There is a new ‘trend’ with the mid-segment car buyers. Malaysians are starting to look at hatchbacks more over sedans and this has prompted the successful launch of the all new Ford Focus earlier this year.
With sales in the uptrend, Ford has had little reason to re-invent the hot hatch as they have been in this segment since the early 1980s when the Ford Laser S was a segment winner and this continued to the Laser TX3.
The new Focus we are test driving here is not an extension of the previous Focus and instead it is a brand new model with a brand new 1.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Ford has managed to give this Focus the most powerful engine in its class, pumping out an impressive 180PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Helping drivers harness this power is a new, lightweight and efficient 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the ultimate sporty drive.
Ford strives to provide the best level of safety with all their vehicles and with this Focus nothing has been spared for the safety of all passengers. Equipped with up to 6-airbags, the new Focus gives drivers extra confidence with the latest driver assist technologies like Enhanced Transitional Stability, which can predict a skid and step in early to potentially prevent a loss of control and enhanced Active City Stop.
In the Focus Trend, entertainment is handled via a 3.5″ Dot Matrix Display SYNC Gen 1 with an available USB & AUX Jack plus a Front Storage USB running your playlist via 6 well placed speakers.
On the test drive, it was clear that Ford has kept the sporty image alive with their Focus. From ignition this Focus is quick of the mark with an 8.6 seconds acceleration and the well crafted design allows for a smooth slippery 220km/h top speed without any issue.
Steering feel remains class impressive with a nice weighted direct feel. In city traffic it is a very easy car to live with as the glasshouse is well placed for the driver to see all around. At its asking price of RM118,888, this Ford Focus Trend ticks all the right boxes and provides great fun for the driver looking for excitement when the road up front opens up.
Ford Focus 1.5L EcoBoost Specifications
Engine: Turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol
Capacity: 1498cc
Transmission: 6-speed semi-auto
Power: 180hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm at 1,600rpm-5,000rpm
Top speed: 220km/h
0-100km/h: 8.6 seconds
Selling Price: RM118,888
