Going Global
Designed in Europe, the all-new Focus was developed under the company's One Ford strategy and built to suit the needs of a wide range of customers worldwide, including us Filipinos. What this means is that we're getting a world-class product and not something watered-down to cut costs. And with the debut of the all-new Focus, Ford is setting a new standard in its segment with its striking design, smart technologies, performance, and safety.
It might sadden you, though, that this Focus will no longer be Philippine-made, as Ford Group Philippines (FGP) plans to shut down its plant in Santa Rosa later this year. Instead, it will be produced at the blue oval brand's new US$ 450 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand.
It's Got the Looks
The all-new Focus comes with hatchback and sedan options and is an evolution of the nameplate's signature European styling; that's why it fits so well within Ford's family tree. You can even say that it somewhat resembles its younger brother, the Fiesta, in some angles.
Though its Darth Vader-inspired gaping front grill looks intimidating, don't fret, because this compact has a gentler side to it. Smooth contours embrace its every corner, while subtle curves gives it character, which makes it quite inviting. The hatchback's roof spoiler and the sedan's built-in trunk spoiler are also a nice touch.
If you think the all-new Focus looks good on the outside, wait till you see what's in the cabin. Ford has skillfully contrasted soft-touch plastic with piano-black and silver trims, that the interior easily puts other more luxurious brands to shame. They've also embellished the steering wheel and center console with beautifully-crafted buttons and switches. The stitched-leather seats are likewise as alluring.
Getting Smart
While other manufacturers give us stripped-down versions of their sedans, Ford is giving us the full monty. Details such as side curtain airbags, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control, and traction control are features we don't normally see in cars in this segment, but they all come standard with the all-new Focus, plus a whole lot more.
Leading the way is the award-winning Ford SYNC, which provides hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity for phone calls or music selection, so you'll always have your hands on the wheel. There's also a Smart Keyless Entry and Ford Power Start that lets you open the doors and start the engine without having to take the keys out of your bag or pocket. But what really impresses us is the list of smart technologies it packs.
If by chance you haven't mastered the art of parallel parking just yet, the all-new Focus' Active Park Assist can do it for you - totally hands-free. The system uses several sensors around the vehicle and automatically steers in the car into the space. All that's left for you to do is control the accelerator, brake, and gears. Easy peasy.
The top-of-the-line Sport and Titanium versions even have tech to keep you out of trouble. Active City Stop is a collision-mitigation system that applies the brakes automatically if it detects the car in front stopped unexpectedly. There's also a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which displays an orange light in the corresponding side mirror to let you know if a vehicle is in your blind spot. And just in case you get a bit too ambitious around corners, the Torque Vectoring Control system will enhance the Focus' cornering abilities so you'd come out unscathed.
Running Green
There are currently two engine options for the all-new Focus: a new 2.0L Duratec Ti-VCT Gdi and a smaller 1.6L version borrowed from the Fiesta.
The larger 2.0L delivers 170 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque, which is 20% more power than its predecessor while achieving better fuel economy. It's mated with a six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission that's equipped with SelectShift Automatic functionality, so you can still manually control the gears. Meanwhile, the 1.6L engine packs 125 horses and 159 Nm of torque, just like the Fiesta, and is matched to either a regular six-speed PowerShift auto or a five-speed manual.
Get Ahead
Packed with all the goodies you'll ever want, Ford's all-new Focus is truly back at the forefront of its class. Prices start at P859,000 for the bare-bones 1.6L Ambiente Sedan MT, while the 6-speed PowerShift is listed at P929,000 - available as a hatchback and sedan. The better-equipped 1.6L Trend hatchback and sedan come at P989,000. But if you want the all the shenanigans, then go for the 2.0L Titanium+ Sedan or Sport+ Hatchback at P1,199,00 and get toys such as a nine-speaker Sony sound system, 4.2-inch TFT screen, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a Sport-tuned suspension. No annoucement yet has been made if a diesel or EcoBoost version will come to the Philippines.
The all-new Focus will officially go on sale in dealerships nationwide in September and will be available the following colors: Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Panther Black, Winning Blue, and Candy Red for the 5-door hatchback and Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Panther Black, and Lunar Sky for the 4-door sedan.
