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...