What are the tips for using the S gear in Focus?

[DiSophie]

Tips for using the S gear in Focus: 1. When overtaking, using the D gear may feel underpowered. Switching to the S gear at this time will increase the engine RPM and enhance horsepower, making overtaking easier. 2. When climbing a slope or exiting an underground garage, the S gear can be utilized for climbing. Using the D gear for climbing may consume more fuel, so the S gear is more efficient in such situations. The Focus is an A-segment family sedan under Ford, with body dimensions of 4647mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1468mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2705mm. The front suspension of the Focus is a MacPherson strut independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension.

[BrookeLynn]

I've driven a Focus for ten years, and the S mode is truly a great feature, especially when overtaking or driving on mountain roads—it's exhilarating. On the highway, whenever I need to overtake, I switch to S mode, and the engine responds much faster, delivering power more directly with higher RPMs, making acceleration feel incredibly punchy. However, don't keep it on all the time—it guzzles fuel. I usually only engage it for a few seconds when needed and stick to D mode for better fuel efficiency. Also, avoid using S mode in city traffic jams; the frequent gear shifts can become annoying. A heads-up: prolonged high RPMs might raise engine temperatures slightly, so check the coolant occasionally and maintain regular servicing. New drivers should get comfortable with regular gears before experimenting with S mode—safety first to avoid losing control during sudden braking. Overall, S mode enhances driving fun, but moderation is key.

[MacErin]

As a car enthusiast, I absolutely love the S mode in the Focus—the exhilarating push-back feeling is just too thrilling! The key technique is to coordinate with the throttle operation: press deeper to let the RPM surge to just before the redline before releasing, enabling instant and rapid acceleration, perfect for mountain roads or sharp turns. Don’t forget to switch to manual mode for even more fun—it lets you control the shift timing and avoids interference from automatic upshifts. Just be mindful of prolonged high RPMs; avoid exceeding 30 minutes continuously, as it puts significant stress on the cooling system. After parking, check the fluid levels. Fuel consumption will definitely be higher, but it’s worth it for the thrill! Safety first—ensure your tires have good grip before going wild, and avoid aggressive S mode play in the rain. Switching between driving modes is also straightforward—just push the lever without any complicated setup.

[CarolineDella]

I'm a fairly conservative driver and believe the S mode should be used cautiously—only when necessary, like for highway overtaking or steep slopes. With just a light press on the accelerator, the power kicks in, and the engine noise increases, which is normal—no need to worry. For everyday driving, stick to D mode, as S mode tends to increase fuel consumption. I’ve tested it on long trips and found it burns about 10% more fuel, which isn’t worth it. Safety-wise, while the quick response in emergencies is a plus, braking distances may be slightly longer at higher speeds, so avoid frequent hard acceleration. Operating it is simple—just shift directly from D to S mode while driving, and switching back to D is just as easy. Don’t make S mode a habit, as it can affect comfort. Regular maintenance of the transmission system helps minimize wear and tear.