Hi guys,
Been reading thru the whole 119 pages. I have been eyeing the FoFo for some time now.
Finally ordered one Candy Red but dealer said no stock in hand and will search after my bank loan approved. Loan has since approved since Xmas.
Waiting is a drag! But I dun think he can get the colour I wanted cos two other dealers in two different states said no more red in Malaysia.
Waiting for the sad day to cancel my order. Was really hoping to be part of this group by New Year.
IMO, for such an exciting car, Ford sure is limiting themselves by offering mostly white and silver colour, which is everywhere! My guess is only exciting people buy exciting car, or we'll all stick with white Toyotas!

125 pages or 2,500 posts

Hi, I m new owner for fofo n also noticed grinding sound when driving in between 20-40 kph. Is this normal?

Hi all,

Just dropped by to take a look at the Fofo titanium...it's really beautiful...I haven't test driven the car cos I was rushing...

Currently I m on a vios...I m just concern that the rear seats are a little narrow on leg space...apart from that the interior n exterior are really good...

Will do the test drive maybe next week or so...meanwhile, went thru 119 pages of comments...phewwww....

Would u guys recommend a hatchback or a sedan? Is there a new 2014 model coming out?

Overall, I know it's stupid to ask, but I'll ask again, is this car worth every penny (just wanna convince myself further)? Hehe...hope to hear from you all

Thanks

hi guys. happy new year!

been reading some of the most recent comment and i would like to suggest that in the future, we should make a common FAQ at the 2nd post of a new thread. some of the questions asked are repetitive and i believe the FAQ will be good for new as well as potential owners to have a read.

most common i would say is about the jerking issue which is very very common among new owners. other issue might be added into the FAQ as and when necessary.

i would also suggest to include the Driven video link on the episode of Civic VS Cerato VS Focus for everybody to view.

Hi coconutzz,

The greatest appeal for the Ford Focus is that it is definitely a driver's car.... if you enjoy driving, having a pretty powerful engine with torque sprinkled liberally everywhere, a transmission that is closer to a manual than an auto, extremely good handling characteristics... in the opinion of all FoFo owners, there is NOTHING better in this price range or even an extra 30% of the cost.

You MUST test drive it. In fact, if you are crazy like me, go for a couple of test drives at different dealerships... heh heh....

If you are comparing legroom with a Vios, then I think you should not worry; it should still be more. Of course don't la compare with a D-segment car.

As for whether to choose a hatch or a sedan, that is a simple choice... what do you want and what do you need?  If you like the sporty look and the absolute pinnacle of performance, then the hatch la. If you need the boot space, the extra luxury of full leather seats (powered driver's somemore) and can give up some handling performance, then the Titanium la. Thankfully the price is identical for this car.

2014 model ....nothing announced here yet. If anything it will just be a facelift, methinks.

If you bothered to go through the 119 pages of comments, I would think you are making this decision with both eyes open, with very realistic expectations. This is NOT a perfect vehicle; but most of us owners have not regretted making this choice.

I for one still have elevated heartrates each and every time i look at the car and even more when I get in and drive it!

Thanks bro . Very detailed info....btw do you guys think there any used one for sale? Found one 2012 black on mudah...rang them few mins back n it's sold....haiiih

U mean SDAC? Think that's the 1st place they'll check. Thanks for the suggestion BTW.

The lesser used on sale means it is really a good car
No people wan to let go such a charm

Not sure if the cash rebate promo is still on.
If it is, get new instead:
Interest is lower
U get to choose the color u want
U get the peace of mind not worrying the car condition

Hi 0304125, i ordered mine from Trio Mantap. They only have white & silver on hand. If it's these two colours, should get it quite fast, which unfortunately is not the colour I ordered. Thanks anyway.

Think chances to become part of this group is slim. May go for my 2nd choice instead, the new Mazda3, if I have to wait anyway. Another gorgeous car with good handling. 2014 has plethora of new C-segment cars line-up, especially Japs. Ford will see a challenging  year to move its C-segment. The Focus is still niche here where T & H are still revered, I dun know, for their 'kosong'ness?

