IT seems like it was only yesterday when Ford Philippines introduced a new Ford Focus to the market as a replacement for the second generation, which was sold from 2004 until 2010.
The new Focus still bears a lot of resemblance—in terms of shape and styling—to the third generation, which was introduced in 2011.
The latest iteration of the Focus now boasts of a new front end that is similar to its smaller sibling, the Fiesta. The new look has turned the already good-looking Focus into a better one.
According to Kay Hart, Ford Philippines managing director, “The new Ford Focus was created with our customers and their needs in mind. The sophisticated, energized and progressive new Focus is loaded with the smartest and safest technologies in its segment, making it absolutely more efficient and cleverly designed, all within a more refined package.”
Those words were just icing on the cake, as Ford Philippines made sure that the new Focus would leave a lasting impression on all the motoring journalists, who attended the launch, by highlighting the new features on the new model and, at the same time, displaying the current ones that have made the vehicle a best-seller among Ford’s current lineup.
To allow us to fully experience the Focus’s new features, we were divided into two groups. I was paired with colleague Randy Peregrino, and we found ourselves testing the vehicle inside the warehouse just beside the presentation area on C5, Libis, Quezon City.
First up was the Active City Stop System. We were instructed to drive up to 40 kph toward a Ford embossed tarpaulin without stepping on the brakes. A few inches before we hit the imaginative wall, the car stopped by itself.
Very impressive.
According to Ford, the system pre-charges the brakes if the windshield-mounted sensors detect a braking, slower moving and even stationary vehicle up-front. In cases wherein the Focus is approaching a vehicle at a fast clip, the system reduces the engine and torque, and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of the unavoidable collision.
The second test was a jaw-dropper to the uninitiated. The enhanced Active Park Assist is definitely Back to The Future stuff. Both the Parallel Park Assist and the Perpendicular Assist remove the guesswork when parking the car. Just watching the steering wheel turn and the car perfectly park itself will definitely elicit oohs and ahs from passengers and onlookers alike.
The amazement didn’t end there. Not only can the Focus park itself, it can also drive itself out of the parking spot. The 8-inch monitor on the dashboard, as well as a buzzer, cues the driver when it is time to step on the brakes. With this system, the Focus may be the most intelligent car in its segment to date.
Through the years, the Focus has established a very good reputation for power, speed and handling. This is what the next test showed.
Ford fans should rejoice, as the new Focus is more powerful, faster and still one of the best handling vehicles being sold in the country today. It made short work of the slalom course designed by respected racer and fellow journalist George Ramirez. The car is obviously aided by the carefully tuned suspension and shock absorbers, which eliminate unwanted body roll, and keep it firmly planted on the tarmac on every turn.
Acceleration was again very impressive, thanks to the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that now powers both the sedan and the hatchback. The engine now packs more motive force—180 hp of power and 240 N-m of torque—to be more precise, and is mated to six-speed automatic transmission that is lightweight, even more efficient and delivers lightning-quick response. Ford says that it’s even more frugal at the pump. Now, talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
Also thrown in are paddle shifters, which will give owners the chance to live out their World Rally Championship dreams. After all, the Focus is a certified winner of the highly touted event many times over.
The Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) has been refined further for more precise steering and less effort, and the reduction of unwanted damping provides an even better feedback for the driver.
Other notable features include the exclusive Ford connectivity system called the SYNC 2, which is now even smarter and safer. With SYNC 2, the driver can operate the car’s climate control, entertainment system and a connected smartphone with voice commands. The monitor is now easier to operate with color-coded corners for menu navigation.
Possessing good looks, a better interior and features that are not available in other models that are competing in this cutthroat segment, the new Focus has again raised the bar in its category. Hart, however, offered a better description of their newest baby, when she said, “The new Focus reflects the strengths of its predecessor, while evolving in nearly every aspect, from design and technology to driving dynamics, driver comfort and overall comfort. We are very excited to be launching a smarter, safer, efficient and more sophisticated Focus, which guarantees to give that fun-to-drive experience that our Filipino customers are looking for.”
The new Focus is now available in Ford showrooms. The Hatchback Sport and Sedan Titanium come with a P1.088-million price tag, while the Hatchback Sport+ and Sedan Titanium+ can be had for P1.278 million.
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo