Ford Focus sedan: Reasons to buy

Underdogs! They exist everywhere. Be it in the world of wrestling, business, acting or even automobiles. The basic funda behind underdogs is that these people or objects are highly capable but perhaps lack the appropriate push, badge or recognition.

The car we are going to talk about today is one such underdog. It is the Ford Focus sedan. While the hatchback has received rave reviews because of the competition it deals with, the likes of the Honda Civic RS, the sedan hasn’t. It has stayed out of the limelight. We’ve lived with the Focus sedan for a couple of days now and here is why we feel you should be out there and buy one now.

That engine

The Ford Focus sedan and hatch run the same 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol mill. The turbocharged engine produces 180 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque between 1,600 - 5,200 rpm. The torque produced obviously is spread out in a wider band. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic dual clutch transmission. The 0-100 kmph is dispatched in under 8 seconds while the top speed is closer to 230 kmph. For comparison, this is almost in the same territory as the much more powerful Mini Cooper S hatchback.

This engine also has a reputation for sipping fuel. It will return 11.7 kmpl fuel efficiency if driven sanely. This coming from a performance sedan is a wonder.

The gear shifts though not lightning quick, are still fast. DSGs are supposed to be very quick but the Ford has tuned it more for driveability rather than outright fast clip shifts.

Features

The Ford Focus sedan has got a lot of unappreciated features. If you take a look at the Ford Focus sedan specifications, you will see parallel park assist. Now, most of us have a problem reversing a vehicle, much less parallel park it. The Ford Focus sedan takes care of it. All one has to do is first hit the parallel park button (the one with a steering wheel on it) at the tunnel console. A beep will confirm it is active and so the central console. The 2018 Ford Focus sedan will actively hunt for parking spots and when it sees one, will ask the driver to brake. Once done, it will ask him to select reverse and then let go of the steering. It will monitor the space around for obstacles and stop if no action is taken by the driver. Such a cool feature this, we tell you!

There is also the Sync 3 infotainment system. It is perhaps the best in terms of look, feel, and intuitiveness. Not only does it have voice command function, but it also understands the regional tone. The music quality is good while the Bluetooth calling too is crisp. Needless to say, it also has Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto functionality. It even has emergency distress signals that will be sent out should the vehicle be involved in the unfortunate event of a crash.

Ride and handling package

Fords have always been known to be driver’s cars. The Ford Focus sedan facelift is no different. It has an involving handling package that will keep the boy racer in you alive. The independent MacPherson struts in the front and the independent multi-link at the back ensure that the handling remains confident throughout. It doesn’t dampen the ride quality even by a bit. This Ford is set up sharply no doubt but then the multi-link suspension handles potholes and ruts in a confident manner. The electrically assisted steering is light at lower speeds but weighs up nicely for one to belt the car around corners.

Those looks and space inside

 

This Ford looks like it was built at an Aston Martin factory. That grille does remind one of the British marque’s association. Ford has also added 17-inch alloys that have been crafted nicely. The LED elements in the headlight and tail lamps add a flair to this design. One must remember that this Ford Focus sedan was first unveiled in 2012, got a facelift in 2015 and now had another one earlier this year. This will be the last of the facelifts before an all-new model steps in. Speaking of stepping, the cabin has got most of the goodies you will find with competitors and some more. Powered seat height adjustment for the driver, front as well as rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, push button start, auto headlights, dual zone climate control, traction control, perimeter alarm, and auto folding mirrors are few features. There is also comfortable seating for five passengers with only the wider of the occupants having trouble jostling for shoulder space at the back. The boot too is big at 500 litres plus.

If you look at the Ford Focus sedan price, then it starts from Php 1,088,000, the same as that of the hatchback. The hatchback may be a bit compact, however, the Focus sedan will give you the status of a 4-door as well as performance of a hatchback. The Ford Focus sedan colors too are shared with the hatchback. These include candy red, ingot silver, magnetic metallic, lunar sky, and black. We absolutely love the Focus sedan and think that you too should go out there and check one out.