Check out Paul Tan's driven of Focus, Cerato and Civic shootout. Civic selling at>RM136K with manual aircond, lightings and Ah Bengs on the street still go googly-eyed over this car . Although I do find the exterior looks good though.

Saw from other car sites the Focus FL would look like the electric one, with the Aston Martin-ed nose, possibly new rear lamp cluster and centre console buttons.
How do you guys find the often panned centre console button complications?

My FoFo grinding sound is very frequent and the jerking is getting from bad to worse. Closing to 18k km now been browsing US Ford forum and seems equally bad over there with no solution.

Yes, the vehicle is pretty restless at low speeds.

worst than restless, whenever i see slopes am very worry especially with passengers. My family members already asking if I made a bad purchase *sigh*.
I like the Focus since first generation and didnt expect this to haunt me.

Car tested n was told it is the car characteristic.
I was fuming mad with the answer but nothing much I can do. On slope the car alwiz feel like dying half way. Wasted my AL just to have my car checked over n over again.
Ford, you bloody disappointed me!

Is it the gearbox jerking symptom same as fofi gearbox jerk? Mine (fofi got such issue around 8k km, and it is gone after 28k++ km, now the drive-ability is like normal auto car without jerking anymore. *Touch Wood*

Hatchback if you prefer a more sportier and aggressive driving capabilities. It definitely handles better than the sedan especially in cornering with less body roll, and more stable drive with the larger wheels. Slightly less comfortable than the sedan due to larger 17" rims.

Sedan if you need the boot space which is more practical for a family man with kids since there may be a lot of luggage to carry around with the wife and kids. Handling although may not match the hatchback is equally good if compared to other sedans around. Slightly more comfortable due to higher profile tyres/smaller 16" rims.

Other than that, you get beige leather seats with sedan and mostly black fabric/leather with hatchback. A matter of taste and preference on this one.

Oh my. From my readings, the usual solutions are:
1) Ford: Update the DCT software
2) Ford: Check the clutch assy
3) Owner: Re-learn right foot technique. No idea how cos me not Focus owner. Owners may want to help here.

Guess Focus is a car for driving (read:keep moving). If buy to use in city (read:slow crawl), then wrong car. Now I'm leaning more towards not signing my bank agreement and wait for the Mazda3 instead. Conti handling with Jap reliability. Really wanted to like the Focus but DCT issues mentioned here and other places keep erecting the 'dun buy' fence for me.

Hi all,
I'm facing the same problem -grinding sound and jerking whenever on the slope crossing the hump since the day one.
Complaint to SDAC Jalan Ipoh, update the software on May 13, the grinding and jerking was reduced.
Most surprise me when went for 20k mileage service. i have a very smooth drive - no grinding and jerking for 2 weeks and the problem back again, but for me, it is still tolerable.

Since then, I test with different petrol station and notice some differences
1. Petron - jerking and grinding is always there and the sound is loud.
2. Caltex - slight grinding, still within my torelance. But recently the grinding and jerking went worse and horrible. Suspect "contamination" on oil tank on the same Caltex station that has went for renovation and stop operation for 3 weeks.
3. BHP - switch to BHP TTDI last week, the grinding is minor, jerking is gone. Still under evalaution. hopefully it is the right petrol for my FoFo.

My car mileage now is around 26000km.

I guess it is only grinding sound at slopes. The jerks only happen at low speeds especially at bumps.

Yes, I agree if one is used to the smooth transmission of Japanese makes, or with low tolerance toward the jerkiness in the transmission at low speeds, then the Ford Focus is not a very good choice. The jerk is inherent in the vehicle, and the only way to control it is to be very careful with the pedal when at the bumps or at low speeds. But sometimes, the car will still jerk even if you are very careful with the footwork. Just something that we have to live with in the Powershift transmission.

The Focus drives fine in both highways and crawling traffic. I think the main issue is with DRIVER's EXPECTATIONS or TOLERANCE. Some people will be able to live with the minor jerks, some might not.

