Ford's revamped Focus is a hit.

Booming sales -- a 23.2 percent increase for the last quarter -- have Ford looking for additional plant capacity to build more.

Our test model was a Focus SES Coupe, a comfortable and surprisingly roomy car. And thanks to a redesigned suspension system, the Focus has one of the nicest rides in its class.

Our Focus had a base price of $16,475. With a moonroof, heated leather seats, traction control, anti-lock brakes and Sirius satellite radio the bottom line climbed to $20,050.

The 2009 Focus is available in two body styles -- two-door coupe and four-door sedan -- in S, SE and SES trims. The Focus comes with a choice of two engines: a standard 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam, inline 4-cylinder and a super-clean, 130-horsepower, Duratec 20E engine.

Standard features include power front-disc and rear-drum brakes; power rack-and-pinion steering; five-speed manual transmission; rear defroster; manual adjust side mirrors; tinted glass; AM/FM single CD/MP3 player with four speakers; audio input jack; two 12V power points; padded armrests; two-way adjustable manual front seats; 60/40-split rear seat; visor mirrors; SecuriLock passive anti-theft system; and tire inflation kit.

The EPA estimates of 24 city/35 highway are a bit pessimistic. I got city mileage at least two to three miles per gallon better -- and I'm not particularly light-footed either.

The redesigned instrument panel has a "top of dash" display that includes most of the important information about what the car's doing. The ice blue lighting is cool, too.

But the best interior feature is Ford Sync. A microphone inside the cabin allows consumers to use their mobile phones hands free. Using Bluetooth technology as a foundation, Sync can connect up to six mobile phones to the vehicle. Sync's advanced capability also allows consumers to access songs by artist, genre, album and more through voice commands. The great thing is it's ridiculously easy to use -- if a non-tech type like me can do it, anybody can!

Problems and criticism for the Focus?

The most obvious, for me at least, is the styling. Though it's pleasant, it looks dated. The character lines along the car's flanks are odd and the side scoops look like an afterthought. Around back there are small taillights perched up high with a huge metal expanse below, all of which makes the car look bulbous and out of proportion.

Ford can -- and has -- done better. The upcoming all-new Taurus is beautiful, based on what I've seen in sneak peeks on various blogs.

I've also heard some people complaining that the clutch in the manual transmission is a bear to engage.

Try the automatic; the mileage is almost identical, and for a city like Pittsburgh with its hills and traffic, the convenience factor makes a difference.

Resale value is higher with an automatic, too.

Still, the Focus has a heck of a lot going for it -- comfort, luxuries, quality and fuel economy.