2012 Ford Focus

     At last, the long awaited and hyped 2012 Ford Focus has arrived at our shore in this 3rd Q of the 2012. Sime Darby Autoconexxion (Ford authorized dealer in Malaysia) has done pretty good job in the market thus far with the Ford Fiesta and now, with the new & high tech Focus, I'm pretty sure, they are not just another brand in the market, but they are getting serious to be A Brand in the market.

     Okay now, the new Ford Focus. What's the fuss about this ford then?

ALL NEW 2012 FORD FOCUS - By Mohammad AZ

1. Exterior Design

     The most obvious changes from the previous model you can see (the first thing you'll notice of course) is the new body design. Its sexy, aggressive and sporty looks humbles most of its rival. It's just sexy in every angle. There are 2 variants of this model (both are petrol, TDCi is yet to be announced when it'll be launched) available in the market, the hatchback and the sedan. You must be asking, the previous Focus Sedan looked matured and not as sporty as its hatchback sibling. But worry not, as this new Focus, be it in HB or Sedan, you will look good in either of them. (although the HB is the one to go if you want to look sportier). The front grill, is Ford's new signature front end design (as to BMW to its kidney grill design) so that when a Ford pass by, people will recoginse "ahhh..that's a Ford...". The design is based on Ford Kinetic's concept which was used in Taurus, Fiesta and the previous HB Focus, except this one has a much better look. The head and tail light designed as if they were swept back looks as if it's pulled towards the rear, this help the visual stance of the car and at the same time, they have successfully avoid the car from looked over hanged. The detailing of the tail light also helps. Nice work on the exterior design by Ford! 

* Exterior : 

2. Interior design

     Now this is the best and strongest point for Ford. They never failed to design a beautiful and interesting interior. It's far from dull. I especially love the sporty dials design with a racy blue color needle and the digital LCD interface between the tacho and speedometer. The information displayed are easy to read and used via buttons on the steering (no I-drive need). Seats are supportive and comfortable. Steering and gear lever looks stylish and exclusive. Button are well proportioned and doesn't looked out of place. The center console and the radio interface are neat. Dashboards with a touch of soft plastics which is so welcomed. The only comment is there are some place with  hard cheap plastic but it's a no issue, just a minor one (the only one).

* Interior Looks :  

3. Technology (some of the contents sourced from Ford website - www.ford.net.my )

     Technology is the second feature that buyers look at when buying a car. be it gadgets, torque vectoring system, brake distribution, etc. Ford has put almost every technology exists out there in most high end brands like, Merc, BMW, Audi and Lexus into this new Focus. 

1. Active Shutter Grille - This system automatically opens and closes the lower grille to control the amount of air going into the engine compartment thus reducing drag and improves fuel consumption for you.

2. The cutting-edge Torque Vectoring Control Technology - It reacts to the road surface 100 times per second and repeatedly balances the amount of power and braking delivered to the two front wheels to maximise grip and sharpen handling, helping you round corners and over undulations on the road. 

3. Active Park Assist - With the push of a button, ultrasonic sensors scan the empty parking spot and steers you in perfectly. Now that’s first-class service. 

4. Ford Sync by Microsoft - With over 10,000 voice recognition, SYNC® will operate your MP3 player, climate control, and even phone, so you can have a quick meeting on the go or read out and reply your SMS (simple messages like, I will call you back or I love you....still useful though)   

5. Active City Stop - When driving in the city, if a car in front stops because of an emergency, the Focus senses, measures and automatically brakes when you don’t. It keeps you safe by constantly looking out for you. 

6. Keyless, Intelligent Access + Push Start Button - Unlock your car even with your key fob in your pocket. To start the car, push the Push Button Start and the Focus springs to action with the key still in your pocket.

7. Powershift gearbox - Dual clutch technology gearbox that operates smoothly. The Powershift main priority is to provide good economical fuel consumption. It's not that responsive like a DSG, but it is set up for comfort and more to cruise than time attack.

Now, that's full bouquet of technology in a car that  ranges around RM 120-130K in which exists in most high end cars like Merc S class, Audi A8 or Lexus GS have (all of them costs closed to or more than half a million Ringgit, with Merc S class closed to a million Ringgit). 

