series also gets standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES series. These changes will further differentiate the Focus coupe from the sedan.
To better target the young Millennials demographic drawn to the coupe, the design team made the two-door’s appearance sportier, notably toning down the Bic-shaver grille and removing chromed front-fender vents. Fog lamps are now standard. The result is a less flashy appearance.
For 2009, the Focus SES coupe features more horsepower (up three to 143) and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2:1 final drive ratio to deliver better off-the-line acceleration. Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). Both engines deliver 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, according to EPA ratings.
Electronic stability control (ESC) is now available.
The 2009 Focus Coupe, available later this summer, will have an MSRP that starts at $15,920—up from the current base model at $14,395.
Research the Ford Focus coupe in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2008 Ford Focus review.
