By Mac Demere/autoMedia.com

It's rare for a car to simultaneously deliver entertaining acceleration, driving enjoyment and spectacular fuel mileage: 35 miles per gallon with the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) engine. That fantasy is now reality with the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe.

The restyled Focus Coupe features three more horsepower for a total of 143 and quicker acceleration when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission. Both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic get an impressive 35 miles per gallon on the highway, thanks to a high overdrive gear.

The standard powerplant is a 2.0-liter, double overhead cam engine that pumps out a peak of 143 horsepower (when equipped with the five-speed manual) at a relatively high 6,000 rpm. The four-speed automatic makes three fewer horsepower. Peak torque is 136 pound-feet at 4250. That's enough punch to make the Focus plenty fast, especially on curvy back roads. A lower 4.2:1 final drive ratio configured with automatic transmission provides the Focus with strong acceleration from rest or when blasting out of tight corners. A specially tuned exhaust lets everyone know about the Focus Coupe's new power and acceleration.

Also available in California emissions states is a 130-horse four-cylinder that meets California's strict Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) standard, as well as other states that follow California rules. Ford says this engine is cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles'. It's mated to a five-speed manual and makes 35 mpg highway in driving.

Standard on the Focus Coupe is the Ford SYNC® voice-activated system for sound, phone and more. Standard fog lamps give the Focus a sportier look, especially when combined with the new front fascia. Dark-colored chrome around the headlights adds an interesting contrast. The Focus Coupe features new front and rear fascias that provide a sportier appearance. The lower front fascia incorporates a larger open area. The fog lamps (now standard) are better integrated into the overall design of the front fascia, and its signature two-bar chrome front grille and chrome accents around the headlamps have been darkened for added contrast.

The rear is belted for three passengers but the center rear is best reserved for small children. The Focus comes with front side airbags and full-length side air curtain bags.

The Focus Coupe comes in two trim levels: SE and SES. The high-end SES has a new roof-mounted spoiler and 17-inch diameter wheels, while the SE has a decklid spoiler.

AdvanceTrac electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes are optional on the 2009 model, though both will be government mandated for 2012 model. ESC helps prevent the car from spinning out or sliding nose first off slippery pavement. Pricing for the Ford Coupe starts at a very attractive $16,875 including destination and delivery.

Inexpensive, fuel-efficient, powerful and fun… What more could you want? Okay, what we want is the European Focus RS complete with its 300- horsepower turbocharged version of the Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine, but that's another story.