* Technology :

4. Ride and Handling.

     Ford is known for it's ride quality. The suspension set up is just nice for our road in Malaysia and makes the ride comfortable, a bit to the soft side, but it's not pudding soft, it's firm but more to soft set up. It helps absorbs hump and holes well. Cabin is well insulated. So road/tyre noise is non issue. Handling is good with the help of the technology of course which also an add up to safety as well. My wife is a claustrophobic type and she is not easy to sit at the back of any car and feel comfortable, but, she said it's nice and comfy sitting behind the new Focus. Steering is a bit lack of feel and response that we need from something that has sport in its name. It's not that sharp like Suzuki's but for most of the buyer, they just don't care as long as it's comfortable and easy to drive without any fuss. So, if you are that buyer, it won't be a problem for you. Anyway, it was never a problem, only a minor comment. This is not a serious performance A-B kinda car though. So if you are looking for a serious weapon, this is not for you then. An ST is unlikely to be brought here by SDAC, reasons, price will not be competitive. Honestly, maybe they can, just a very limited number of less than 5 maybe, but upon order or something. But anyway, better just go to AP importer as it's much cheaper to buy. (you have to make do without Ford's 3 years warranty). Anyway, back to this new Focus that we have on our shore again. Handling and ride quality is good and those who buy this car will not regret it. 

* Ride and Handling : 

4. Cabin and Boot Space 

     Of course, when buying a car, these two are also important to a young family with 1 or 2 kids or a young executive. The focus is an affordable smaller segment car, the some of the buyer will find the rear seats as OKAY and some will find it acceptable. The front however are comfortable has good rear visibility. So, with price it offers and with, well, let say not that bad rear space, it's acceptable. It's really not that bad the rear space. If we put two adults (with Asians size), the rear seat comfort is good all directions. But for tall people (6 footer above), the only problem, just a small problem, is the legroom, the knee will surely scratch the front seats. As for the boot, the HB has slightly more space that it's sedan sibling. These two however, can easily fit one golf set and a big luggage. So, space is not a problem, and, I, find it more spacious than most of its rival.

* Cabin and Boot Space :

  

5. Performance

The 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers 170PS power and 202Nm of torque. This new engine is coupled with the new direct injection technology and Dual Clutch Transmission (Powershift in Ford's term). The new engine is powerful indeed, more than almost all of its rivals. But, it isn't as thrilling as the Mazda 3 which is more lively than the Focus. But, keep in mind that while the 2012 Focus may have the torque vectoring as standard and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, it's not an all out sports car, and isn't cut for track weapon. It doesn't even have paddle shifters (just a small button on the side of the gear lever for up and down shift - a bit gimmicky to me). The 0-100 KM/H take 7.8 seconds but it does not feel that fast to me. The only reason is due to the tranny, it seems to have lack of the sharpness and crackle of the DSG. But again, Ford is not to blame for that as they have informed the buyer that it was set up for a better fuel consumption, but hey, what's wrong for just a bit more fun right, Ford? :). Hope they can revise the tranny juuust for a bit more fun in the next Gen Powershift. Anyway, the engine is sweet and love to revs. Not sure if they are bringing manual GB for this Focus, but if they do, then it's a cracker. 

* Performance :

                                 

OVERALL : Ford has done an excellent job with this new Focus. Just minor comments on the steering feel, for enthusiasts - auto gearbox seems to be set up too economical (it's not a performance car after all), not that responsive for a more enthusiastic driving, also just a bit of harsh and cheap plastic on some of the panels and rear space just a bit tight for taller passenger. But the overall, it's good to know that Ford has come back and they have come back strong with this new Focus. With the price and technology it offers, this car is a bang for your buck. PRICE ESTIMATE : RM 115-125K. 

* OVERALL : 

                                 

    

    

FORD - GO FURTHER

* Thanks to Sime Darby Autoconexxion for the Test Drive Session at the Glenmarrie Holiday Inn on the 11th August 2012, 10 AM.

Proton Preve - Test Drive

Last Saturday i have tested the new Preve. here is my summary on the improvement of the new "world/global proton" : 

1) Exterior looks : 

Well, I have no argument with it, it does look better than previous proton. Whatever those cynical ppl said about it, it is an improvement in the proton design team. Well, at least a better one than previous. I am not comparing it with other brands, only comparing it with the previous proton models. 

