Not so punny? Well when trying to drum up something clever to say about the 2008 Ford Focus it all comes down to the Sync entertainment system. Maybe there is a little more to it than that. When Ford announced the revised Focus they pretty much lost me when they said that the hatchbacks were canned. The coupe and the sedan are none too swoopy.
Autoweek's review draws a bit more out of the Focus than some other reviews. AW sites NVH improvements, improved shift action, and a better balance between maintaining ride quality and maximizing contact patch than many of its competitors. Edmunds isn't nearly as charitable: "All the things that made the original Focus a unique driving experience have been firmly pushed aside."
So, what about the Sync?
- Voice-activated, hands-free calling: Simply press the “Push to Talk” button on the steering wheel, and then say the name of the person you wish to call. Sync will automatically connect with the names in the mobile phone’s contact list.
- Uninterrupted connections: No need to hang up in the middle of a cell phone call as you enter your vehicle. Simply touch the Telephone Button on the steering wheel, and Sync will instantly connect to a Bluetooth phone.
- Audible text messages: Sync will convert text messages from your phone to audio and read it out loud. The system is even smart enough to translate such commonly used text messaging expressions as “LOL” and J. You can choose to reply from any of 20 predefined responses.
- Advanced calling features: Sync includes the same features offered on mobile phones, including caller ID, call waiting, conference calling, a caller log, a list of contacts, a signal strength icon, and a phone battery charge icon – all conveniently located on the radio’s display screen.
- Voice-activated music: Browse the music collection on your digital media player, mobile phone or USB drive by genre, album, artist and song title using simple voice commands, such as “Play genre Rock,” “Play ,” or “Play Track .”
- Instant voice recognition: Sync’s advanced voice recognition technology means when you’re ready to use your phone or digital music player, just speak simple voice commands.
- Ring tone support: For supported phones, Sync will play personal ring tones. If you’ve configured unique ring tones to identify specific callers, Sync will automatically play those, too.
- Automatic phonebook transfer: Sync will automatically and wirelessly transfer all the names and numbers in a mobile phonebook.
- Multilingual intelligence: Sync is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
However for the most compelling reason for the 2008 Focus look to Ford's media release: "Every new Focus also is scanned by Perceptron vision cameras to measure its dimensional integrity for fit and finish and to eliminate squeaks and rattles." Ooh...Perceptron.
All kidding aside, it's the styling that I just can't get past. Even with the last minute changes Ford made, it's still a dowdy car and without a hatch or wagon not a very functional one at that.
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