The Next Generation Ford Focus – Start more than a car

One of those cars that I have always been very curious about but not given a chance to drive is Ford. They’ve been around for ages on Malaysian roads and at one point, the company was in serious shape that from 2005 to 2008, Ford was posting loses amounting to more than a billion US Dollars year after year. Solutions needed to be found and found quickly and this resulted in some 30,000 job cuts, closure of 14 factories, chopping unprofitable models and consolidating production lines.  In a way, Ford threw its ego out of the window and reworked on itself from ground up.

 

The Ford we see today is leaner, meaner and a lot more sensitive to the automotive market. As part of the initiative to consolidating its production, Ford adopted unibody car platforms which allowed it to substantially reduce parts inventory and focus more on streamlining its entire operations. In line with such initiatives, Ford stopped the 2-model policy for North America and Europe and concentrated on perfecting just one model, thus benefiting huge economies of scale and better product development.

 

One of such models is the Ford Focus:

 

 

The 3rd Generation Ford Focus (or MkIII for short) was the first Focus to be marketed as a global car. The last time I heard of a global car was the Proton Preve and thanks to the Focus, I knew the implications of what Proton is trying to achieve (which makes a lot of economic sense). And, like the Preve, global cars are designed and equipped to appeal to various different markets (which can be challenging since different markets have different market forces) …. so the safest bet is to cover all bets! Load the vehicle with as many features as you can while remaining profitable. Easier said than done …. but done it is what Ford has achieved and the end result is quite a looker.

 

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Design

 

As is with the Mondeo, Ford’s design language of Kinetic Design has radically changed the outlook of the vehicle. Essentially, Kinetic Design refers to the theme “Energy in Motion” which means the car looks like it’s moving even when it isn’t. In any Kinetic-ally Design-ed Ford (pun intended), you can expect to find large, lower trapeziodal grille and the headlights stretched back to create a sense of speed.

 

 

 

The new Focus looks gorgeous at almost all angles. With its lowered ride height and sharp looks, the car looks a whole lot sportier. Heck, an obese driver would probably feel he’s 10kg lighter just by being seen in one.

 

Measuring 4,558mm in length, 1,823mm in width and 1,484mm in height, it’s longer, wider and lower than a Peugeot 308 (4,276mm length, 1,815mm width, 1,498mm height), making it look sleeker than the Lion.

 

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Seen here is a lower spec-ed model. Higher specs will have LED DRLS running the top length of the headlights

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The wheels do look huge … so much so that when I zoomed into the picture, I was shocked to discover 235/40 Michelin PS3 rubbers wrapped around 18″rims. According to Ford Australia specifications, this is indeed what you will get if the Titanium series is specified.

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Unique 2 striped LED tail lights adorn the rear. Sexy.

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As you can expect, integrated side turning lights is the flavor of the day. Also, puddle side lamps makes it easy to avoid that piece of dog sh*t when parking at dark areas.

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One of the more interesting design cue is the fuel door cover. It’s not your typical rounded one

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I almost missed it. Also note that there is no fuel cap. The Focus gets Ford EasyFuel, the same as the one found in the Mondeo

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Performance

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Powering the new Ford is a 2.0L DOHC Ti-VCT GDI 1-4 engine. If you need to know all the acronyms, that stands for Dual Overhead Camshaft Twin Independent – Variable Camshaft Timing Gasoline Direct Injection and it pulls at 170PS with 202Nm of torque. What this engine promises to do is it’ll go easy on your wallet for fuel while at the same time allowing you to have your cake at driving fun.

Here’s a video of how the engine works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0I230HzvEw

I don’t know about you but the this engine sounds like fun. No news about the turbo diesel TDCI or the Ecoboost engines making its way here though.

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Here’s a summary of the Ti-VCT engine:-

• DOHC dual camshafts to open intake valves and open exhaust valves. The camshafts are rotated slightly relative to their initial position which allows the cam timing to be advanced or retarded.
• Direct injection system bypasses the need to spray fuel into the intake system by delivering a fine mist of fuel directly into each cylinder, resulting in better performance, economy and emissions.
• Direct injection allows the compression ratio to operate at 12:1
• To reduce internal engine friction, the valvetrain and piston skirts are reworked, implementation of electronic power steering, “stretchy belt technology” that removes friction in the form of a belt tensioner on the air-conditioning compressor drive system and the use of an overriding alternator decoupler
• To reduce weight, aluminum and composite materials are used extensively in the engine

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Another key feature found in the Focus is Active Grille Shutter which alters the aerodynamics of the car. You can see how it works HERE

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Ride and Handling

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Ford has always been know to produce on the best handling cars in its segment and the Ford Focus is no exception. With the front suspension running on Independent MacPherson struts, lower control arms with hydro-bushing isolated subframe and anti-roll bar and the rear suspension sporting Independent Control Blade multi-link system, isolated subframe with anti-roll bar, high speed corners are like strolls in the park. More details can be seen in HERE

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Also, the Focus features Torque Vectoring Control, a technology that reacts to road surface 100 times per second and repeatedly balances the amount of power and braking delivered to the two front wheels to maximize grip and sharpen handling, helping you round corners and over undulations on the road. From the description, the Focus promises unmatched steering feedback and control …. geez, I am reminded of Durex ultra thin condoms … being safe while allowing you to feel every inch of the action. **Shivers**

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More details of the Torque Vectoring Control HERE

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Cabin Convenience

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The dashboard layout and design is very modern and upscale. Seen here is a rather smallish 5″ display on the center console. I love the whole design …. very symmetrical and build quality looks top notch.

