New KIA Forte 2013

The 2013 Kia Forte (called the Kia K3 or Kia Cerato too depending on the country) has been officially unveiled by Kia Motors, and these are the first three studio images of Kia’s new C-segment sedan giving us a clear glimpse at the exterior of the car.

The new Forte will go on sale in Kia’s domestic South Korean market first at the Kia K3, and it will feature a body that’s longer, lower and wider than the current Forte, with an extended wheelbase. Looking at the new Hyundai Elantra’s dimensions, we expect the Forte to get the same 2,700mm wheelbase as its H-badged cousin.

What’s left for us to find out is how the interior looks like, as well as what engine options the new Forte will come with. For the Elantra, the 2.0 litre sees to be gone now, leaving us with a 1.6 litre and a 1.8 litre engine. Will we see the same refreshed engine line-up in the Forte?

New Lexus LS 2013

More images of the next generation Lexus LS has surfaced, and this time there are more photos of the regular Lexus LS, as from what we can see the previous photos are all of the sportier-looking F Sport version. At this rate, we pretty much know what the new LS looks like already – other than the big and imposing spindle grille, it’s more of an evolutionary improvement over the LS that it replaces rather than a revolutionary change in design. It’s almost like Lexus is going back to the days of the 1st generation LS – the 2nd generation that replaced it looked very similiar. What’s left is the interior and the engine choices – will Lexus debut a smaller engined V6-powered LS 350 for emerging markets to complement the huge V8-powered LS 460 and LS 600h?

Bologna Winger is on the way to Anfield

Winger set to leave Italy, as agent confirms talks with unnamed Premier League club.
Liverpool are favourites to sign Bologna winger Gaston Ramirez after the star’s agent confirmed talks with an unnamed Premier League club.
The Uruguayan is set to leave the Serie A this summer and has been linked with a move to Anfield, with Tottenham Hotspur mooted as another possible destination.
There is also interest from Internazionale and Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg but the 21-year-old’s agent Pablo Betancur does not believe either will be willing to meet Bologna’s asking price.
Betancur told calciomercato.com: “Inter like the player but we are very far off from what Bologna are asking for him – nearly €25million (£19.5m).
“I think it’s always been more likely that Gaston says goodbye to Italy. So much so that now I’m in London to talk with a Premier League club.
“The Wolfsburg interest? They were the first to move on Ramirez, but some of the figures are impossible for them too.
“I think Ramirez will leave. He is one of the best players and so there are many offers and, again, I think it’s unlikely he will remain in Italy.”
Ramirez is currently in Manchester with the Uruguayan squad preparing for the London Olympic Games.
He is rated as one of the most talented prospects in Italy and scored 8 league goals last season as Bologna finished ninth in the Serie A.

The REds make a move for Benfica Star

Anfield boss to launch move for Benfica star.

Portuguese source Record are today reporting that Liverpool are to make an offer of €18m (£14m) for Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan.
The 24 year old has enjoyed two very competent seasons at Benfica, helping the Lisbon side to mount a very laudable title challenge last term, before losing out in the final weeks of the campaign. The Argentine international may well be tempted by a move to the Premier League and could feel that his side is some way off the pace set by all conquering FC Porto.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is seemingly an admirer of Gaitan and could well be looking to bring in a goal-scoring midfielder, hence his previous interest in Gylfi Sigurdsson, who opted instead for a move to Tottenham over the chance to link up with his former boss.
Gaitan has notched up 13 goals and 25 assists over this two years at the Estadio da Luz and it’s just that type of effective creative talent that Liverpool do with in order to link midfield and attack.
Charlie Adam was brought in last summer to fulfill a similar role but the Scot faded as the season wore and a move to add further flair to his Anfield squad appears to be an area Rodgers will look to invest in this summer.

