MANILA, Philippines - Dynamic, sporty, and fun-to-drive, the all-new Ford Focus finally arrives in the Philippines with a new adjective up its sleeve: smart.
Developed as part of Ford’s One Ford strategy, the new Focus boasts of technology never before seen in its segment, let alone the Philippine automotive market altogether. Technologies such as Ford SYNC, Active Park Assist, Active City Spot, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Smart Keyless Entry with Ford Power Start will all be available equipment for the Focus.
The Focus takes Ford’s acclaimed “kinetic design” form language to the next level. Both the 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback Focus are striking with their sleek profile, dramatic rising belt line, and athletic stance. The dynamic shape also contributes to a low 0.295 drag coefficient, and together with Active Grille Shutter system that automatically controls airflow through the grille, the Focus boasts of unparalleled fuel efficiency with reduced wind noise.
Underneath is the company’s all-new global C-car platform in which Ford promises a more comfortable, more refined driving experience without sacrificing the sharp handling and driver-centric experience the Focus is known for. Ford engineers have taken great care to achieve a more rigid body structure by employing high-strength steel in 55 percent of its body. As a result, the all-new Focus is 30 percent more rigid than the outgoing model which in turn delivers class-leading NVH isolation. Additionally, the electric power steering has been retuned to deliver a more precise linear response.
For the Philippine market, the new Focus is available in two body styles and 7 variants, all designed to meet particular budgets and vehicle requirements. These variants are:
1.6 Ambiente 4DR 5MT (P 859,000);
1.6 Ambiente 4DR/5DR 6PS (P 929,000);
1.6 Trend 4DR/5DR 6PS (P 989,000);
2.0 Titanium+ 4DR and 2.0 Sport+ 5DR (P 1,199,000).
The Focus comes in Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Panther Black, Winning Blue, and Candy Red for the hatchback; and Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Panther Black, and Lunar Sky for the sedan.
Headlining the engine line-up is a new 2.0-liter Duratec Ti-VCT with gasoline direct injection (GDI). It delivers 170 hp and 202 Nm of torque—a 20 percent improvement in power compared to the previous 2.0-liter while delivering significant improvements in fuel economy. The second engine is a 1.6-liter Duratec Ti-VCT that serves up 125 horsepower and 159 Nm of torque.
Both the 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines are mated to Ford’s latest version of its six-speed PowerShift dual clutch automatic transmission with SelectShift which allows the driver to control the gear selection manually via buttons on the shift lever. A 5-speed manual is available on the base 1.6 Ambiente 4DR.
First introduced in the outgoing Ford Focus ST model, all 2.0-liter models of the all-new Focus comes equipped with Torque Vectoring Control which essentially acts like a limited slip differential balancing the distribution of power between the front wheels. It results in reduced understeer, improved traction, and better turn-in.
Standard equipment include 16-inch alloys with 205/60R16 tires, dual airbags, ABS, USB input for audio devices, and a passive anti-theft system. Trend models add front fog lamps, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and a 6 speaker system.
Meanwhile, the range-topping 4DR Titanium+ and 5DR Sport+ models boast of being the best-equipped in its class. Leading the way is Ford SYNC which provides hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity. This award-winning system allows the Focus to connect to almost any mobile phone or digital media player via Bluetooth or USB. It then allows the driver to make calls or play music via 150 different voice commands or through the steering wheel-mounted controls.
Aside from Ford SYNC, the Titanium+ and Sport+ models offer an array of technology never before seen. With Active Park Assist, the Focus can parallel park itself totally hands-free using sensors around the car to identify a suitable parking spot then steer the car into place. Thanks to Active City Stop, the Focus can also monitor the road ahead for stationary traffic and then apply the brakes automatically if the sensors detect if the car in front has stopped unexpectedly. The Blind Spot Information System or BLIS (only available in Titanium+), can detect when a vehicle enters the Focus’s blind spot and then issue a corresponding warning be it when changing lanes or parking with limited visibility.
Lastly, the Smart Keyless Entry with Ford Power Start allows the driver to lock or unlock the doors and start the Focus without taking the key out of a bag or pocket. It can also lock or unlock the doors by the mere presence of the key fob.
Other features common to both the Titanium+ and Sport+ models include auto on/off HID headlights, a 4.2-inch TFT display, dual-zone climate control, a 9-speaker Sony audio system, rain-sensing wipers, power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror among a host of many others. Features exclusive to the Titanium+ are leather seating with power adjustments for both driver and passenger, while the Sport+ is the only one that receives 17-inch alloys with 215/50R17 tires, a Sport-tuned suspension, and “ST Design” rear spoiler.
Built at the new US$450-million Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant in Rayong, Thailand, the new Focus promises to set a new standard in build quality and craftsmanship. For instance, the body undergoes a new painting process called Three-Wet Paint Process which applies primer, base, and clear coat all in one go allowing for deeper, fuller and more consistent colors. Inside, the Focus is filled with soft-touch materials and superior trim materials including brushed aluminum accents and leather that covers the sculpted cockpit in some models.
The new Focus raises the bar in its segment with its unmatched combination of smart technologies, outstanding fuel economy, expressive design, responsive performance, and high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety.