The right focus on performance, handling

The Nation
 
For years, American auto-maker Ford has been trying to break into the lucrative Thai automobile market, which is dominated by Japanese powerhouses Toyota, Honda and Isuzu. But it hasn't been easy due to the already fierce market competition, as well as strong customer loyalty to Japanese brands.
After struggling for years, Ford – which is, in fact, one of the largest investors in  Thailand's automobile industry – has come up with the right strategy. And it’s simple: offer products that are clearly superior to the competition. Apart from higher specifications and performance, new Ford models are being loaded with industry firsts -- for example, a voice control system in the Fiesta sub-compact.
So when Ford announced that its new US$450-million (Bt14.25 billion) assembly plant in Rayong would churn out the Focus compact car, many had high expectations.
The previous Focus was probably the best car in its segment, and today a previously owned Focus diesel can fetch a highly attractive price in the used car market.
However, Ford has opted to first introduce the gasoline version of the Focus, while the diesel, which is expected to be an even bigger hit, has been held back for launch at a later period.
Ford is offering two engine sizes – 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre. The latter is featured today.
Ford invited auto journalists,including those from neighbouring countries, to test the new Focus down in Krabi.
While the location provided the media with great scenery and roads for superb photography and filming, it was unfortunate that the slow caravan-style driving prevented participants from actually testing the car’s dynamics, especially on those lovely winding mountain roads.
Nevertheless, it wasn't difficult to notice the car's precise handling and road-gripping suspension as well as low cabin noise and vibration. The steering weight was a little light at low speeds though, while the front strut and rear multi-link suspension have been tuned to offer slightly higher ride comfort than the outgoing model.The car features all-round disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, as well as a host of other electronic driver assistance systems such as ESP, traction control and TVC (Torque Vectoring Control).
Power comes from a two-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine that pumps out a remarkable 170 horsepower and 202Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed double-clutch PowerShift transmission offering manual shift mode through a small “+/-” button on the gearshift knob. A little awkward to use at first but you’ll get used to it.
As mentioned, Ford’s strategy is to load up the Focus and plow its way into the market with its outstanding value for money. Among the features never offered before in this market segment include Auto Park Assist, Hill Launch Assist and Active City Stop (the Blind Spot Information System is offered only in the sedan). Yeah, these are safety features that you’d expect from European luxury cars such as the Volvo. And apart from dual front airbags, there are also side airbags and side curtain airbags. There are seatbelt warnings for both front occupants, the multi-function steering wheel (which appears to have as many buttons as the centre console) is adjustable for reach and rake, and electric window switches are all one-touch. The sideview mirrors are wide-angled and the rearview mirror comes with night vision. Another highlight is the Ford Sync system (provided by Microsoft) voice command for the nice Sony audio and Bluetooth phone systems.
For those who wonder what Active Park Assist is, it's a system that detects an available parallel parking spot and steers itself into that slot. All you have to do is change gears, step on the gas and brake accordingly. As for Active City Stop, the system detects vehicles in front and automatically applies the brakes to prevent collision (at speeds of up to 15km/h -- above which it is automatically disengaged -- and it doesn’t work with pedestrians or motorcycles yet).
I was admiring the equipment level of the Focus, but then came a major surprise as I fumbled for the power-seat adjustment in the top 2.0 Sport+ model. There weren’t any – turns out only the top sedan models get power seats. Well, after loading the car with so many high-tech gadgets, it’s all too easy for Ford to decide to leave out the power seats (at least for the driver) in the top 5-door model in order to price it under Bt1.1 million. Fortunately the car comes equipped with automatic windshield wipers and auto headlights – two features that are used very often.
But apart from the missing electric seat, the Focus is definitely a highly attractive compact car that boasts a high level of unique high-tech features, many that I doubt would ever be offered by other brands in this market in the near future.
It will also be interesting to follow whether customers will go for these gadgets, which are still considered “extras” and aren’t used very often in daily driving.
Surely they are great for brand image, but personally, I’d go for the Focus simply for its performance and handling, as well as build quality and attention to detail.
As for the self-parking system? No thanks, I like doing it the old-fashioned way!
 
 
Ford Focus 2.0L Sport+
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 16-valve with Ti-VCT
Displacement: 1,999cc
Bore and stroke: 87.5x83.1
Compression ratio: 12:1
Max power: 170ps/6,600rpm
Max torque: 202Nm/4,450rpm
Transmission: 6-speed PowerShift
Ratios: n/a
Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, coil spring, anti-roll bar/control blade multi link
Steering: powered rack and pinion
Turning circle: n/a
Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc with ABS, BA, EBD
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 4,358
Width: 1,823
Height: 1,484
Wheelbase: 2,648
Track (f/r): 1,559/1,544
Weight (kgs): n/a
Wheels: 17-in alloy
Tires: 215/50R17
Fuel tank capacity (liters): 55 litres
Price: Bt1.079 million
Distributor: Ford ( Thailand ) Ltd