Aqua man going to Fiorentina

Liverpool have agreed to offload Italian flop Alberto Aquilani to Fiorentina for £7million, according to The People.
Kop boss Brendan Rodgers shipped out the midfielder to the Serie A side as he quickly looks to put his own stamp on the squad.
Aquilani has been a disaster for Liverpool since arriving for £20m from Roma in 2009. After struggling for fitness and form, he was loaned out to AC Milan last season.
The midfielder has played in a couple of pre-season games but did not figure in Rodgers’ plans for next season. Rodgers also wants to make way for a new midfield capture – and 28-year-old Aquilani’s £100k-a-week wages going off the payroll will help.
The new Anfield chief is keen to push on with a bid for Swansea’s Team GB midfielder Joe Allen but will not meet the Swans’ £15m valuation.
Rodgers hopes he can land Allen for around £9m and find a way round his ‘vow’ of not going back to the Welsh club for players. The Allen move will also be difficult as Swansea want a replacement teed up first.

New Mazda 6 2012/13

Click to enlarge
After a few videos (Teaser 1, Teaser 2, Teaser 3) from Mazda teasing its all-new Mazda 6, the Hiroshima-based company has released the first official image of its next D-segment contender, which will make its debut at the Moscow Motor Show next month.
As the photos show, the car will of course wear the new Mazda face, and it looks good. Looks familiar because we already have the CX-5 SUV, but this is a sleeker rendition.

Get used to it, as this new Kodo face will be repeated across the range, replacing the organic and flowing Nagare look as seen on today’s Mazda 3 and 5. All of us here prefer the new direction. You?
The new 6, which is based on the Takeri concept, will be the first model equipped with Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP. The debutant at the Moscow Motor Show will be a Russian specification sedan equipped with a direct-injection SkyActiv-G 2.0 petrol engine and six-speed SkyActiv–Drive automatic transmission.

New KIA Carens/Rondo

Kia has revealed the first images of its new Rondo (also known as the Carens), which is set to make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. The company says that the third-generation compact MPV is a lower, sleeker proposition offering plenty in the way of space.

The new Rondo – conceived around the theme ‘responsive space’ – will feature a completely fresh, sleek, cab-forward design, replete with a lower roofline, longer wheelbase, larger wheels of up to 18-inch sizing as well as a chrome beltline accent among the design cues. No other details as yet, so expect more as Paris gets closer.
 http://paultan.org/

Next Gen KIA Forte....

And it keeps on coming! We showed you the rear shot of the next-gen Kia Forte this morning, after Kia officially released sketches of their upcoming C-segment sedan earlier in the week. Now, we have got hold of some front and front three quarter shots to complete the picture. With this, we have seen the next Kia Forte in full!
These shots of a white coloured Forte YD show a face that’s true to the concept, from the grille to the lights, although there’s a slight difference in the foglamp design. Like the rear design, the front shares the family look seen on big brother Optima K5, but as pointed out earlier, the shape is more organic here compared to the sharp lines of the Optima.

Compared to the K5, this car’s tiger nose is more well defined, and it doesn’t sit in a box. Also, the new Forte doesn’t come with the Optima’s mask-like face – the lights and grille are joined, but only slightly. We can also see LED daytime running lights on the upper edge of the “eyes”.
http://paultan.org/2012/07/26/next-gen-kia-forte-a-k-a-kia-k3-full-car-shots-leaked/forte-k3-front/

New Civic Hybrid in KL!!!

Plenty of indications that the new Civic Hybrid will be launched has started appearing online in the social media space. The brochure scan you see above from a Honda dealer first appeared on Facebook late last month.
The Civic Hybrid was a nice offering as it offered Malaysians the unique opportunity to purchase at an affordable price a Honda that is not only fully imported from Japan, but with an advanced propulsion system that combined a small internal combustion engine with an electric motor.
The best part is it was contained in a family-friendly sedan body, with one of the largest interior spaces in its class, so it was easy to accept as it had the regular Civic’s body thus it was a familiar car. Before the last generation Civic Hybrid was discontinued, it went for only RM108,980, which was tremendous value for money and the cheapest Civic variant in its generation.

