Here, let me share my opinions with you.

In March, I impulsively decided to sell my 5-year-old Toyota Vios and switch to a continental car. My budget was between RM120k to RM150k. That time, my options were the VW Jetta, VW Golf MK6 (slightly above budget), Ford Focus Sport+, Peugeot 408T, Audi A4 (2nd hand) and a Toyota Prius (!).

After doing some research, I finally bought the Ford Focus Sport+ and I have been driving it for 3 weeks now.

Why did I choose the Focus? Simple. 9 out of 10 reviews I read said that it's the best car you can get for that money, and for that segment. If I wasn't convinced then, the Focus went ahead and erased all my doubts by being recognised as the Best Selling Car in the World for 2012, overtaking the Toyota Corolla for the first time.

Then, I read that Sime Darby Auto Connexion has some pretty dubious reputation regarding their sales and after-sales service. However, after joining the Ford Owners Club Malaysia, I found out that the Manager of SDAC PJ, Edward Lim, did a great job in revamping the whole system in SDAC PJ and their service is so much better now. To top it off, the Ford Owners Club Malaysia is really great and they have weekly TTs to help you understand more about your car.

Right, now to the car itself. What I love about it? I'm a tech guy, and I (and a lot of other car reviews) honestly think this is the most technologically-equipped car in this segment. Nothing else comes close to this. The sheer number of buttons on the dashboard and steering itself might be intimidating at first, but they put a smile on my face whenever I open the doors of my car.

I have no problems with the build quality of my car. In fact, I think it's as well-built, if not better, than my mum's Ford Focus MK1, which was known for its uncompromising build quality. When I sent my car for coating at SierraGlow, the boss of that place was so impressed with the paintwork (according to his expertise, he said it's a very good paint used) he actually considered buying the car for his wife.

Driving-wise, the car produces 170hp and 202nM of torque. It might not be as fast as a VW Golf but I can tell you, it won't be too far behind. If I'm not mistaken, the Golf MK6 takes 8 seconds to reach 100km/h from 0km/h, and the Focus takes 8.2 seconds. Handling-wise, it's just a joy. One FOCM member actually gave me a tour around with his Focus, and he maneuvered a bend at 100km/h, yet the car felt planted on the road and the best part of all? The ESC warning light didn't even come on.

The only drawback of this car is the relatively tight rear-legroom space. This wasn't a problem to me as I'm still single and most of the time only my girlfriend is the (lucky) passenger.

At RM128k, this car gives you:
- 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with Sport mode (semi-auto)
- 2.0 engine (170hp, 202 nM torque)
- Auto Park Assist (first and only one in this segment)
- Active City Stop (first and only one in this segment)
- 6 airbags, ESC, Hill Stop Assist, ABS and many other safety abbreviations
- Rain sensing wipers, auto Xenon HID lamps
- Ford Sync (it's like a Siri in your car, you can use voice commands to play music and to control your phone. I love it!)
- Sony sound system with 9 speakers
- Ford's signature handling
- Leather seats (Titanium+) or semi-leather seats (Sport+)
- Active shutter grille (grille manifold opens and closes automatically at specific speeds to control air intake)
- Electronic sunroof
- Blind Spot Assist (Titanium+)
- Electronic driver seat (Titanium+)

My advice is, go for a test drive and really learn more about the car. I was skeptical at first but now I'm loving every moment of it. Why didn't I choose the VW Golf? Honestly, I think the Golf/Jetta are really, really good cars. They are just too damn common. Every street I turn into, I tend to see a few Golfs and a number of Jettas. Plus they are more costly and under-equipped for the price, you are basically paying for the gearbox (which is a problem, I heard) and the engine. I'm glad the Focus turns some heads on the street, and people still go like "hey what car is this? Looks damn cool!", if you know what I mean.

Hope that helps!

This post has been edited by blinky: May 14 2013, 03:31 AM

The focus is a well equipped car. But its engine and gearbox cannot be compared to vw. Very big difference. Besides, yes i admit the dsg has its problems. But just send it to ur sc and they will replace the clutch pack for u . No problems after the repair.

