Ford Focus Sedan

Ford Focus Sedan Overview

The facelifted third generation model made its Malaysian debut back in 2016 with 3 variants on offer, both in the hatchback and sedan form. All three variants are powered by a new 1.5 L turbocharged EcoBoost engine, replacing the outgoing 2.0 L naturally aspirated Duratec mill.

Sporting Ford’s global design language featuring an Aston Martin-esque trapezoidal grille, the Ford Focus 1.5 L EcoBoost Sedan is offered in the sole Titanium+ trim. It is fully imported in CBU form from Thailand with launch price starting from RM 139,888, the same price for the hatchback variant in the Sport+ trim. Rival to the Ford Focus sedan include the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta and the Mazda 3 Sedan.

Ford Focus Sedan Design

The facelifted version features a rather controversial Aston Martin inspired front trapezoidal grille, resulted from Ford’s affiliation with Aston Martin at the time. The headlights are now sleeker with a swept back design to complement the pointy honeycomb grille. Stylish front and side skirtings accentuate the Ford Focus Sedan’s sporty character.

The front bumper is all new with redesigned fog light housing that mimics the shape of the headlamps. Chrome trims are used conservatively around the grille and on the up-sloping belt line. The original Mk3 Ford Focus Sedan’s silhouette is retained along with the generously raked A-pillar, well defined shoulder line and pronounced rear haunches.

The rear taillamps are subtly revised with a more horizontal layout. Compared to the sportier looking hatchback variety, the sedan variant features a much cleaner look at the rear with simpler lower bumper design. The spoiler attached to the boot lid is strictly cosmetic and looks a tad out of place.

Ford Focus Sedan Dimension

The Ford Focus Sedan and the third generation Mazda 3 Sedan are both based on Ford’s global C-car platform, although only partially on the Japanese counterpart. They are very closely matched in terms of overall dimension, with the Ford measuring at 46 mm shorter, 28 mm wider and 34 mm taller. Wheelbase is also shorter by 52 mm compared to the Mazda.

Ford Focus Sedan Interior

Soft touch material is used extensively across the cabin, accented with satin chrome elements for that premium touch. A new leather wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel complements the streamlined cabin design. Beige leather upholstery brightens up the otherwise rather ominous interior colour theme. Ambient lighting and footwell lights create a cozy ambiance in the dark.

Sharing the same wheelbase as the hatchback variant, interior space, particularly at the rear is limited. Compared to the likes of the Honda Civic that has miles better interior space, having three adults at the back of the Ford Focus Sedan can prove to be a challenge.

Ford Focus Sedan Features

Also available as standard are the dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push start button, 9-speaker audio system, 4-way power adjustable driver seat, paddle shifters, cruise control, and colour TFT multi-info display with trip computer. On the outside, the sedan comes with full body styling kit, halogen headlamps with DRL, automatic headlamp with follow me home function, rain sensing wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels and active grille shutter.

Driver assistance feature like the Enhanced Active Park Assist, Hill Launch Assist, Enhanced Active City Stop, BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert and cruise control with speed limiter are available as standard. The Ford Focus Sedan is also rated the full 5-star in the Euro NCAP crash safety rating thanks to its comprehensive safety feature which include 6 airbags, ABS, ESP, front and rear parking sensor, ISOFIX anchor mounts and an SOS post-crash alert system.

Ford Focus Sedan Driving Performance

Engine

The 1.5 litre 4-pot mill is essentially derived from Ford’s 1.6 litre EcoBoost engine, downsized to enable Ford to penetrate markets like China which offer specific tax relief for vehicles with engines of 1.5 litre capacity or less. Despite the smaller engine capacity, the new 1.5 L engine trumps the outgoing 2.0 L NA Duratec mill in terms of output by 10 PS and 38 Nm.

Technical highlight on the 1.5 L EcoBoost includes a new integrated exhaust manifold and a water-cooled charge air cooler, which feeds the air into the engine more efficiently. The engine is also the first in Ford to incorporate a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, which helps reduce engine warm-up time.

Transmission

Ford Focus Sedan Ride Comfort

The level of steering assist to the EPAS has also been re-tuned to offer lighter steering input with better feedback and response. Great attention has also been given to address the NVH issue suffered by previous model. Revised seals around the hinges and new suspension bushes among other things combine to give the Ford Focus Sedan a more refined ride quality.

Ford Focus Sedan Fuel Consumption

Ford Focus Sedan Conclusion

They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But that does not stop Ford from continue to improve on the Ford Focus. With a revised exterior and interior, updated engine, and a more robust transmission system, the Ford Focus Sedan now ticks all the right boxes as one of the finest C-segment sedan in the market.