Next, an auto accessories shop posted up a gallery of various pre-delivery units of the 9th generation Honda Civic, which included a rear shot of the Civic Hybrid.

The Civic Hybrid differentiates itself from its regular siblings with a different tail lamp design that has some blue tinting in it, and this blue tint theme carries on at the front of the car with the headlamps and one of the bars on the front grille.

Another interesting bit we spotted in the gallery – it looks like the top of the line model could have a navigation system built in! We recognise the Garmin-based user interface, which is good news since Garmin maps are pretty mature.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduces next-gen B-Class and M-Class

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has, just a few days ago, released two next-generation models into the wild. The vehicles in question are the second generation B-Class sports tourer and the third generation M-Class SUV.
Both vehicles feature the new grille, new body designs, new engines and new safety technologies. Since there is plenty to write about, we will look at each vehicle individually and in alphabetical order.


We take a look, first, at the second generation B-Class and it comes in an all-new body shape and shell. Its design also lends itself to making the car look longer, sportier and modern. However, the lines aren’t just for show, the B-Class records a drag coefficient of 0.26Cd.
On the exterior, the car comes with the Chrome package that sprinkles shiny bits on its shell. You’ll find it on the front and rear bumper, radiator grille and oval tailpipe trim. The xenon headlamps are upgraded with the Intelligent Light System (ILS), a system that automatically adjusts the headlamps to suit driving conditions. The LED daytime running lights are incorporated into the front bumper.

The B-Class’ interior greets with a large, three-dimensional trim that runs across the dashboard. You can choose one of two wood trims – a high-gloss black ash wood or matt burr walnut trim. Also, in the middle of the dashboard is a 5.7 inch TFT screen, which looks as if it is floating, is part of the Audio 20 CD changer in-car entertainment system.
Leather covers the seats and door, which are finished with contrasting stitching. The three-spoke steering, also wrapped in leather, is finished in chrome. Enhancing the interior at night is the Light and Sight package, which includes ambient/warning lights in the tailgate and front doors, courtesy lights in front doors, separately controlled reading lights, rear view mirror with additional lighting and ambient lighting all-round the interior.

Powering the B 200 is the new BlueDIRECT 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine (internal designation M270). It is capable of generating 156 hp at 5,300 rpm with a torque of 250 NM between 1,250 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to the 7G-DCT, which is a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that is said to be compact. The transmission has an electric oil pump for start/stop capability. The Mercedes-Benz is able to sprint to 100 km/h from standstill in 8.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 220 km/h.
The M270 (engine codename) incorporates the ECO start/stop. As its name suggests, the system stops the engine when the car comes to a complete halt and resumes functions when the feet goes off the brake pedal. As a result, the car consumes 5.9 l/100km (the figures are based on NEDC combined).

As for safety features, the sports tourer is not short-changed. In fact, the B-Class comes with a new radar-based safety system on top of the usual ESP, Brake Assist and plenty of airbags.
Called the Collision Prevention Assist, this system gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert the driver of possible impact while preparing the Brake Assist for better braking response. Mercedes-Benz claims that this is the first time such a system is available in the compact segment. The system is also said to protect motorists from typical rear-end collisions.

The B-Class also comes with Attention Assist that detects tired and drowsy drivers based on steering wheel movements, and then proceeds to ‘wake’ the driver up. Other safety features include blind spot assist, belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and windowbags come as standard.
The B-Class is priced at RM220,888 and will be available in dealerships early August.

Next, we have the third generation M-Class. Its full product name is ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, a long name for sure. The SUV is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 that produces 306 hp at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm at 3,500 – 5,250 rpm. Partnered with the engine is the 7G-TRONIC PLUS, a seven speed automatic transmission that features torque convertor lockup, twin-turbine damper and DIRECT SELECT gearshift.
The drivetrain gives the ML 350 the capability of clocking a 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h. The SUV’s fuel consumption is said to be 25% lower than the previous ML 350 4MATIC; the NEDC combined consumption is recorded at 8.5 l/100km.

