|
BY the
time you read this, car buyers will be milling around
inside various Ford dealerships and looking at the new
Ford Focus 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi Sport that debuted in
the Philippine market at the Subic Bay International
Raceway last weekend.
In an
apparent answer to the call for fuel-efficient cars that
are of high quality and power, the introduction of the
new Ford Focus 2.0L Diesel is perceived as a godsend of
sorts to local vehicle buyers.
In a
series of tests participated in by local motoring
journalists during the press preview, the Ford Foucs
2.0L Diesel proved to be the car that local consumers
have long been waiting for because of its peerless
power, drivability and economy.
“We
believe this is a powerhouse of a diesel-fed car, one we
can proudly associate the Ford name with. For most
people, the new Ford Focus Duratorq TDCi may just be a
new model with a new engine. But for us, it represents
something much more important. This is a fulfillment of
our promise to the Philippines—that is, creating cars
that are exciting, enduring, safe and good for the
environment, and within reach,” said Rick Baker, Ford
Group Philippines president, who joined the huge group
of motoring journalists for the two-day test.
For his
part, Ford Group Philippines’ assistant vice president
for passenger cars Glen Dasig said that the new car is a
product of Ford’s continued listening to their
customers’ demand for diesel alternatives because of its
benefits. “As a result, we are bringing in one of Ford’s
best vehicles in Europe. Customers will be surprised and
delighted with Ford Focus Duratorq TDCi’s superior
power, fuel efficiency and refinement.”
The
heart and soul of the vehicle is the new turbo-diesel
common-rail direct-injection engine that delivers peak
torque of 340 Nm and features a unique transient
“overboost feature for excellent performance response
mated with a six-speed transmission.” The engine
delivers exceptional levels of driving quality and quiet
operation to the vehicle, which has become one of the
top car favorites worldwide and has earned numerous
global awards, including the much-coveted Car of the
Year both in
Europe and North
America.
The Ford
Focus TDCi’s peak torque of 340 Nm at 2,000 rpm and
maximum power of 136 Ps at 4,000 rpm makes it not only
powerful but also agile and responsive, with plenty of
pulling power at low engine speeds for user-friendly
everyday driving. “If you think those numbers are
impressive, wait until you’ve tried the Ford Focus TDCi.
You really have to be behind the wheel to feel how
impressive the torque is and how much it fares above the
premium diesel range, and on a par with petrol engines,”
Dasig added.
The
company laid its claim on the line in an elaborate
introduction in Subic, where the cars’ quiet engines and
powerful torque were proven in a drag race, autocross
and an “amazing race” that brought them to various
places in Subic, such as the Zoobic Safari, Extreme
Adventure and All Hands Resort, all aboard the Ford
Focus 2.0L Diesel.
The Ford
Focus Duratorq TDCi engine features variable-nozzle
turbo (VNT) technology controlled by the engine
management system, which provides quicker engine
response and better overall efficiency, plus higher
power and torque, without increasing fuel consumption
and emissions.
The
power plant features a drive-by-wire system that
operates in conjunction with a host of engine,
transmission and steering sensors to provide refinement,
lower fuel consumption and cleaner emissions. Despite
an increase in power output, it achieves a frugal 21.7
km/liter in highway driving. The common-rail
fuel-injection technology’s fine levels of injector
control and high fuel pressures allow the engine
combustion to be controlled with extreme precision.
The
vehicle also produces a highly rewarding driving
experience, delivering a top speed of 203 kph, and zero
to 100-kph acceleration in 9.3 seconds.
Complementing the advanced engine is the control blade
independent rear suspension, while electric hydraulic
power-assisted steering makes low speed maneuvers easier
while preserving precision on the open road. Its braking
system, on the other hand, provides outstanding “feel”
and high levels of reassurance for drivers even in
emergency situations.
The
vehicle’s exterior features include darkened headlamp
surrounds, an integrated rear spoiler, body color grille
surround with black mesh, body color tailgate handle,
and 16-inch Sport design wheels. Complementing the
athletic exterior of the vehicle is the Ocean Blue body
color, which is exclusive to the Ford Focus Duratorq
TDCi. (The other body color is the Tonic.) Equally
luxurious inside with black sports leather, metallic
fine mesh panels and three-spoke leather steering wheel
with aluminized touches, the Ford Focus 2.0-litre
Duratorq TDCi virtually wraps its occupants with a
cockpit feel to provide everything you want, and where
you want to find it.
“The
refinement is the first thing you will notice with the
new Ford Focus. From the outside of the vehicle or from
the occupants’ perspective inside, the quietness and
smoothness of this engine is astounding. For the
discerning group of motorists who want diesel efficiency
with petrol drivability, the Ford Focus TDCi’s
significant cost-of-ownership benefits provide those
attributes, along with a clear long-term payback,” said
Dasig.
The Ford
Focus 2.0L Diesel is priced at P1.089 million. |