2) Quality build :

Hmm. The quality is much better, against all previous protons. The gap between the panels are much tighter. The sound of the door closing is much better to hear than the Persona or the Saga (no offence).

3) Interior looks :

The soft plastic on the door panels and dashboard is much welcome - a much improvement than the hard cheap plastic from the other models. Well, I especially like the new tachometer and speedometer. It looks a bit European and upmarket. The only critics I have is that they don't have leather for the seats, they came only in fibre. But no problem, the seats are fine. They provide comforrt and also quite good lateral support for the driver.

4) Engine

It comes in a 1.6 Campro Fuel Efficient (CFE) that has a little tiny turbo.

 CFE ENGINE - note that tiny turbo somewhere there :p .

This engine produces around 138BHP and 205 healty N.M of torque. The torque comes as early as 2000RPM++. So, the outcome should be good.

Well, to be honest, the engine sounds a bit struggling to me (who has an ecperience with turbo car). This is maybe due to the CVT gearbox. It is a brilliant gearbox but it seems to be...erm...like doing it's own work. This make the engine feels - well, a bit numb and dull. Boring. Sluggish. It is not a performance car though. So for a normal commute to office point A to point B, it is just OKAY, the torque comes in very early so it does not need for the engine to rev so much. For a performance guy like whoever you, who wants this car, please have an extra RM2k and install an aftermarket piggyback. Why? Because the way the boost comes in is a bit clumsy and unsatisfactory. Or maybe the boost is too small - 0.5 bar maybe or the CVT is the main culprit? Talk about the CVT it is the the biggest criticisme and disspointment for me. My Fiesta has a much better response with DCT. Come on Proton, nowdays we are going for Dual Clutch!!! They wanted it to be ultra smooth, but it hampers the performance.

5) Noise and Vibration?

ThE NVH is quite good. I hardly hear what happen outside and also the tyre roar is much much lower now in the Preve. Good for comfort. But, the turbo whistling is too much and it does sounds like struggling (i cannot work out whether it is due to the CVT or the way the boost comes in or maybe the way this turbo sucks the air?). The turbo sound is quite annoying for a comfort car. They should do someting on that. Maybe an extra sound dampening on the front? 

6) Handling

THe handling is quite good. THe suspension is set up for comfort, so it makes a very pleasant ride even on harsh roads. It is not soft or too firm. It is just nice. 

So how much ratings do i have to give. Well this is quite hard. I want to give more to the new Preve, and I expect more from them. But I have to accept the reality, that Proton is still proton. I am not saying that they are not improving. They are, and that's good. It's just that comparing to the other brands. they are feeling a bit, just a bit, fallen behind. But, kudos to Proton for this improivement. But, due to the price is RM50K+ for the non turbo, and 72K+ for the turbo, it is a bargain. Hopefully, with the new owner, HICOM, we hope that they will improve further and may this Preve be the first step for the Proton we hoped for all this years. :). 

Ratings - 5/10

+(this proton is a bargain and much improved proton).

-(the CVT and turbo noise is annoying)

Az

Today - 9th April 2012

First time blogging.. Don't know what to write exactly.

Well, how about yesterday's Man Utd wins over QPR. But, does Lee Mason decision to give a penalty to Man Utd when Young actually was already offside is correct one? A red card for Shaun Derry on top of that? I am a Man Utd fan, but I am also a football lover, so to see that kind of poor refereeing is kinda hurt. It lowered down the quality for the match. Great penalty kick by Rooney for the opening goal in the 15th Minute of the game. But, kudos to QPR for not giving up  and keep going, but no luck for them and also without Cisse, they are lacking the finishing touch. Anyway, even against 10 men QPR, Man Utd had a very tough time breaking QPR's wall of defence. But than, Paul Scholes, the ginger man, hits QPR (due to Taraabt's poor clearance) with a goal from 20 yards from a ricochet right foot. He manages to find a small space in between the QPR defenders. So, even though Man Utd deserves the win with their never say die attitude in any match, the only and should I say the stain of the game, is the poor refereeing by Lee Mason. Without the red card and penalty, will Man Utd still had won the game? I my opinion, they will. GGMU! :).

Az.