If the 4MATIC in its name has not clued you in yet, all four wheels drive the ML 350. The system also features 4ETS electronic traction control and an off-road button that prepares the car for off-roading. Plus, the start-off assist system makes stopping and re-starting in mid-climb easier while the Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) controls the speed of descent.
The SUV is engineered with the Active Curve System that can be combined with the Airmatic air suspension with Adaptive Damping Systems. Essentially, this system keeps the M-Class upright through active anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle.

The M-Class is not just about power but also about luxury. Which is why the inside is decked with elements usually reserved for top-class Mercedes saloons. Example, the dashboard’s highlight is the large trim panel, which comes in either gloss or matt wood finish. The seats, door cards, steering and parts of the transmission tunnel are wrapped in leather.
Comfort has also been taken into serious consideration. The front seats are designed to offer high long-distance comfort and optimum lateral support. The rear backrests are adjustable for angle, too. As for temperature management, the M-Class comes with the Thermotronic three-zone luxury automatic climate control – two in the front and one for the rear.
As for Multimedia, the ML 350 comes with the COMAND Online that provides internet access in the M-Class and it is hooked up to a 7 inch colour display. The rear passengers have a additional piece of equipment to enjoy – the Rear-seat entertainment system.

Not forgetting safety features, the M-Class comes with eight airbags activated on demand in accordance with the accident type and severity. ESP, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist and Active Blind Spot are just some more of the items in the safety equipment list.
The new M-Class is priced at RM570,888 and will be in dealerships sometime late August.
 http://paultan.org/2012/07/20/mercedes-benz-malaysia-introduces-next-gen-b-class-and-m-class-rm220k-and-rm570k-respectively/

New Wolves Away 2012/13

New Derby County Home 2012/13

New Sunderland Home 2012/13

Darling Can we get this !!

Ford Philippines launched the new Mustang for the Philippines market in Manila yesterday, with deliveries starting from September. To variants are available, the 3.7-litre Mustang V6 Premium priced at PhP 2,499,000 (about RM 188,182) and the 5.0-litre Mustang V8 GT Premium for PhP 2,899,000 (about RM 218,306).
“The introduction of the iconic Ford Mustang follows our ongoing commitment to continue bringing world-class vehicles to the Philippines,” said Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group Philippines. “We‘re confident that the Mustang will be an immediate and long-lasting success in the Philippines, attracting many new loyal customers who will be absolutely thrilled to own this fantastic car.”
With the Philippine launch of the new Mustang, we are delivering a distinctive and emotional design presence that celebrates the total performance of Mustang,” said Vinay Piparsania, vice president for Marketing and Sales. “This Mustang design is very respectful of its heritage, while continuing to look forward with a powerful and modern look.”
Philippines is a left hand drive market and introduction of North American market models over there is fairly common.
The Chevrolet Camaro sells for Php 3,218,888 for the base 3.6-litre V6 model while the top of the range 6.2-litre V8 model sells for Php 4,138,888.

This Mazda 6 is on the Way!!!

Mazda is about to inject some concept car fizz into its 6 range – 2013’s new family car will draw heavily on the swoopy Takeri concept car shown at last autumn’s Tokyo motor show. Only minor details such as handles and mirrors will change, as depicted by CAR’s artist’s impressions.
But it’s not just a sassy new style that makes us sit up and take notice of the new Mazda 6. It’s the second production car borne out of the firm’s new SkyActiv engineering philosophy: carrying on from where the Gram strategy shaved every last ounce from the MX-5, Mazda now builds all its road cars to the weight-obsessed SkyActiv blueprint.

Mazda 6: the Skyactiv tech

It brings a lightweight modular architecture and a suite of clean petrol and diesel engines – which Mazda claims are nearly as frugal as hybrids without a bulky EV battery in sight. The Takeri’s 2.2 turbodiesel spat out 173bhp and 310lb ft, yet Mazda claimed just 104g/km of CO2.
Such cleanliness should be achievable on the new 6 since it’ll sport SkyActiv staples such as stop/start, low-friction components and regenerative braking. Dubbed i-ELOOP, this braking system harnesses energy when you dab the brakes and stores it in a capacitor to run the car’s electric systems. This saves battery drain and is claimed to stretch combined fuel economy by up to 10%.

