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!

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.

despite of gearbox jerk & clutch plate rubbing sound, this car also have rattling sound everywhere...for price >100K, does we deserve to get this? my proton doesnt have rany attling sound untill 4-5yrs.....in term of performance, can say, a 1.6 NA car with skill driver still can tailgating you, ....technology wise, mmmm...park assist?city stop?haha.....not so proud owning it....