The all-new 2012 Ford Focus will make its first ASEAN appearance at Bangkok International Motor Show. The launch of the vehicle on this market is of utmost importance because it is set to make a new standard there. It is going to deliver unmatched combination of smart technologies, outstanding fuel economy, expressive design, responsive performance and high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety. The 2012 Ford Focus will go on sale later in the year and will be produced at Ford's new manufacturing facility in Rayong. Its production there will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets.

The all-new Focus will include the new high-series Titanium+ and Sport+ variants, which offer luxury levels of convenience and comfort. The Candy Red five-door hatchback and the Ingot Silver four-door sedan on the Ford stand will give customers a close-up look at this top-notch series. The vehicle is characterized by sleek and sporty design, new smart technologies and features. These exceptional technologies will offer customers an exciting spread of advanced features generally found only in larger, more expensive vehicles. First to be mentioned is the Ford SYNC® technology which provides hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity. The system allows customers to connect almost any mobile phone or digital media player to their all-new Focus via Bluetooth® and USB connection respectively. Moreover, the all-new 2012 Ford Focus also offers a wide range of smart features, such as Active Park Assist (the system uses sensors around the Focus to help identify a feasible spot then steer the car into the space; the driver controls the accelerator, brake and gears); Active City Stop (collision-mitigation system, which monitors the road ahead for stationary traffic and then brakes automatically if its sensors detect the car in front has stopped unexpectedly); Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) (when a vehicle enters the all-new Focus' blind spot, an orange light appears in the corresponding side mirror as a caution; when backing out of a parking spot with limited visibility, BLIS warns the driver of impending traffic); Smart Keyless Entry (enables customer to lock or unlock the driver's door without taking the key out of a bag or a pocket); Ford Power Start (the engine can be turned on simply by pushing the Ford Power Start button while holding the clutch down). In addition to all this, the Focus comes with dual-zone electronic air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cruise control, powered sunroof and an innovative auto-dimming rear view mirror that automatically detects headlight glare and switches to a dimmed setting.

2012 Ford Focus Sedan

Ford Focus Sedan (2012)
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 1 of 7
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 2 of 7
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 3 of 7
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 4 of 7
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 5 of 7
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 6 of 7
Ford Focus Sedan (2012) - picture 7 of 7

What has to be highlighted here as well is that the new Focus features a completely new Duratec 2.0-litre Ti-VCT GDi engine. The latter combines high-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDi) and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. It delivers 170PS (125 hp) of power and 200Nm (147 lb.-ft.) of torque and improved fuel economy. This 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is mated with the latest six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission, which has a high-efficiency dual dry-clutch design. This advanced transmission is also offered with SelectShift Automatic™ functionality. A second powertrain comes in the form of a Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine that serves up 125PS (92 kW) of power and 159Nm (177 lb.-ft.) of torque at excellent fuel efficiency. Again the engine can be mated to either the six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

Both the all-new Focus four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models has the same sporty character. They have striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance. The exterior of the vehicle is influenced by the distinctive design inside, featuring a modern, cockpit-style interior with a stylish centre console. First of all it is bold and contemporary, and in addition the materials used are high-quality ones. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels have been minimized and the driving dynamics improved by the increased stiffness of the body structure. All this results in optimal riding quality. The chassis design is complemented by a new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system which has been carefully tuned to deliver precise response at highway speeds while remaining light and manoeuvrable at lower speeds for ease of parking.

Furthermore, the 2012 Focus, offers outstanding safety standards for occupant and pedestrian protection. The used advanced materials help Focus meet crash regulations across world markets. In addition, they help minimizing the vehicle's weight and contributing to fuel economy. Moreover, the passive safety features include new advanced airbag restraint systems. It features driver and front passenger airbags, side front airbags and segment-exclusive side curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Additionally, there is also included an advanced active safety technologies, which help the driver maintain safe control of the vehicle and avoid collision situations. Next, the Electronic Stability Program system utilizes intelligent logic to monitor the car's progress and apply effective intervention when required. The system incorporates Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Launch Assist and Anti-Lock Brake System which includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Ford Focus TITANIUM (2012)
Ford Focus TITANIUM (2012) - picture 1 of 2
Ford Focus TITANIUM (2012) - picture 2 of 2

Source: Ford