The new upcoming Mazda3 looks promising but the interior may look a bit bland for some. The steering wheel of the Mazda looks a bit cheap, and I read the price will be above RM130k which is quite a bit overpriced if compared to the Focus.

Slope with speed bumps - this will bring out the worst in the Focus. All grinding sound and jerks will come out.

I only tried Petronas in the first 2,000km. Tried Caltex briefly and now only BHP. BHP feels good without much jerks, but when switching from one fuel to another fuel, the car may show more jerks as it adjusts to the different type of fuel. Better to not change fuels too often I think. Switching from RON95 to RON97 I feel more power but the jerks at low speeds seem a bit stronger. Now back to RON95 as seem to be throwing money with RON97(additional RM30-40 with one full tank).

OK I'm coming at this from a Fofi, since both uses powershift I thought I'd share and see if this alleviates some of your sufferings.

When coming to a bump on a uphill slope, depending on the situation I employ one of this two techniques:

a) Release the throttle some distance before the bump and let the car reduce speed without using the brakes. This takes some estimation so that the car coast to right up to the bump at the appropriate speed (you normal road bump speed), then apply throttle to cross the bump and continue on. The key here is NO BRAKES.

or

b) If you have to use the brakes to reduce speed before the bump, release the brakes before the bump and ensure enough speed that the car can roll over the bump on it's own momentum (no throttle). Once you have cleared the bump, make sure your speed is slow enough that it is well within the 1st gear, the only throttle and go.

I used to live at the top of a small hill so this two techniques have worked well most of the time.

Wanna know how's the Ford resell value?
Not that harsh right? Hmmm....

Yeap, gotta get used to the throttle at low speed to avoid jerking and leaping forward. Normally i would let the car creep while in jam and slowly apply the throttle.
Hmm... i have been using Esso/Petron since my last two cars. Feels ok, but i have not tested other brands... maybe might improve
Always been a manual car driver for the last 15 years, so this make it my first "auto" car . Jerks are kinda normal for me while driving FoFo. Just need some getting used to.

New Mazda 3 was one of my targets for a new car. But after looking at the suggested price.... meh...
That is how i drive as well as my housing area has loads of humps and bump stops. May not permanently fix the issue but it reduces the occurrences dramatically.

So far i am still impressed and loving my FoFo. As for problems, currently i have suspension creaking on the rear passenger side behind the driver and some metal vibration on driver door. Nothing big tho... Cheers!

an alternative is to use S mode when in such situation where the speed remains below 40kmh... hill/slope with bumps. less or no jerks at all. 

agree with Dwango, on 1st try with Shell Ron97 now... it costed me RM30 more for full tank..
the accleleration feels much awesome but i feel the price paid is too much for the short fun.
Will be back to Shell Ron95. I prefer BHP (but they do not accept AMEX) as feels smoother  but using Shell as for AMEX points + Bonuslink.

bro... like i mentioned previously try get used to S mode without manually using the powershift + -. the gear changes at higher RPM automatically and less/no jerks.

I pump Shell. Doing 1.5k already.

Grinding sound, I did not even notice it until I read about it here. And I still don't hear it unless I off audio, windows down, uphill, and listen really carefully.

Jerking. There was with Ron97, very obvious and quite concerning.

Then I changed to Ron95. Jerking reduced.

Then I changed to S mode to accelerate (press + once when at full stop so that it engage gear 1). Jerking reduced even more.

Then I changed my driving style, keep a good distance from front car (don't have to accelerate from stand still too much), try to maintain car speed at >30km/h. Use auto-cruise to handle the accelerate (works only when above 30km/h). No jerking at all.

If bumper to bumper jam then just engage D and release brake, the car is powerful enough to move at a good speed 

Actually after some time u will get to know exactly when the car will jerk.
Then just loose the pedal and step on it again to allow the flywheel to gain momentum.
It's just a matter of time until you get use to it.

Maybe my mileage still low and the symptoms not too obvious. But I think it can be overcome.

err, isn't it weird to change your driving style just to make sure the car doesn't produce the common problem? like you have to keep remembering what steps you need to do to make sure it runs fluently?