Now For Fiesta start from RM69888 only!!!

Good news for fans of the clutch pedal – Ford has reintroduced a manual transmission for the Ford Fiesta in Malaysia. The Fiesta was launched with a 3 variant line-up – one manual hatchback, a twin-clutch hatchback and a twin-clutch sedan, but after that the manual transmission was phased.

Now it has been reintroduced with better specs than before – the Ford Fiesta 1.4 LX Manual now comes with 7 airbags, a big upgrade from the original specs which had 1 airbag.

The pricetag of RM69,999 is only RM111 higher than the original 1.4 manual’s RM69,888 price tag. It also comes with ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, a 3 years Ford Extended Service Plan free service package and a 3 year warranty.
 http://paultan.org/2012/07/20/ford-fiesta-1-4-lx-manual-reintroduced-in-malaysia-now-with-7-airbags/

This Superb Ford Focus is Coming to Town....

Those in the market for a C segment car are spoilt for choice. 2012 has so far yielded us the Hyundai Elantra, Peugeot 408, facelifted 308 and new Honda Civic, joining the usual suspects. A new contender is just across the border now, waiting for its official launch this September – it is the new Ford Focus.
This third-generation Focus is the latest One Ford product from the Blue Oval, which means that the Focus, available here in both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan form, will be sold across the globe as the same car (with at least 80% common parts, Ford says), bucking the previous trend where North America got a poorer Focus.
Thailand is one of five global production hubs for the Focus (the others are in Germany, Russia, USA and China) and output from the new US$450 million Ford Thailand Manufacturing factory in Rayong will serve the Asia Pacific region. Our northern neighbour also recently played host to the regional Focus media preview, which we attended.
Continue reading for our first drive impressions of the new Ford Focus.


As mentioned, two body styles are available, the five-door hatchback (no three-door exists for now, even in Europe) and a sedan, and Rayong gives them two engines – 1.6 and 2.0 litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) petrol units with DOHC and Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing), which means that these engines are as modern as they come for naturally aspirated units.
The demanding Malaysian market will only get the 2.0L, which makes 170 hp and 202 Nm of torque from 4,550 rpm, which is high for the class. As expected, no manual option for us, so it’s a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch gearbox for your Focus. Unlike in the Fiesta, the ‘box gets manual override (Ford calls it SelectShift) in the form of +/- buttons on the gearknob. More on that later.

There are many who have, and will, claim that we’re being “shortchanged” by Ford as there’s no Ecoboost turbo option. Well, if you feel so, punters in USA and Australia (which I’m sure you will agree are more sophisticated markets) get the same GDI engine as us. So you’re in good company. Also bear in mind that apart from the Peugeot 308 and the significantly costlier Golf TSI, no other C-segment offering offers more power, GDI or a turbo, here.
Still want Ecoboost + manual? You’ll have to wait for the Focus ST. In the meantime, take off those “I want cheap, nice and good” tinted glasses and the Focus can be viewed as competitive, class leading even, when one starts to dive into the spec sheet.

Malaysia will only get the two top trim levels for each body style – Sport and Sport + for the hatch, Titanium and Titanium + for the sedan. The non + cars get front and side airbags (front airbags has a new shape that lessens impact, curtain airbags on + models deploy 30% quicker), ABS, EBD, ESP, keyless entry with start button and Active Shutter Grille as standard.
The latter shuts the lower bumper centre grille (triangular side ones are just for looks) for better aero at high speeds. Linked to the car’s cooling system temperature, it has 16 possible positions. You won’t notice it working, but it’s common knowledge that less drag = less fuel consumption. Speaking of that, claimed combined FC is 6.6 litres per 100 km, or 15.2 km/l.

