The affordable, compact Ford Focus has proved popular with drivers since its introduction in 2000, thanks to its peppy engines, responsive handling, and clean design lines. And for 2008, Ford gives drivers even more to like. For starters, a new two-door coupe joins the Focus lineup. Like the four-door sedan, it's available in three trims, including the S, SE, and SES. To make way for the coupe, Ford eliminated the Focus hatchbacks and wagons from this year's lineup.

The bigger news, however, might be the fact that the 2008 Focus has been extensively redesigned both inside and out. The exterior design updates start up front with a new two-bar chrome grille, which mirrors the look of the grille on many other Ford vehicles, creating a manufacturer-wide branding element. Other exterior design updates include flared wheel arches, a reshaped rear deck, and an overall more muscular appearance.

The Focus's interior has been redesigned as well for a more upscale, open appearance, with a larger center console that offers more storage space and redesigned door panels with larger storage bins. A new top-of-the-dash display places critical information at eye level, making it easier for drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

Even the Focus's 2.0-liter Duratec 20 inline four-cylinder engine received an update, with new air intake, cooling, and exhaust systems, all of which were designed to improve the engine's smoothness, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency. As a result, Ford notes that the 2008 Focus can achieve a maximum of 35 mpg on the highway. The engine links to either the standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, available as an option.

Other new features for 2008 include a stiffer, "Euro-inspired" body structure and a retuned suspension, which result in better ride quality, sharper steering, and improved handling. Also, a number of new options are availabe for the 2008 Focus, including a color-configurable ambient lighting system, Sirius satellite radio, a high-performance audio system with an in-dash CD player, and Sync, Ford's new in-car, Bluetooth-compatible wireless communications system that enables drivers to make voice-activated cellphone calls, among other functions. (The Sync system comes standard on the SES trim.) Even the Focus's safety systems get an upgrade, with a total of six airbags, including seat-mounted side airbags.