Pls send the URL link for us to appreciate the after market GPS+ICE+Reverse cam, thx!

Nice. Now only hope NASIM offers this upgrade later as I doubt anyone willing to take a chance of voiding the 5-year warranty, too bad

By right, it shouldn't but most likely NASIM tells this problem causes this and that lar....

Do you mind to inform or PM which branch you bought your car? Did you do a trade-in?

SA also asked me if i want an option DVD+GPS+reverse camera for rm3600
Questions:- What brand? Warranty by? GPS software and updates FoC? How big the screen size? Got brochure to check the specs?

Panel tinted (UV and safety) for rm 1700
Questions:- What brand? Visible Light Transmitted? Visible Light Reflected? Ultra Violet Rays Rejected? Infrared Heat Rejected?

Finally, had my chance for the test drive after missing the test drive appt for a couple of weekends. Had the 408T from the Puchong Nasim branch. The SA was very friendly but he know nuts about his product and he told me he has been selling cars for 20+ years. Ex-Proton, Toyota, etc. Ha ha ha...

The test drive was from the Nasim show room near IOI Mall, Puchong. Down to Kesas and U-turn half-way before reaching the Shell gas station on the Kesas highway.

The pick-up has the pull-back feeling, engine is very responsive, especially on overtaking cars on the crowded highway, probably one of the best in his class. Gear shifting was very smooth, thanks to the 6-speeder. The road handling is good, I don't feel any body roll but maybe the ride was too short and KESAS does not have a bending corner like the MEX highway, especially in between the Sri Petaling exit and the Bukit Jalil stadium, that I could really test the road handling.

The cabin feels spacey. the leather seats gave it a more classy look. My HM who is about 5ft9in, says the seats are comfortably position, and knee room the best, again, in it's class. The dashboard and interior is not too cheapo looking, and some of the chrome look gave it a more classy feel and the material is definitely not all hard plastic.

The car comes with speed-control autolock, manual and auto power fold mirror, the sound (radio+CD) was decent, the control was easy for me enough (I am pretty tech-savvy), both on the HU and on the steering wheel. The boot size is deep and large for its class.

For me, I brought along a 16GB NTFS and 2GB FAT32 USB stick with the same set of MP3 and WMA songs (less than 30 songs). The HU cannot detect!!! Due to time limitation, does not have chance to test the Bluetooth pairing for hands-free calls or play songs. I also haven't got time to check to see if got or not or where the AUX port is located.

The side mirror is too small for my liking, so I could miss some blind spots. My HM says the ride was firm at the back and she could feel the road. Driver side I am used to a firm handling, so I don't feel it much. Too bad they couldn't have flat floor on the back row.

On the HU, besides lacking a Reverse Cam+DVD player, I can only see the ciggie lighter port(?) next to the hand-brake, and I can't seem to locate another 12V port. Problem is if I need to charge an external GPS and SmartPhone, surely this is a problem. Ya, ya I can put GPS into SmartPhone, but if you have 2 - 3 devices that need charging? Perhaps, there is another 12V port somewhere in the car

Lastly, the NVH. I have to admit, I have been in cars with better NVH, as even when I off the radio, I can still detect quite of bit of wind and road noise. Do I need after-market solution like AutoFoam to enhance the NVH? The SA show me a (photostat) picture of RC+GPS+AVN add-on option by "supposedly" Naza authorized accessories supplier, NZ Galaxy, saying it will cost about RM3K++ but internal meeting to decide whether it is official or not later. Warranty dunno yet. What a sales guy!

For me, I would rate it as a "BUY" category. I am a family guy, who is in the sales line and I need something more "mature" looking car, preferably conti, with performance, tech, space and within reasonable budget. The 408T fits most of it. On the exterior, I doubt many people (apart from hard-core basher) would consider the front ugly looking. On the back, it is plain and unexciting but I can live with it, much better that the 207

I can see why for singles, young yuppies or young couples, the 408 is not your cup of tea. 2nd hand value, FC and maint cost is admittedly, not on the winning side. If the facelift 308 maintain the old grille face but with the rest of the other features add-on, plus old price, I feel this will be very irresistible to a lot of people. Of course for me, 2608mm vs 2710mm wheelbase is still a big factor for me to consider.

