Ford Group PH launches sedan and hatch versions of all-new Focus

There's no better way to offset a bad news than with a good news. A week after announcing that it was closing down its Santa Rosa manufacturing facility at the end of the year, Ford Group Philippines launched the all-new Focus. This will likely silence those who insist that Ford is as good as dead in our market, perhaps failing to comprehend that the American carmaker is merely ceasing its assembly operations, not leaving the country for good.

The new Focus to be sold in our market is being produced at Ford's new $450-million manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand. This car "represents the strengths and benefits of the global One Ford strategy in serving customers across the region and in the Philippines," said FGP president Randy Krieger. "We've gone further in every aspect of this next-generation vehicle to give our customers quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology beyond their expectations."

The Focus, one of the eight global models that Ford has promised to bring to the Philippines by 2015, is available in sedan and hatchback versions, and is powered by either a 2.0-liter Ti-VCT GDi Duratec gasoline engine or a 1.6-liter Ti-VCT Duratec gasoline powerplant. The range-topping variants boast class-leading tech features, including Active Park Assist (hands-free parallel-parking system), Active City Stop (collision-mitigation system), Blind Spot Information System, Smart Keyless Entry, and Ford Power Start (keyless engine-start button).

The 1.6-liter engine is rated at 123hp and 159Nm, while the 2.0-liter mill produces 168hp and 202Nm. The former is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Powershift automatic gearbox, while the latter is only available with the six-speed automatic tranny.

The sedan has four variants: 1.6L Ambiente 5MT (P859,000), 1.6L Ambiente 6PS (P929,000), 1.6L Trend 6PS (P989,000), and 2.0L Titanium+ 6PS (P1,199,000). The hatchback has three variants: 1.6L Ambiente 6PS (P929,000), 1.6L Trend 6PS (P989,000), and 2.0L Sport 6PS (P1,199,000).

Available colors are Candy Red, Winning Blue, Ingot Silver, Lunar Sky, Frozen White and Panther Black.

The Focus has sold more than 10 million units around the world since its introduction in 1998. It is now available in more than 120 markets worldwide, with 80 percent common parts shared by various versions.

"The all-new Focus will offer customers an unbeatable combination of segment-first smart technology and impressive fuel economy," said Krieger. "And like every Focus before, it will offer a tremendous driving experience."

With its competitive pricing, the new Focus clearly undercuts the recently launched Mazda 3, which is also distributed in the country by Ford Group Philippines.