The 2008 Ford Focus underwent significant alterations for the coming model year including the removal of both the hatchback and wagon versions from the line-up. For 2008 the Focus is available only as a sedan and a newly introduced coupe.

The sub-compact has received a considerable facelift with a raised beltline that improves the vehicle's side profile and compliments side vents and body sculpting details. The trunk lid is much higher, but does not improve cargo capacity, which actually loses a cubic foot over 2007.

Inside look for a re-tooled dash featuring HVAC/stereo displays center mounted just under the windshield. Lighting is now Ice Blue but drivers who opt for the Ambient Lighting package can monkey around with seven colors to spice up the footwells and cupholders. A better addition is the use of thicker glass on the side front windows and a lot of material to deaden sound. Reviewers jumped all over the noise factor in the 2007s, which is thankfully greatly reduced in the 2008s.

If you really want to spruce up your little Focus, you can hook it up with the Ford Sync system, a communication system developed in collaboration with Microsoft. Sync gives you hands-free on most mobiles, talks nice with MP3 players, and includes a slew of voice-activated controls. (This thing will even read your text messages to you.)

Engine options on the 2008 Ford Focus have been downgraded. All you're going to get is a 2-liter producing 136 horsepower but it does live up to the ultra-green PZEV designation. Air bags in the curtain and side thorax positions are now standard features to compliment the existing air bag array. Look for the coupe at $14,695 and the sedan at $14,995 making the Focus a small, clean-running subcompact with a reasonable price tag.