So Mr Kenso. What's your verdict? Is it worth it to buy 408 compared to other C segment currently available in our market?

Hahaha..just want to know the opinion of automotive blogger who've test driven many cars I presume. I've already made my choice anyway. 

Owh..and if in any way you're able to get the scheduled maintenance costing for the 408, do share it with us. Thanks!!

Another point I would like to highlight; 408 comes without any alarm, only immobilizers. At first, I was quite suprised as I thought it should come in standard in ALL cars. But then, I found out that Forte doesn't have any alarm and Elantra's alarm will only trigger 30 sec after the 'attempted robbery'. The SA told me that the immobilizer will prevent robbers from driving away with the car. Okay, one problem solved. But what about my belongings in the car? Can it be installed aftermarket? Will it avoid warranty?

No idea man. But usually test drive cars will be an SA inside. The car I saw yesterday has only 1 person in it

funny part;
first paragraph is about the turbo version characteristic. Then the second paragraph says the turbo is like the car mentioned in 1st paragraph, which in this case, the turbo version.



Thats why I always take Paultan's review with a pinch of salt, especially when it involves

-Proton
-Toyota
-BMW

Anyone have done Sierraglow coating before? Plan to do the coating once car received.

Tks for this input bro kenso. I was thinking of Sierraglow. Since it's high maintenance, I'll drop it.

Hopefully Mr Kenso gould get his hand on the maintenence cost schedule soon. 

Bro Kenso, so this table is applicable for both 1.6 and 2.0? Found this maintenance comparison table in Forte thread, but it seems that the cost for 308 is cheaper than 408. I was thinking that it should be around the same or only slightly more. But now it seems that it is so much more.. 

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....

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...

The 'knocking' sounds will be heard when I turned on the AC before the engine warms up. If I let the engine warms up for a while and then only I turn on the AC, the sound wouldn't be there. Anybody experience this or maybe could try switching on the AC right after starting the engine and straight away drive the car slowly out of the porch and observe for any slow knocking sound from under the hood??

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...

I noticed the button for inside air circulation is always off after I turn off the engine and have to manually turn it on each time I start engine.

Any fix to this?

yea, i read from kensomuse.com early, not much info about fc and maintainance though, and it mentioned something about RM3.6k during 60,000 km maintanance, is that true?

thanks for the fc info from 408t and 2.0, keep the info rolling in

correct me if wrong, i think that figure is probably due to major parts replacements like absorbers etc if required right? otherwise, if may be lower.

ooo, i think tracy looks good too.

Even if u use Ron95, there shouldnt be any engine check light appearing whether its first time or otherwise.

That can be a reference, I think Peugeot revised the service schedule. Spread out the cost for 60k service, so eventually the 60k will be lower now.