The 2008 Ford Focus makes its return to the scene, with a completely new look and feel. Ford Motor Company is certainly hoping these changes will make a solid impact, given the company’s pain experienced on the bottom line. The Focus, along with the Five Hundred full-size sedan, has gone under the knife to get more than just a new look—the proportions in the design scheme should also improve the car’s handling.

The actual sheet metal of the Focus has been raised, to reduce window size and provide a more sloped and sporty appearance. The grille now resembles the styling from the recent Ford Fusion and other cars, such as the Ford Edge.

Inside, the modern yet simple interior continues much the same as in the past, but there are now nicer seats, illuminated cupholders, brushed aluminum trim, and blue lighting behind the instrumentation. Additionally, Ford is hoping to attract a younger generation of buyers with the new Focus, as it has the optional Ford-Microsoft “Sync” system that integrates mobile communication devices and personal music players right into the car’s electronic systems (stereo, etc).

"There's a night-and-day difference between today's Focus and the new one. We really improved it," said Greg Burgess, the vehicle development manager.

Engineers combed the parts and components of the Focus, adding some oomph to the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, polishing the steering and suspension, and reducing fuel consumption rates all the while. Horsepower estimates have not been disclosed yet, but Ford claims to have made the car more powerful while reducing its weight about 100 pounds. “It will be at least as fuel efficient as the current model, which gets 37 miles per gallon on the highway”, said Marcio Alfonso, the chief engineer.