How to Use the S Gear in Ford Focus?

[HaleyAnn]

The method to use the S gear in Ford Focus is: during driving, you can directly shift into the S gear without braking or stopping, allowing free switching. The Ford Focus is a compact 4-door 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of 4647mm in length, 1810mm in width, 1468mm in height, a wheelbase of 2705mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 53 liters. It is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 90 kW at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 153 Nm. The drive system is front-wheel drive, with a front suspension using MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear suspension using torsion beam non-independent suspension.

[OAmir]

I've been driving a Ford Focus for a while, and the S gear is the sport mode, which is quite practical. When driving, you can simply shift the gear lever from D to S, and the car will automatically downshift to keep the engine RPM higher, providing quicker acceleration response. Once on the highway when I wanted to overtake, switching to S made it easy to leave the car ahead behind. However, don't use it all the time because it keeps the transmission in lower gears, resulting in significantly higher fuel consumption than normal D mode. For daily commuting, it's better to stick with D. When driving on mountain roads or encountering long slopes, S mode offers better traction and prevents engine strain. Remember to regularly check the shifting mechanism to avoid wear from frequent use—this was something the technician mentioned during maintenance.

[ODylan]

I usually study driving techniques, and the S gear design of the Focus is very intelligent. When in use, simply shift from D gear to S position while the vehicle is moving forward to automatically activate sport mode, where the transmission delays shifting to enhance engine power. If you prefer a manual feel, you can intervene with the shift points at any time using the plus and minus buttons on the gear lever—for example, pushing for an upshift or pulling for a downshift during rapid acceleration or cornering for more precise control. However, the S gear is not suitable for daily city driving, as frequent high RPMs can increase fuel consumption and may accelerate tire wear. Remember not to stomp on the accelerator during tests on slippery roads to avoid skidding. Additionally, the Focus system automatically adapts to driving habits, and after driving it a few times, the handling feels smoother.

[StAlejandro]

I just started driving a Focus not long ago, and the coach taught me how to use the S mode simply. After driving on the road, just pull the gear lever to the S position, and the car will become more powerful, suitable for situations requiring quick starts, such as when the traffic light turns green. Avoid switching when parked or at low speeds, as it may shock the transmission. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge because the S mode consumes more fuel—I usually only use it temporarily on elevated roads or highways. After starting, try shifting smoothly to ensure it works well.