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Everything feels cozy up in front

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But at the back, legroom isn’t that great. Neither is the headroom. P.S: That guy inside is not related to me in any way. Wanted to wait for him to go out but he was just chilling inside so I just snapped. He’s shorter than me and even so, you can see how his knees are touching the front seats.

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The Focus should come with keyless entry and keyless start … something that is increasingly important, especially among ladies who are primary target of thieves at parking lots. Having KESSY allows the owner to unlock doors at the touch of a button and start the car while the key remains in the handbag or pocket of the owner.

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We can also expect the car to feature electronic power steering and knowing Ford, it’s probably going to be one of the sharpest and accurate steering for this segment.Video HERE

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On the lower left of the steering you’ll find the cruise control buttons

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While on the lower right, you’ll see the Answer/Drop call buttons. Also on both upper left and right, you’ll find controls for MID and audio controls. Here’s how it should work: Steering controls

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Now, we don’t know for certain but likely the Focus will come with a 6 speed, dual clutch Powershift transmission.

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Now, there are 2 very nifty features the Focus has:

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Active City Stop, a feature more commonly associated to Volvo can be found here. What it does is the car senses, measures and automatically brakes when you don’t if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.It works by having a Light Detection and Ranging Sensor (LIDAR) , positioned forward facing behind the rear view mirror constantly monitors the front of the car. If it detects imminent collision without any input from the driver, it automatically applies brakes and switches on the hazard signals. This works at speeds of up to 30kph so it’s perfect for cars coming off bends or roundabouts without noticing that the car in front has stopped. Even if the car is unable to stop in time due to high speeds, it’s reduced velocity would minimize impact damage.

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It’s like having your HM sitting next to you constantly scanning for danger in front …. except this one doesn’t nag if you do sudden braking maneuvers.

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Video on how it works HERE

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Another key feature is Active Park Assist, a feature that would guarantee you would wow any occupants in your car. At the push of a button, ultrasonic side facing sensors mounted on the front and rear bumper would scan for empty parking space and steers the car perfectly in. You just need to modulate the throttle and brakes. Yeah …. please remember to brake because the car can only do so much.

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Here’s a video of Nina Armstrong, a professional stuntwoman doing an extreme test of using this feature:

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Ford Real World Challenges

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I don’t know …. I think some find it more hazardous trying to park next to mum’s garden and running the risk of crushing all the flowers.

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Other conveniences includes Ford SYNC, the same system found in the Fiesta. With over 10,000 voice commands, you’d be learning a new way to speak to operate your climate control, audio player and even your phone. I wonder would I mumble in my sleep if I use this feature too often.

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Everything is well built and you can even find ambient lighting on the inner door handles

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Boot space is reasonably large for a hatch (316litres) and underneath, you’ll find a space saving spare tire

Oh look, more buttons below the right driver air conditioning vents. Looking at the symbols, this probably controls leveling, instrumentation lighting and fog lights … hmmm, looks like there’s a rear fog light as well.

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As the car will only be launched in September 2012, no one knows for sure what exact specifications Malaysia will be getting. What we do know is this:-

• There will be a sedan and a hatch variant. If we are to look at history, likely the hatch will be the more expensive option
• Each variant will have a high spec (called Plus) and a standard spec
• Colors available are Frozen White (all variants and specs), Ingot Silver (only for sedan variant), Candy Red (only for hatch and sedan Plus variant), Midnight Sky (dark blue; all variants except standard hatch) and Panther Black (only for hatch variant)
• Speculation of price is between RM124,000 to RM136,000
• Ford models usually come with 3 years warranty and 60,000 free service and labor …. let’s see if the 5 year gold standard will be applied here as was the case with the newly launched Honda Civic as well as the Proton Preve, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Volkswagen Jetta, and Peugeot 308/408. It would be such a shame if the Focus can’t follow suit.

 

If the speculation on its pricing is accurate, the highest spec Focus hatch would cost significantly more than its nearest rival, the 308THP. Between these 2 models, the Focus is said to trump the 308THP by offering:-

 

• Bi-xenon headlights with headlamp jet washer
• Sunroof
• Active park assist
• Active city stop
• Active grille shutter
• Torque vectoring control
• Ford Voice Command SYNC
• Keyless entry and Push Start

 

whereas the 308THP has the following advantage over the Focus:-

 

• turbocharged, twin scroll engine with almost 40Nm more torque (horsepower is lower at 156hp vs 170hp though)
• cheaper by RM15,000 if the price of the highest spec Focus is true
• Panoramic roof

 

The only other issue you need to worry about is the extremely Artic 2nd hand value. You might say that a Ford buyer throws 2nd hand value out of the window in exchange for daily driving enjoyment but my worry is more due to the hassle of trying to find a 2nd hand buyer for the car once you upgrade. Don’t get me wrong, the Focus (as is all Ford models) are excellent cars and probably has the same (if not better) durability compared to other makes but a time will come when your social status is different, your family size has grown or you’ve simply grown bored of it and wants to try something else …. it is at this moment where the otherwise-ever-so-happy Ford owner laments on having a Ford.

 

But really …. with what Ford is giving you in the Focus …. you’d probably be renewing your affair with the car each time you step into it and build one long lasting relationship with it