The new 2012 Ford Focus debuted in Detroit today and is a shock to my tired eyes.  This new 'world' car looks less like a Focus and more like some sort of mini-suv crossover.  Perhaps this design is most appealing to European and Asian markets, considering it will be built the same for all 3 regions.  This means that the same parts will work for the American version of the 2012 Ford Focus as in the European version.

Ford looks to be tapping into a more aggressive front end for the 2012 Focus, with large mouth bumper.  However, the rest of the car just doesn't match the aggressive looks of the front, looking tall from the sides, and fat in the back.  Leaves me curious if the performance and handling will match the impression the body lines leave.

What do you think, is the new 2012 Ford Focus an improvement over previous year models?

Well, they all have spots on Leno, of course.

Jay Leno took a step down (or up) from late night TV and started broadcasting in Prime Time.  Well, Ford is taking advantage of this exposure and Leno's love for vehicles, to help get the American public accustomed to driving Electric vehicles.  That's why the Sept 18th show will feature Drew Barrymore racing a new all electric Ford Focus.

The car Barrymore will be driving won't actually be available until sometime in 2011, so don't get out your checkbooks just yet.  However, it might not be a bad idea to start saving now.  Most estimates put the new all electric Ford Focus at $10,000 higher than it's all gasoline counter part.  eeek!

Tired of seeing all the foreign rice rockets on the road, want to have something a little different but just as potent, then check out the Ford SVT Focus.  The SVT Focus provides some of the best handling of any small size car and since they have been out for awhile you can get them for a deal, often times in the $5,000 range and well preserved models for less than $10,000.

These little cars are a blast to drive thanks to their peppy 4 cylinder and 6 speed manual transmission.  In addition, their suspension show's off that American's can create good handling cars as well.  All things considered an SVT Focus is a great car to have in this economy and high gas price times, where a little bit of pep, great handling, and a fun ride don't have to cost a lot up front or at the pump.

SVT Focus on eBay

Ford Focus SVT 2002 Ford Focus SVT Drug Seizure NO RESERVE Extras    US $2,202.00

Ford Focus ZX5 SVT 2004 FORD FOCUS ZX5 SVT 6 SPEED HTD LTHR XENON SRF 6CD    US $10,995.00

Ford Focus WE FINANCE 2003 FORD FOCUS SVT HATCHBACK 6 SPEED SPOILR XENON RIMS    US $8,888.00