If you really feel the jerking on your own, and as per what the others says, the car feels like leaping forward.
It feels like releasing the clutch too much on a MT without stepping enough on the accelerator.
There's no jerking if u floor the accelerator.

For me, there's only a specific zone in the accelerator that will cause jerking.
If u challenge the system and like to always hit on that specific zone then sorry lar.

I am not really good at car stuff but this is the gut feeling based on my 5yrs MT and 5yrs AT driving.

This is the theory of my own:
I think the reason for jerking is that dual clutch is shorter that convention clutch.
Shorter clutch are used in performance clutch, shorter clutch losses less power during transmission.

Compare to others car that the AT is very smooth, it is because the clutch is longer.
Longer clutch allows the flywheel to have more time to break inertia even when u r soft on the accelerator.

Make sense? to me at least

About changing the driving style...
You're not going to drive an F1 race car just like how you'd normally drive right?

But you can't compare F1 cars with normal cars as well. I am not a FoFo owner as of now as I will keep looking and see if there will be facelift version coming out this year.

I just kinda surprised that to prevent jerking,etc, you have to maintain the speed above 30kmh,etc. Isn't it we buy a car so that we can drive normally instead of giving sort of "temporary workaround"?

Been trying S mode and so far so good.

Hi there,
I am trying to find a forum/chat that specifically discuss regarding Focus ST in Malaysia.  Can anyone irect me to it...Please.
Thanks

That's the price you pay for the efficiency of a dual clutch transmission. It is different from traditional torque converters for sure, it is more sophisticated and more temperamental at low speeds.

If you are used to a torque converter auto and worry about the eccentricities of a dual-clutch drivetrain, I can only advise you to think long and hard before making the jump. It will never be as comfortable as a torque converter when going slow or going up slopes, you will no doubt need to adjust the way you drive. If you cannot accept that, then go for something like the new Mazda 3 that is almost as nice to drive but comes with the benefit of a torque converter.

Choose the Focus ONLY if you are looking forward to superior driving dynamics and driver's enjoyment. If you're looking for passenger comfort and cares not so much about driving, an Altis, Civic or Mazda3 is a better choice

Yes I am still thinking but I still can't find any other car that can offer better driving in that price range. I just hope that I don't have to follow the 'driving steps' for a 'problem workaround'. I am not bashing but consumer(or potential) always wanted the car to be perfect for the price

Ya, test drive is a best option but I guess I have to wait till the facelift version possibly in this year?

I just love to floor the pedal just like how I messing around with my bro's GTI

The jerking of the Focus is not really as serious as some might have implied. No doubt it's there during low speed gear change, but it is quite subtle in most cases, ie. light footwork. The jerks are only more prominent when you step harder on the pedal. It's just like when you want the car to accelerate quicker and you floor the pedal. The vehicle will lunge forward and jerk more strongly when changing gears.

Sometimes the jerks will inject some adrenaline into the drive too. If one loves speed and a sportier drive, the jerks during hard acceleration may give an exhilarating feel to the driver. Imagine the whole body being pushed strongly to the seat when the driver steps hard on the pedal as he feels the gears upshifting with each and every jerks. The car just feels lively with the jerks.

There are some cars with transmissions that are as smooth as butter, mostly vehicles that operate on CVT. I've owned and driven 3 vehicles with CVTs that drive smoothly - Nissan Sylphy, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Proton Preve Turbo. Minimal or no jerks in all driving conditions. Nevertheless, the aspects that I don't like about these vehicles are they felt HEAVY and slightly lethargic, and there is a slight lag between the moment one steps on the pedal and the moment the car starts to accelerate, especially in low speed acceleration. In comparison, the Ford Focus felt light.

Apart from the impressive specs on paper (high horsepower and torque numbers in the 2.0-litre engine), I believe the Powershift transmission plays a major part in contributing to the powerful (jerky) acceleration of the Focus which in turn gave it a "light" feel on the roads. The Nissan Sylphy and particularly the Proton Preve Turbo and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport feel "heavy" even though it drives smoothly.

If choosing between the jerky Focus and the smooth Preve Turbo, Sylphy and Pajero Sport, I would definitely pick the Focus for its lightness during acceleration.

