Ford has been at the forefront of in-car technology for years, delivering some of the most well integrated infotainment and tech features to be seen on any car. The new Focus is no exception to the rule – and you’re reminded of that with the new key fob. It’s called ‘MyKey’, and it does a lot more than meets the eye.
You can set it to limit the volume of the radio or the maximum speed of the vehicle if you’re lending the car to your children. And when in use, you never even have to take it out of your pocket, not even to unlock the doors or start the engine!
Once you’re settled into the cockpit, SYNC 2 brings you a new dimension of connectivity and functionality. SYNC 2 is made with ease-of-use in mind. One look at the large 8” display will tell you all you need to know. The screen’s generous real estate is split up into four quadrants – one each for Phone, Navigation, Climate and Entertainment. Pressing one of these quadrants brings you to the relevant menu.
Thanks to intelligent software supplied by Microsoft, SYNC 2 gets along with any modern smartphone OS, be it iOS, Android, Windows or BlackBerry. Compared to older systems, SYNC 2 has many advantages. With it, you have the option to display your contact’s photo when they call, and you can even ask it to read out an incoming message or send a pre-set SMS response.
No matter what you’re doing, SYNC 2’s functions can be controlled with voice commands. This allows the driver to focus the task at hand, using natural speech to place a phone call, change the radio station or even adjust the climate control. Of course, many companies are providing voice control options too, but the technology behind SYNC 2 is a lore more matured and refined, making the user experience painless.
The tech fest doesn’t end there. Enhanced Active Park Assist does every parking maneuver you could ever need – whether you’re getting into or out of a tight space. What’s incredible is how easy the instructions are to follow, as very specific instructions appear on the display to prompt your next move. In no time at all, you’ll be in a space you couldn’t imagine yourself getting into, and you won’t even have to touch the steering wheel to get in there!
All of these features would have been right at home in an ultra-premium German sedan, but Ford brings it to Malaysians in a relatively affordable C-segment entry. And that’s the amazing part of it all – you get a cutting edge cabin in a car that’s reasonably priced.
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 1,600- to 5,000rpm
Top speed: 139mph
0-100km/h: 8.6 seconds
Selling Price: RM118,888 (Trend) & RM139,888 (Sport+)
