The refreshed-for-2015 Ford Focus included four trims, and three engine options, with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four exclusive to the ST. While the ST delivers on firepower, the Titanium’s luxury features are also notable.
Key Points
- The 2015 Ford Focus presented four trims and two body styles for consumer consideration, from the basic and anonymous S sedan to the high-performance, attention-grabbing hot hatch that is the ST.
- Three engine options were available: a 2.0L naturally aspirated inline-four, a 1.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-three, and the ST-exclusive 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four.
- Focus S models still feature a backup camera, and while small, you do get a 4.2-inch center display and two USB ports. Spring for the SE for an eight-inch screen, 17-inch alloys, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system.
- Titanium models come with the most standard options, including leather seating and an optional tech package with automatic parallel parking and more. For a more thrilling experience, the hatchback ST puts out 252 hp.
2015 Ford Focus S is an Entry-level, Sedan-only Affair with a Decent Number of Standard Features
The 2015 Ford Focus S is the most basic of the Focus family. Available only as a sedan, the S comes with 15-inch steel wheels. Yet, it also has features that, in another life, would’ve only been found in higher-trimmed cars (if not an entirely different car in a given automaker’s lineup).
Such features include keyless entry, power front windows, rear-view camera with 4.2-inch display, and a four-speaker stereo with an AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit, plus a media bin with two USB ports. Meanwhile, power comes from a 160-hp 2.0L Duratec inline-four linked to either a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. Finding one for a good price won’t be too hard: around $8,090 on average at the dealership, per Kelley Blue Book.
2015 Ford Focus SE is the Trim to Consider if a Basic Hatchback is Needed, Adds Efficient 1.0L Engine
The 2015 Ford Focus SE is a vast improvement over the S as far as features are concerned. For starters, consumers can either stick with the sedan version or, if more cargo room and versatility are desired, opt for the hatchback.
The SE also adds a new engine choice: the 123-hp 1.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-three. Though low on power, the tiny EcoBoost delivers on fuel efficiency: 29 mpg in-town, 40 mpg on the highway, 33 mpg combined.
As far as the rest goes, the SE leaves the steelies behind for 16-inch alloys. Automatic headlights light the way, and two more speakers fill out the sound inside. Options include an eight-inch touchscreen with MyFord Touch (a.k.a., Sync 2), a 10-speaker Sony sound system, 17-inch alloys, and SiriusXM. A 2015 Focus SE in good shape can be found for about $9,900 on the used lot.
2015 Ford Focus Titanium Turns up the Luxury, Enhances Safety with Optional Advanced Tech Package
If creature comforts need to be a part of the deal, the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium has it in spades. Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the standard transmission is the six-speed automatic, with the five-speed manual as a no-cost option. A set of 17-inch wheels are standard, with 18-inch wheels in high-performance all-seasons as an option.
Speaking of options, the Titanium Technology Package brings a whole set of safety features to the table, including automatic high beams, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The automatic transmission adds automatic parallel parking to the mix, too. Throw in heated leather seats, HD radio, keyless ignition, and hill-start assist, and consumers won’t have to worry about whether or not they chose wrong with the Titanium, especially when a good one goes for around $11,334.
2015 Ford Focus ST: The Hottest Hatch of the Family, Sporting 252 Horsepower and a Six-speed Manual
From the start of its life back in the 1990s, the Ford Focus was not just a compact grocery getter. It also led a not-so-secret life on the rally circuit, with late rallying legend Colin McRae among the many giving the Focus a few stage victories and overall wins. The Focus also turned up in a few touring car series around the world, and even won in its class at the 2014 Bathurst 12-Hour, powered by a 5.0L Coyote V8.
Thus, it only made sense for Ford to offer the Focus with some high performance under the hood. The Focus ST hatchback gained updated looks for the 2015 model year, mainly to match with the rest of the 2015 Focus lineup.
Power came from a 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four (no big V8 options here, alas), which sent 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque to the front through a six-speed manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph occurs in 6.3 seconds, topping out at 154 mph.
The Focus ST also included front Recaro buckets with the ST logo stitched onto the seats just under the headrests, a center exhaust tip, and ST badging on the engine cover, grille, and tailgate. Finding an excellent example will set you back a bit, of course, with prices for the hot hatch falling between $16,289 and $18,626.
Which 2015 Focus Trim Offers the Most Value? Most Drivers Should Opt for the Titanium with its Minimal Price Increase
Of the four trims available for the 2015 Ford Focus, the ST offers the most fun, whether on the track or running errands really fast around town. The Titanium trim may not burn up the streets like the ST, but its luxury features make those treks to the grocery store very comfortable year-round. The S and SE are good bargains–so long as the automatic transmission’s gremlins are sorted–yet consumers are best served by the Titanium or, if performance is what they seek, the ST.
Photos: Ford