Of course, handling and driving dynamics are another matter. :-)

Personally I think the Focus suits those who prefer a more sporty drive. Sometimes, some jerks are good too. A livelier drive, more life. A drive that is as smooth as butter may be a bit boring and bland, in my opinion. Horses for courses.

It's understandable. I've driven the normal torque converters, CVT, now the dual-clutch.....they all have different characteristics that needs to be adapted to with different driving styles. That's why I always say, don't blindly jump on the bandwagon because you heard Focus handling how good the dual clutch how awesome, it's not suitable for everyone. If my dad drives my car in a jam he will curse it to heck.

But if you're like me, you will get used to it soon and can naturally compensate for the eccentricities without giving much thought to it. At one point I was switching between an old 4AT, a CVT and the DCT regularly and didn't think much about the differences, my feet automatically just knows which car I'm driving and adjusts accordingly

Hahaha over 100 pages already and still talking about the jerking "problem". One of the reasons why I hardly visit this thread anymore, it's the same ol' rant over and over again.

People, it's NOT A PROBLEM, it's how dual clutch transmission WORKS!

It's a Ford Focus, it has a prestigious heritage, it drives well, handles brilliantly and it's the best selling car in the world right now. Get into your car, start the engine, floor the flippin' pedal, tackle all the corners you want and just enjoy your ride.

I can't even feel the "grinding noises" or the "jerking" anymore because the sheer adrenaline this car gives me more than compensates these CHARACTERISTICS.

Anybody tried the top speed on the Focus? The needle on the speedometer went past 205km/h and was still inching to 210km/h but I backed off then. I was particularly impressed by the acceleration at the top end speed as it just takes a short while to accelerate from 150km/h to 200km/h without much struggle. Seems like this thing is built for speed.

I couldn't agree more, Mazda3 is wayyyyy over priced.
Thank my lucky stars i went with a Focus ...
Hehehe

Same here 

Like:
1. Fuel pedal, would dust accumulate beneath and cause the pedal to stuck?
2. Embedded rear antenna
3. 18inch wheel? I likey bigger

Dislike:
1. Jack lifter placing wasting the already limited trunk space
2. No bonnet insulation? Maybe good for engine cooling?
3. Where is the cruise control?
4. Smart keyless not so smart
5. No front sensor

Certainly a lot of reserve power left in that engine. Accelerating from 150km/h to 200km/h feels like it's going from 50km/h to 100km/h. Not much struggle as the needle just goes up constantly at a rapid rate.

Which Hyundai model with 2.0-litre engine that has 180HP and 210NM torque? Anyway Koreans are a big no from me. It's either Japanese or continentals.

Yes, traffic is one of the hindrance in achieving top speed. The road has to be quite empty in order to reach speeds in excess of 200km/h. In my case, it's about 6.00am in the morning on the North South highway. The stretch between Seremban and Melaka is ideal as it is a 3-lane with long straights.

You managed close to 220km/h? Certainly impressive. The 2.4 Accord is powerful too but not very stable at high speeds due to light steering and chassis/suspension. The C200k would do much better with stability at high speeds.
The Mazda3 is closer to RM140k right? Surely overpriced even though it looks sexy on the exterior. The new Altis 2.0 high spec is also quite overpriced as well, at about RM132k.

I only tested 190km/h. The road was kinda bumpy.
But 1 thing worth mentioning is that 190 feels like nothing.
I wonder how much speeding ticket I will get in the future 

How is the fuel consumption like for the ford focus now, especially after the run in period?
If can, make reference to daily drive to work ie. a little of highway and slow moving traffic+jam.

Has anyone experienced the responsiveness of the active city stop?
I notice that when the car is at a slope, it's measurement of the distance between the car in front and my fofo at the back is not as accurate.
My car is below 1k milage and I have experienced auto stop twice and it both occurred while my car is at a slope.

I have experience it few time after getting my car. Happened on flat road and down slopes, most of the time is during jam. Is there a minimum or maximum distance for the active city stop to work?

Just got my car (Sport+). Happy....