All comments are by yours truly, and in no way should taken into consideration when buying your dream car. Buy what you like, you will be driving it. If you like, you buy. If not, look somewhere else

That's the spirit No such thing as perfect car vs perfect price...

Age is just a figure Your mindset is more important

I managed to hit about 140km/h, but start noticing the wind and road noise at about 120km/h. On the NVH, you are right. You probably need to double up the 408 budget to get these kind of super quiet ride. Luckily, there are still the after-market noise insulators and foaming solution that doesn't cause an arm and a leg to minimize the NVH....

Budget wise, my opinion is the 408 is a good mix for young and "mature" owners. Think "Fast & Furious" Vs "The Family Guy".

If you are really "old", you would be like some other "apek", sure recommend to buy 7/8-year old Merc or 2nd hand D-segment Jap car

However, with all this being said, I still want to test the Focus 2012 before deciding. Pls don't call me a hypocrite. Just want to make sure I am putting my money (as little I have of it ) on my best possible ride...

Kenso, thanks. That's the fun of buying something that cost quite a bit of $$$. You look at reviews, people's opinion (both good and bad), compare and make an informed decision.

Actually I did. Quote "On the NVH, you are right. You probably need to double up the 408 budget to get these kind of super quiet ride. Luckily, there are still the after-market noise insulators and foaming solution that doesn't cause an arm and a leg to minimize the NVH...."

In the C-segment, not much you can do without after-market add-on. On the NVH, possibly only HE is a closest competitor...not Forte 6-speeder where engine noise is hoarse when climbing to higher torque and the Japs C-segment cars, they sacrifice NVH qualities, to make the car affordable in our market...

Kejusan, seeing how SD price for HE, with the price of new Focus, I guess you can only get the 1.6 litre Duratec, with the price of 408 2.0 NA engine. The 1.6L Focus 2012 only offer 125 PS and 159 Nm, compare to 408 2.0L engine 146 PS and 200 Nm. I guess only all the tech and safety will only be offer on the Focus 2012 2.0L version. You won't regret getting the 408 2.0 NA model

The Focus 2012 2.0 litre Duratec engine was quoted at 170 PS and 200 Nm of torque, partnered to a six-speed, dual dry-clutch PowerShift transmission, replete with paddle shifters. If the power comes in at the lower end torque, the pick-up should be pretty decent and if it not limited by ECU, the power and performance should be as good as the 408T. 408 Curb Weight: 1402.00 kg vs Ford Focus Curb Weight (est.): 1315.00 kg (based on survey from Internet)

Unfortunately, without the EcoBoost engine, the FC will not match the HE. Leg room on the back will also not be able to match HE and 408. FF 2012 wheelbase is quoted at 2,650mm only.

The only saving grace is the HB looks very sleek and sporty and the tech. If the tech is not included and has even lesser safety features than the 408T, I guess it will not be very attractive. Price wise, pray it will not go crazy. I have a suspicious feeling it will price same or more than the new Civic 2012 2.0L pricing

More info on car and launching date on:

1. https://www.facebook.com/fordfocusmy
2. http://www.ford.co.th/en/cars/new-focus#

Cool! Your iPhone running what IOS? Android firmware version? How did you get the USB to work? When I put both my USB sticks in (one after the after), I keep having the hourglass spinning and spinning for more than 1 minute

What GB size is your USB? File format (e.g. NTFS, FATXX?) You playing MP3 and/or WMA files?

The HU can detect the titles and stats of the songs? How's the sound quality?

Wah, after all the owners here reach 10 (cars collected), can do TT session and FB owners page already...

Kevin, forgot to ask previously. The tail-light, I assume both sides are fully lighted right?

Not like HE, where the only the outer (larger side) of the tail-light is lighted, and the inner part is not?

Yeah, this reminds me. Some conti cars can choose to pair the phone for either or both functions. BT for streaming songs and/or calls as well.

Wonder 408 can do either both or just one?

I guess 2 more can start TT session and FB owners page

Can I join if I am not an owner yet to TCSS?

Sorry to hear this. I hope you get your car back soon. Also hope this is a isolated case. Although many might have pick up their cars, but to hear this kind of problem is certainly disheartening....

Did the SA says how long it will take to solve this kind of issue?

I tot it FB says from 120k to 135k? Did you get any brochure? Last update from FB says specs still not confirmed...

Wonder if the specs of 170 PS and 200 Nm of torque is true for the Malaysia version or not...

