Ford Focus sedan test drive review_moving the goalposts
Interested in a family car that is stylish, solid and dependable, but with a more youthful look? The latest Ford Focus may just be what you’re looking for.
This Focus offers almost everything that has made the earlier sedan one of the best-selling cars in Malaysia. One can only marvel at its smooth performance, dependable functionality and reliability. This latest Focus styling is unique. With strong character lines and a wide, aggressive rear end, this Focus was designed to be more expressive than its predecessors. One friend commented on the Focus’s styling, saying that it looks like a larger version of the stylish Fiesta, for me the only similarity might lie in its wedge shape and its ‘boomerang’ rear lights and high bootline.
Standard equipment include keyless ignition and access, digital air-conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; anti-lock brake system; airbags for driver, front and rear passengers, window jam protection, to name a few.
Comfort equipment list is long starting with the much talked about Microsoft developed audio system that has a Bluetooth system that interacts with the driver with ‘voice’ commands and instant phone pairing for easy handsfree communication and text message reply. Just be worried when your girlfriend calls when your wife is sitting next to you in the Focus.
Sit in the driver’s seat and you may feel like you’re inside an airplane cockpit. The dashboard flows into the door panels, accented by a strip of tasteful faux aluminium look trim. Gauges are well lit. Simple, digital climate control switches allow easy adjustment. The seats are supple and perfectly tailored with electric option on the drivers seat. It’s also roomy, with the rear seat able to accommodate three full-size adults with three separate headrests.
Still, there are things to quibble about. Storage bins on the door panels are a little too narrow. The rear loading sill is a little high where weaker owners will have a problem trying to load a heavy suitcase or the monthly grocery shopping.
This 2012 Focus is sold with a 2-liter four-cylinder double overhead cam engine that sings a sweet low note across the rev range. Like all new Ford’s, it was smooth, free revving, well built and came with enough room for 5 adults and room for 2 large suitcases and some! The running costs for this car is much lower than expected with Ford’s strong service inclusive program and long factory warranty. With a healthy torque of 202Nm, the Focus 2-liter delivers a steady flow of acceleration; the 6-speed dual clutch automatic takes full control of that power. Downshifts are as immediate as a jab at the accelerator pedal and passing maneuvers are a breeze. Handling is a strong point with a firm predictable feel and cornering ability. To extract more excitement form the gearbox, just slip the gear selector into sport mode and upshift and downshift using +/- buttons on the side of the shift knob.
In its asking price range the Focus offers equipment and safety features that are normally found in car costing more than RM20,000 more. Add in the handsome looks, good cabin space and ergonomics and not forgetting the drive dynamics and it is no surprise that this Focus is the global No.1 selling car to date. Welcome back Ford!
Ford Focus Sedan Titanium Specifications
Engine: 4 Cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Ti-VCT
Capacity: 1999cc
Gearbox: 6-speed auto
Max power: 170bhp @ 6500rpm
Max torque: 202Nm @ 4450rpm
Top Speed: 220km/h as tested
0-100 km/h: NA
Selling Price: From RM115,000
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