Because you want a functional runabout on a budget that holds the bonus of being really fun to drive. Because you care about engine emissions and the environment, yet want to discount the cost and complexity of a gas electric hybrid. Because you want to take the money saved by picking up a base model and tap into the vast resources of the performance aftermarket to build your own super-handling low-emission hatchback.

Because you fancy yourself careening up mountain roads spitting fire out the exhaust and rocks from all four wheels like Marcus Grönholm right off the lot.

Speed Merchants: No

Fashion Victims: No

Treehuggers:

Mack Daddies: No

Tuner Crowd:

Hairdressers:

Penny Pinchers:

Euro Snobs: No

Working Stiffs:

Technogeeks:

Poseurs: No

Soccer Moms: No

Nascar Dads: No

Golfing Grandparents: No

Chevy Cobalt

Dodge Caliber

Volkswagen Rabbit

Manufacturer: Ford

Model tested: Focus

Model year: 2007

Base Price: $15,530

Price as Tested: $21,240

Engine type: 2.0L DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder

Horsepower: 130 @ 6,000 rpm (PZEV)

Torque: 129 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (PZEV)

Redline: 7000

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Curb Weight: 2,605 (3-door)

LxWxH: 168.5" X 66.7" X 56.9"

Wheelbase: 102.9

Tires: Pirelli 215/45 ZR17 P Zero competition tires

Drive type: front-wheel drive

0 - 60 mph: N/A

1/4-mile: N/A

Fuel economy city/highway: 27 / 37

NHTSA crash test rating: 4/4/3/4

Related:

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About halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California Route 1 stands the Hurst Castle.…

Special thanks go out to and for help with photography in the production of this review.