2015 Ford Focus

The latest version of the top-selling Ford Focus compact sedan made its North American debut at April's New York International Auto Show.

The 2015 Ford Focus sedan is restyled with a new hood, headlights and grille. The grille uses Ford's new signature trapezoidal-shaped opening and strong horizontal lines, scaled proportionately to the compact Focus, giving it a stronger family resemblance to the midsize Fusion and the subcompact Fiesta. In the rear, the 2015 Ford Focus gets a redesigned trunk lid and new tail lights.

Inside, the 2015 Focus gets more sculpted seats and a new center console, including a new cupholder design. Enhanced features of Ford's Sync infotainment system include connected apps that can access real-time vehicle data including speed, acceleration, odometer and location information, as well as refinements to the voice-activation system and a more seamless integration with compatible iPhone and Android devices. Also standard on the 2015 Ford Focus is a rearview camera and Ford's MyKey system, which allows owners to limit vehicle speed and audio volume, as well as block incoming calls and text messages to paired phones.

Options include a new heated steering wheel and a number of active safety technologies, like blind spot detection, lane keeping assist and cross-traffic alert.

Making its debut on the 2015 Ford Focus is Ford's 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a small but efficient powerplant used also on the Fiesta, mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission. Official specs haven't been released, but the 1.0-liter engine makes 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque in the smaller Fiesta. We'll see if those numbers hold true for the heavier Focus.

Ford's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower will also be offered, with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

From an engineering standpoint, the 2015 Focus gets a revised suspension with a new shock absorber valve design, revised electric power steering and software updates to its dual-clutch automatic transmission, which Ford says will equate to better performance and handling, as well as a quieter ride.

Deliveries of the 2015 Ford Focus sedan are expected to begin in the latter half of 2014. Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect a modest bump over the previous model, starting at around $18,000.