Differences between a 2012 and a 2013 focus.

[powermax]

I Drove a SE Sedan 2013 loaner today it has pretty much same mileage as mine 2012 around 1500kms.
Higher idle speed, my 2012 is always around 625rpms, the 2013 was always a bit over 750rpms, I believe they did that to reduce idle vibration.
SE looks cheap without the fog lights.
Larger letters in the fuel and cooler temp. gauges, the tach doesn't have the smaller lines every 250 rpms, only every 500rpms.
Tranny felt exactly the same after almost an hour of heavy traffic the clutch coupling noise (famous gridding noise) started to get louder and some shuddering started to happen I was surprise that it was more noticeable in the 2013, my 2012 does the same thing but not so noticeable.
I notice some flimsy foam inside the front fender that I didn't noticed on mine, I'm not sure if that is a 2013 add on or I just didn't notice on mine

[Sponsor]

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by powermax

I Drove a SE Sedan 2013 loaner today it has pretty much same mileage as mine 2012 around 1500kms.
Higher idle speed, my 2012 is always around 625rpms, the 2013 was always a bit over 750rpms, I believe they did that to reduce idle vibration.
SE looks cheap without the fog lights.
Larger letters in the fuel and cooler temp. gauges, the tach doesn't have the smaller lines every 250 rpms, only every 500rpms.
Tranny felt exactly the same after almost an hour of heavy traffic the clutch coupling noise (famous gridding noise) started to get louder and some shuddering started to happen I was surprise that it was more noticeable in the 2013, my 2012 does the same thing but not so noticeable.
I notice some flimsy foam inside the front fender that I didn't noticed on mine, I'm not sure if that is a 2013 add on or I just didn't notice on mine

Target idle speed has always been 680 rpm at idle without the a/c on not 625 rpm for the 2012 MY.

If they added more insulation to the wheel arch/ front fender liner instead of the plastic fender shield as used in 2012 that might be an attempt to quiet/ quell suspension noise from entering the cabin.

[JonathanGennick]

Originally Posted by powermax

Larger letters in the fuel and cooler temp. gauges,

Those of us with aging eyes who are staring down bifocals really appreciate that.

I was thinking this weekend that Ford ought to offer a Large Print Edition.

Yes, I'd like that Focus SE in a Large Print Edition please .

[ScullyZX2]

They also changed the center console. Moving the hand brake forward and the change cup behind the shifter (ATX). Different wheel choices.

[Kaaru]

I drove a SE flex fuel 2013 loaner for 2 days also. Things I have noticed that I like about the 2013:
Overall ride is quieter, less road noises gets into the cabin. Smoother ride/operation in general.
The 2 little rubber lips they added to the cup holders. These are pants savers, really, and were able to hold that big bucket of cofee I bring along every morning.
Adjustable head rest. I was able to acheive a comfortable driving position with the loaner. I want those. Great stuff!!

[doublej]

12,s had adjustable head rest! Regular suspension is softer (mush) in the 13,s unless you grab the sport package.

[Kaaru]

Hmm, I must have a job 1 car then 'cause my head rests are the type that pushes your head forward.

[powermax]

Just found out another difference about the 2013, the car won't roll back even after a few seconds.

The headrest in my 2012 is adjustable the seats are identical.

[cobie56]

Originally Posted by powermax

Just found out another difference about the 2013, the car won't roll back even after a few seconds.

The headrest in my 2012 is adjustable the seats are identical.

my '12 doesn't roll back at all... not since my latest TSB last spring....

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by powermax

Just found out another difference about the 2013, the car won't roll back even after a few seconds.

The headrest in my 2012 is adjustable the seats are identical.

Well yes, job 2 builds built after the week of 4/10/12 had the four way head rests made standard.

Technically the 2013 should act exactly like 12B37's programming where if you wait more than a few seconds it will still roll backwards, otherwise it would damage the clutch or have to hold the brakes longer than it was intended to be used for.

Also if you don't fully depress the brake enough to engage the hill start assist the car will still roll back.