A few weeks ago, I wrote a feature about the MyFord Touch system available in the new 2012 Ford Canada vehicles. Last week we got the chance to test out the system for ourselves when our family was able to review a fully loaded 2012 Ford Focus.
This sleek little hatchback featured Active Park Assist and the newly redesigned MyFord Touch system with Ford SYNC by Microsoft and I couldn’t wait to try out the technology for myself. For the next week, the Ford Focus was our family vehicle and it was so much fun to see how far Ford has come in the last few years.
The first thing that we tested out was, of course, the voice controls. Zackary and Benjamin found this to be the most entertaining feature of the vehicle, especially since my husband had to repeat himself a few times as he was figuring out how the system worked. Listening to him say things at the wrong time or repeat a word more than once had them both laughing hysterically!
Once Curtis had spent a bit of time getting used to the system, though, it really did give him an incredible level of control just using his voice. I think the navigation system was the hardest feature to operate using voice since cities and addresses had to be pronounced so clearly and often sound very similar. Fortunately, the system has the option of spelling a city name or address for those situations!
My personal favourite feature of the MyFord Touch system was the ability to stream music wirelessly from my phone to the car’s stereo system using Bluetooth. Being able to listen to my favourite tunes without having to plug in a USB cord or put in a CD was so convenient.
My husband’s favourite feature had to be the Active Park Assist. He loved putting on a big show while parking by holding his hands up in the air and waving to anybody that might be passing by, and his friends were completely amazed by how perfectly the car could parallel park itself with just the push of a button He used the feature every chance he had and I have to admit, the boys and I enjoyed it almost as much as he did.
A hatchback would not have been my first choice for a family vehicle and my husband agreed; we were actually wondering if the car would be able to hold all the grocery bags from our major monthly shopping trip. But as soon as I opened the hatch I could see that this was no ordinary hatchback! The hatch had just as much, if not more, room than a standard trunk because the storage space extended right under the rear seats. It almost felt like a magic trick to see that much storage space in such a small vehicle.
While our entire family loved the Ford Focus and its features, it’s not a car that would be my first choice for the primary vehicle of a family of four; it would make an incredible work or commuter car since it’s great on gas and the features make for a very comfortable ride, but the seating is a little crowded for regular family use.
If you’re looking for a small, fuel-efficient car that has all the latest features and will give you the ultimate safe and comfortable ride, check out the new 2012 Ford Focus. It’s a perfect little car for anyone that wants a compact, affordable vehicle with all the latest technology!
Disclaimer: I was loaned the 2012 Ford Focus media fleet vehicle for one week to review. All opinions belong to Mommy Kat and Kids and have not been influenced in any way. Please view full Terms and Policies.
Yes, FORD’s are quite nifty these days! I really like the looks of the vehicle, but with two carseats still in the back, it really does seem a bit too small for my needs. Sounds like a fab car otherwise!
That’s exactly how I felt, SamiJoe! Perfect for driving back and forth to work, but for a family car I would want something a WEE bit bigger!
I think Ford has come a long way. That active park assist is an amazing feature!
Seriously, that feature makes me drool. It’s beyond cool being able to parallel park so easily
I have family that works at Ford so grew up with them, they have come along way and have some cool features now!
They sure do! I can’t wait to test out some of the other things I’ve heard about; the hands-free door locks sound amazing too!
I saw the park assist vehicles on amazing race and thought it was an awesome feature!
Aww, no way! Did those lucky folks get to use that? Would it ever make parking in a strange country easier! lol
I definitely want a car that can park itself as I know I’d suck at it. LOL
It’s what I’m worst at too. But you know, my hubby is an incredible driver and can parallel park in any space and even he loved the Park Assist!
this is the car we got to play with at SCCTO, I was impressed with it too, I would have loved it when I was in college.
I just couldn’t believe how roomy it was! For a family, yeah, a bit more space would be a good thing. But overall, wow! Totally would be perfect for a college car!
My wife and I are in the market right now for a new car and Ford is definitely at the top of the list! Thanks so much for sharing this review, I love all the deatures cars are coming out with these days. It makes me happy as a man!
lol! My hubby is the exact same way. Tech and autos…what more could a man ask for?
Do you really want me to answer that???
lol! Hey, I run a family-friendly blog here, mister!!
so fun! I pride myself that I’m a pretty decent parallel parker, but I’d love it if my car would park itself!
Wouldn’t we all! lol Hubby and I had a Knight Rider marathon this past weekend and it actually made me think about this car!