Paris Motor Show - Ford Focus Details

The 2012 Ford Focus is, hands down, the best compact car ever offered by a domestic brand.  Nothing comes close.  Sure, Chevy is rolling out the Cruze as you read this, but, really, that car lacks the pedigree of this Euro-developed gem.

With the coming of the Paris Motor Show, Ford has let loose with some stats to go with it's new C-segment car.  Power comes from a 2.0 liter, direct-injected four pot, good for nearly 160 horses (yay!).  That easily bests the motors in the Corolla and Civic.  Transmission choices include a five-speed manual (of which they'll sell maybe seven) and a dual clutch six-speed.  Highway EPA could touch 40 MPG.

Miserably, the wagon version, perhaps the best looking wagon ever sold, won't be available here.  Instead, you'll be able to buy the sedan and hatchback, pictured above.  Although extremely sharp looking, the sloping roofline of the hatch looks like it might limit versatility.  Maybe we can special order a wagon?

On YouTube you can see several videos of test mules running around tracks, so lets hope Ford keeps the Euro-tuning for the US market.  And if the base engine doesn't suffice, the Focus ST will be offered with a turbo'd, Direct Injected turbo with 247 horses.