But most of the specs I see got, must be on the RM135K version, I guess...

I stop by Sunway Pyramid and a Kah Motor showroom not too long ago today. First stop, Ford Focus. The HB was on displayed, with Fiesta, Mondeo, Ranger and S-Max. Too bad the sedan is not on display, although I am eyeing the HB more.

Exterior wise, the HB is a looker, I feel the 408 front end is better looking than Focus, and I guess all the grille is required for their tech (e.g. Active Grille Shutter) but to me it looks like a toothless Darth Vader opening it's mouth However, the slopping roofline all the way to the back to the tail light definitely makes it more sexier/sporty. My favs butt among the C-segments 4 colors to choose from. Launching in September, date unknown.

Btw, the HB on display is a UK spec model. Interior, the fabric makes the cabin less exclusive than it is for a conti car. The HU to me is oversize, lack storage space for your PDA and I can't seem to locate a charging slot. Quality-wise, softer materials and plusher dashboard & door material are being used (compare to Civic 2012). Confirmed final specs will not have Navi and/or Reverse Cam option. Compare to 408T, you pay extra RM9K to get the following (from Ford FB response):-

1. Bi-Xenon Headlamps with daytime running lights, with headlamp jet washer
2. Auto Headlamps
3. Rain sensing wipers (Should be a std feature IMHO)
4. Cruise Control (Should be a std feature IMHO)
5. Sunroof
6. Cluster Meter Dimming
7. Follow Me Home Lighting (Should be a std feature IMHO)
8. Active Park Assist
9. Active City Stop (good safety features, too bad not a std option)

Downside of the Focus, cabin space is cramped, and the HU is oversize until I feel it is protruding into the driver and passenger seat. This is where 408 excel with a cleaner and sleeker looking HU. The Focus has no way (I think) to put in an aftermarket DVD+Reverse cam+Navi later as the HU and the MID panel placing leave it virtually impossible to fiddle without a big operation.

Civic 2012, what can I say which the forumers have not said many times over. Exterior doesn't look as sporty as the 8th Gen. Interior is all hard plastic. For the 1.8, retailing at RM116K, you have no leather seat, no BT, 2 airbags, etc. the HU design looks weird as Honda intentionally makes the HU crooked and slanting towards the driver. I feel that the HU was not well design and the MID doesn't cover up the ill design HU.

Consolation is the cabin space is more spacious, probably second only to 408. The 10K service and 5-Year warranty should please the die-hards. Cabin storage-wise design, yes, I feel more practical than most.

I have driven many Hondas and Toyotas but I have to say, what happen to the Japs? We know that Jap cars have always been under-specs but the new Gen of Civic and Camry designs seem to come from engineers that is doing a very lazy job and more like copy and paste job...disappointing! To get a decent specs, you need to pay RM132K for the 2.0S!!! Even at this price, also no BT...aaahhhhh!!!

I guess HE and 408 will still take some beating if we compare specs, price and performance without bias...(and RV) Next to the test drive...

Yes I am looking forward to the test drive. I like the specs of 2.0S but unfortunately not the price. Bit out of my budget I have driven the 408T but without test driving the new Civic, I don't think I can give a fair comment. Navi is nice to have, after seeing most of the new C-seg cars, if Navi is so important, I should be booking my HE now

What to do? A lot of people buy car like buying designer stuff. Don't compare material and price, just look at the brand, says the branded ones must be good. And, these buyer are usually not forumers and couldn't tell the difference between ESP and ABS. Furthermore, they have the nerve to laugh at you when you don't buy the "mainstream" accepted brand. As they say, ignorance is bliss

Not shameful to say that I always dream of a conti ride. Maybe I am just as kiasu as the rest because if I have >RM300K to buy a ride, it will be surely a conti brand. See Honda=Acura, Toyota=Lexus & Nissan=Infiniti. Think of it, the new 5-series Beemer is mouth watering or Audi A6 super spacious & classy.... Maybe if Pug price at >RM200K will change the consumer mindset (designer=expensive=good)...

---

Added on July 17, 2012, 12:22 amExactly my point, do you want to pay RM9K extra to get the 5 items? Only item 1 and 9 is worth getting IMHO. The rest I can live without but the cabin space for 5 M to XL size adult very cramp lah...

This post has been edited by ckwong111: Jul 17 2012, 12:22 AM