Hi Blinky, a lot of ppl feels that the rear legroom is cramped. I checked on it with my driving position and it is adequate (although not spacious). What's your take on it? And how about the shoulder room? have you fetch passengers at the back before? Did they complaint about the space and the level of comfort at the back? Planning to get one as family car but i got a small baby hence still deciding. Both me n my wife are ok with the space though....we are both consider 'normal' sized M'sian fella....and i dont drive with the car seat moved a lot behind. We are both impressed during test drive as it feels like a luxury car. Not in a rush into buying and is waiting till Raya period before making final decision. Thx

The VW Jetta/Golf definitely trumps the Focus when it comes to the engine and gearbox, there's no doubt about it. I'm actually a VW fan myself. However, I decided not to pursue with the VW models because firstly, I do not drive fast all the time and I find that the Focus is good enough to reward me with the occasional "spirited" driving. Secondly, the DSG problem. Just because it can be replaced doesn't mean I'd want to go through the hassle after paying +- RM150k for a new car. Thirdly, as I've mentioned before, VW cars are just too common for my liking. I even see more VWs nowadays than the old Proton Wiras haha. Just my opinions though, different strokes for different folks.

I'm not too sure actually. After 3 weeks I think I ferried rear passengers only twice. However, no complaints so far, although I do admit that the rear space is smaller than what the Toyota Altis, Peugeot 408T and Honda Civic are offering. Probably about the same as a Golf? Rear space was the least of my priorities in buying a new car so I didn't give it much thought. A friend actually commented that the rear space is "surprisingly large", but maybe that's because he already had a certain mindset after reading the reviews.

This post has been edited by blinky: May 14 2013, 01:41 PM

Maybe you guys can read more in-depth reviews of the Focus here:

http://paultan.org/2010/03/15/ford-focus-2...shift-rm128888/

http://paultan.org/2012/09/13/ford-focus-3...-rm116k-rm129k/

http://www.kensomuse.com/the-new-ford-focu...ied-and-tested/

This post has been edited by blinky: May 14 2013, 01:40 PM

I will be getting my new focus sport+ in a few days time. Very looking forward to that and I am keeping my 2 and half year old vw golf mk6. My opinion is that both are fun car to drive in its own way and it all boiled down to individual preferences. I was unlucky that my mk6 golf just got the engine replaced due to the piston head crack and subsequently the 7 speed dsg gear box mechatronic replacement. The car only done with 40k km. Good thing is that it was still under warranty. Bad thing is the warrenty claim processes took months and the VGM customer service literally bad. Not too sure about ford. Guess I will find out more...

Thank you so much for the extensive feedback! This really helps.

I am thinking of getting the normal Sport version. The only thing I really want from the Sport + version is the Bi-Xenon headlamps. The rest are all fun but unnecessary toys, at least for me

Also, I think you made the right choice by not choosing the Golf. DSG is a ticking time bomb, especially on hot + jammed Asian roads.

VW has already admitted that their 7-speed DSG is fatally problematic in Asian weather:

http://paultan.org/2013/05/09/volkwagen-ma...ith-dsg-recall/

Nobody knows if this recall will fix the problem permanently. They already tried fixing it last year with a software update, but failed. And because of this so many people have their VW stuck in workshop for weeks and even months.

It's a small consolation that us new VW owners still have warranty. But imagine the anxiety of living with DSG when our warranty is expired! This is why there are suddenly so many second hand VWs for sale now, and even the resale value has dropped tremendously.

For me it's not worth the risk. That's why I'm exploring the Focus which has a great value proposition, and is the closest we can get to Golf-level driving satisfaction, at a reasonable price, but without the scary gearbox problems.

This post has been edited by omichael: May 14 2013, 04:00 PM

My advice is, if you're from Klang Valley, just buy it from SDAC PJ as they are the HQ for this side of the country. Mr Edward Lim is doing a really great job there and all the FOCM members have great respect for him. After getting your car, join the FOCM on FB and there will be a lot of SDAC PJ's staff and even Mr Edward himself joining for the TT sessions, so you will not have to worry about the after-sales service. I heard SDAC PJ and FOCM have a really tight relationship so it's a win-win situation.

omichael, if your budget permits, I'd advice you to take the Sport+ version. It's really worth the money for that RM15k extra. Also, your resale value will be much better in the future.

Cheers!

Hey guys, am an owner of a panther black focus sport..requested on FB for FOMC, still no reply..hahaha

I'm going to get one exactly like urs. Just would like to know, does it come with LED rear tail lights? I think black is a really cool color for the Sports

Yup..it came with LED rear taillights..yup indeed..loving my car everyday

hi guys..just got my candy red sports + delivered yesterday...loving it very much...how do I joint the FOFO owners club facebook...sent a request last month, so far haven't been accepted yet...any advise...

Sport version has LED tail lights? I thought that's only for the Sport+ version. I may be wrong though.

I think the titanium versions are not included...there are LED for all the HB models..did double check them on ford malaysia's website.

was wondering, does our version of focus comes with ambient light?

yes...red ambient lighting

Only red ambient lighting. The US version comes with multiple colours.

Went to SDAC PJ yesterday and spotted this car.



By the way already changed my bookings there. Already lost hope on the previous dealer.