Still on toys, the Focus debuts Ford’s SYNC system in ASEAN. SYNC, powered by Microsoft, links up your smartphone and portable devices to the Focus via Bluetooth.
More than just allowing you to play songs and make phone calls, SYNC lets one use the car’s voice control system to order your phone around, and ask for specific things, like Billie Jean, Rolling In The Deep or a genre like Jazz for instance. A caucasian female voice speaks back, and graphics on the full colour 4.2-inch screen are slick. SYNC is a big upgrade from the system in the Fiesta.

Since everything runs on Bluetooth, all phones with BT are accepted, although our car-to-car calls (loud and clear, even supports multi party) ran on Microsoft powered Nokia phones. Will try it with Android and iOS next time to see if it works just as well. SMS can be viewed on the screen or even read out, with things like “LOL” and “:p” spoken in full. Poking tongue anyone?
The + models take things up a notch by offering toys that some premium cars costing twice as much don’t offer. The range topping Focus side parks itself with Active Park Assist. I’ve only previously tried something like this once, and it was in a Mercedes.

Here’s how it works. If you’re looking for a parallel parking spot, press the APA button and cruise along the line (remember to signal). If there’s a spot, the Focus’ ultrasonic sensors will determine if the gap is big enough for the car (minimum 1.2 times the car’s length) and alerts you if it is. Then, all you need to do is take your hands off the wheel and trust the system, which displays instuctions on the main screen.
As you can see in the video below, the steering will DIY based on the data it has – all the driver has to do is control the brakes and gas pedal, based on the front/rear sensors (with audio and visual display) called ParkPilot. Can be quite unnerving for those new to it, but a few precise attempts is all APA needs to gain one’s trust. When the manoeuvre is done, you will be told so. Useful.
Another high end feature is Active City Stop (ACS), which is rather similar to Volvo’s City Safety. ACS works below 30 km/h and will auto brake the Focus if you’re about to kiss the butt of the car in front unwittingly, minimising damage. Under 15 km/h, ACS will auto brake to a full stop, eliminating fender benders once and for all.
The Titanium +, which is the top end sedan, adds on BLIS blind spot info system. Pioneered by Volvo, BLIS informs the driver of a car in his/her blind spot via a light, but Ford’s light is on the outer edge of the wing mirrors, and not inside the car. Volvo uses a camera on the wing mirror, the Focus’ BLIS uses radar detection.

We got to try all three headline features, and I’m very impressed by the Active Park Assist, which beats my parking skills any day. ACS is good to have – you may not need it often, but in the rare occasion when you do, your wallet will be thankful.
In our trial run, we had to consciously drive into a box with reflectors (that’s what the sensors detect, pedestrians not included) which is as unnatural as communicating to a cat by barking. My first run was a failure, as my instinctive right foot sprung into action on approach. ACS took over in the second run, as we dived to a tyre scrubbing halt. Less impressed with the BLIS, which worked, but not 100% of the time for us – another test on local ground is needed. In any case, I prefer Volvo’s big bright orange light over Ford’s rendition.

Other features exclusive to the + are bi-xenons with washers, follow me home lighting, power tilt/slide sunroof, auto headlamps/wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror and cruise control. It wasn’t too long ago when Mercedes highlighted Linguatronic and Volvo shouted City Safety and BLIS. Now, a RM130k mass market Ford has all that, and parks itself. It’s the right time to blow the dust off a headline I once used for an Autocar cover story – The Democracy of Technology.
Diving in, there’s a wide range of steering and seat adjustment, so the ideal driving position is easy to find. Once set (manual for hatch, electric for sedan), I found that the seat gripped well and went low enough. The hatch’s black cabin theme and part leather seats are fitting, but I found the sedan’s light hues very refreshing – the full leather seats are very cushy and the breezy feel relaxing.

