Ford and its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has officially launched the new 2016 Ford Focus in Malaysia. Stylish, packed with an array of smart technologies and powered by an exhilarating 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, it is currently the most powerful small car in the market right now!
“The new Focus has evolved in nearly every aspect – design, smart technology, driving dynamics, powertrain and refinement. We’re confident this will further strengthen its appeal with Malaysian customers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
The new Focus features a host of cutting-edge technologies to help drivers stay connected and in control.
Chief among these is SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system that boasts an eight-inch colour touchscreen to operate phone, entertainment and climate control using a simple voice command system.
The new Focus is available with a smart, hands-free parking system called Enhanced Active Park Assist, which builds on Ford’s popular Parallel Park Assist with the addition of Perpendicular Park Assist. Once activated, the system scans for available parking spaces alongside other cars. When it finds one, the system takes control of the car’s steering to guide the vehicle into the space while the driver controls the shifting, braking and acceleration.
Perpendicular Park Assist uses two new ultrasonic sensors on the rear of the car, which also enables Park-Out Assist. Park-Out Assist takes the stress out of exiting a parallel parking space by taking control of the steering while the driver operates the brake and accelerator.
When reversing from a perpendicular parking space, Cross Traffic Alert uses three distinct warnings to alert drivers if the system detects a vehicle approaching either from the left or the right side, up to a range of 40 metres.
The new Focus helps drivers to maintain awareness of their surroundings with Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). Using radar technology, BLIS alerts the driver when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot by illuminating warning LEDs in the external mirrors.
In urban driving up to 50 km/h, an enhanced Active City Stop system can help to mitigate low-speed collisions. Using a windshield-mounted sensor to detect braking, slower-moving or stationary vehicles in front, the system pre-charges the brakes if the car is approaching a vehicle in front too quickly. If the driver fails to take action, the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of a collision.
The new Focus even allows owners to encourage safe driving when they are not behind the wheel, with Ford MyKey. Owners can programme a spare key to reduce the maximum speed of the vehicle, give an earlier low-fuel warning, limit the volume of the in-car entertainment or even disable it completely if the seatbelt is not fastened. The technology can provide reassurance to owners when lending their car to less experienced drivers.
Under the hood, power is supplied by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that pumps out an impressive 180PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Helping drivers harness this power is a new, lightweight and efficient 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the ultimate sporty drive.
On the go, the new Focus takes the nameplate’s class-leading driving dynamics and fun-to-drive DNA to a new level with enhanced handling thanks to carefully tuned suspension and shock absorbers that make the vehicle more solid and responsive.
A more refined Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system further improves the driving experience with more precise steering and lower effort, while reducing unwanted damping and providing excellent feedback to the driver.
Available in Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Candy Red, Magnetic and Winning Blue, pricing for the new Focus, on the road without insurance, is:
• Focus Trend (5 door): RM118,888 in Peninsular Malaysia/ RM123,388 in East Malaysia
• Focus Titanium+ (4 door) and Sport+ (5 door): RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia / 144,588 in East Malaysia
Additionally, all current Ford owners can enjoy a cash rebate of RM3,000 when purchasing the all-new Ford Focus from now until 30 April 2016.
Click here to read our full review of the 2016 Ford Focus.
