2012 All-New Ford Focus Officially Launched In Malaysia From RM116K To RM129K

The all-new, third-generation 2012 Ford Focus has been launched in Malaysia in two body styles and a total of four variants, plus a surprising fifth announced but yet to be officially launched. The Ford Focus hatchback has arrived as previously announced, including the RM 115,888 2.0 Ti-VCT Sport and the RM 128,888 2.0 Ti-VCT Sport+. The Ford Focus sedan has been priced identically, at RM 115,888 and RM 128,888 for the 2.0 Ti-VCT Titanium and 2.0 Ti-VCT Titanium+, respectively.

The competitive prices combined with the five-year/200,000km warranty peg the Ford Focus against the Japanese likes of Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis, and way below Continental rivals Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. The only key rivals priced lower are the Peugeot 308 and 408. Tides change when it comes to surprise package, the Ford Focus ST priced at RM 208,888 (more on that in a separate post), a pricing that will give buyers interested in the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS something to think about.

Manufactured at the global Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant in Rayong, Thailand, the fully-imported Ford Focus is built upon one of nine core global platforms, which will underpin all of Ford's new models under the One Ford global vision. To say the Focus is a significant local launch for Ford seems to be an understatement as this is a car that lays claim to being the best-selling car in the world for the first half of this year with 489,616 units sold. Surely its popularity is reason enough for us to sit up and take notice?

Expectations are especially high in the dynamics department, in which the current Ford Focus is a clear class-leader. The suspension setup is the same as before, utilising MacPherson struts at the front and the famed Control Blade multi-link suspension behind. There is a big change in the migration of the previous electric-hydraulic steering to an all-new electric steering. Allowing you to push the limit safely is the debut of an advanced Torque Vectoring Control system on the Focus, and the new Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) program, which can be switched off completely.

Tasked with matching up to the performance is a new 2.0-litre Ti-VCT GDi Duratec engine that combines gasoline direct injection (GDi) with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). Used across all four Ford Focus variants, the 2.0-litre engine delivers 170 HP at 6500 rpm and 202 Nm at 4450 rpm, making it one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre out there. Paired to the six-speed Ford PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Focus is rated at 14.9 km/litre, but Ford Malaysia weirdly left out the performance figures? Duratorq and EcoBoost engines are set for arrival in the next 18 months.

Leading the Ford Focus' charge into Malaysia's competitive C-segment is a long list of high-tech convenience and safety features: the first-in-market Active Park Assist—which steers and parallel parks the car at the touch of a button, hands-free; the first-in-segment Active City Stop and Blind Spot Information System; the Microsoft-powered Ford SYNC system, which allows you to make calls or play songs via voice commands; and Active Grille Shutters, similar to those on a Ferrari 458, that function to reduce drag and wind noise while improving efficiency.

Ford SYNC and Active Grille Shutter come standard on all four variants, as are other features like Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start, a 4.2" colour multi-function display, and a nine-speaker audio system. While the Focus hatchback's Sport package comprises a body kit, one-inch-larger 17" rims and sports suspension, the Focus sedan's Titanium package answers with full leather seats and a six-way adjustable driver's seat. Higher-end features like the Active Park Assist, Active City Stop, automatic bi-xenon headlamps, curtain airbags, cruise control and a power sunroof are only standard on the Sport+ and Titanium+ variants, while Blind Spot Information System is exclusive to the Titanium+ variant. Enjoy the 2012 Ford Focus launch event official gallery below!