No time to try the rear bench, but I didn’t feel too comfy in the front passenger seat, where the centre console was too intrusive for my right knee. I had to sit in an offset position as a result. It could be the fault of that “boundary” that cordons off the controls to make a “driver focused” cockpit.
Back in the throne, the button-rich steering wheel is to my liking, as it’s not too thick and the leather used is very supple. Clusters of buttons are everywhere, and there are no blank ones, so there’s a nice feeling of being in a full spec car. The layout of the Sony stereo isn’t the most straightforward, but then fancy design and best functionality rarely coexist.
Material quality should please the “knock-knock” Malaysian car buyer – unlike the ASEAN Fiesta, you can sink your nails deep in the soft dash moulding here, and the upper door cap plastics are pilable, too.
So how does it drive? It can’t be bad, it’s a Ford. The engineers at the Blue Oval consistently excel at delivering good ride and handling on mass market offerings, churning out best-to-drive in segment models like the Fiesta, Mondeo and last gen Focus. This new Focus is a big improvement over the old one in many ways, but it doesn’t fully kill our love for the old timer.
Petrol vs petrol, this new GDI engine rights one wrong in the old Focus 2.0 – its lethargic heart. It is not the most charismatic performer and doesn’t have a memorable sound, feel or top end flourish, but at least it has enough grunt to not stand out for the wrong reasons. The power/torque figures may be slightly above par, but the small advantage wasn’t felt on the road. Adequate nonetheless.

The Powershift six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is good to have at this price point – other than the VW Polo hatch and Ford’s own Fiesta, no other car offers DCT at this money. Compared to the Fiesta, the shifts are smoother and less perceptible in the Focus, which suits the much improved rolling refinement (over both the Fiesta and previous Focus) too.
However, the SelectShift manual override is a major disappointment for me. Ford has elected to incorporate a +/- button on the gear knob itself, instead of the tried and tested seperate slot with up/down movement. Using the button takes too much hand time away from the wheel in fast driving, because you need to hold the lever before pressing the small button – two actions instead of just one. Perhaps the process will get smoother with familiarity, but that still won’t make two steps easier than one. By the way, manual selection can only happen in S mode.

I cannot figure out why Ford chose to reinvent the wheel in this manner – the old way was fine, and if they wanted to provide more convenience, why not just give us steering paddles? Cost doesn’t seem like an issue when the Focus steering wheel has more controls than a luxury car. Mysterious.
The Focus feels really solid and planted, even when exploring the final quarter of the speedometer. We hit a major dip in the road when doing so, and it was us who got unsettled instead of the Focus. Low speed ride comfort is really good as well, with only the biggest of potholes or ridges sending a thud to the cabin. The sedan’s higher profile 205/60 R16 tyres were more cushioning, but the 17-inch wheeled hatch (215/50 rubber) wasn’t too harsh riding.

Ford is also keen to highlight Torque Vectoring Control, which uses electronics to replicate the function of a limited slip differential (LSD). The theory is that in a corner, TVC applies minute braking force on the inside front wheel with less traction, channelling drive to the wheel with grip for better cornering performance. Can’t say that I felt it work, but the Focus handles well enough. In a long sequence of bends with plenty of hazards (sand after a blind corner, funny cambers, etc), the agile and composed Focus acquitted itself very well.
The EPAS electric steering is very sharp and quick, but not tiring at a cruise. With zero slack and good weighting, it’s hard to criticise, but the old car’s steering felt more natural; less technically perfect but with plenty of good vibes. That’s a good way to sum up the drive.

The new Focus looks good, has plenty of nice toys, and is still the best driving C-segment car in town, but I feel that it has lost a little bit of that unquantifiable “good vibes” that made the last one so likeable despite its ugly interior. But as an ownership proposition, the new Focus is streets ahead, and the top spec + cars are great value at the estimated prices.
If there’s a scale between the old Focus and the Golf, the new Focus has moved a little more to the VW’s side. No bad thing, of course!
 http://paultan.org/2012/07/21/driven-new-ford-focus-hatch-and-sedan-in-krabi/