RM21K difference between the Trend and Sport+ models is too much for the same engine and body. If you are in the market for a Focus hatchback better choose the Trend. You don't need all the assist features and auto gadgets which makes little difference to your driving experience. After a while you will probably control the headlights, wipers and aircon manually because the auto controls make asinine decisions. However if you want a basic Focus sedan you are out of luck. Wonder why this isn't offered.

However putting only 2 airbags on the Trend is a pretty bad marketing decision. They should follow Mazda 3 and have all basic safety features standard across the range with only luxury features as optional.

Still no reverse camera even for the high spec. Why leave out this highly useful safety feature Ford? Even the M3 basic spec has a reverse camera.

You can take out the keyless entry for the Trend but giving keyed ignition is just so mean. This isn't a cheap car by any means. Another meanie is mono central display for the Trend. Again, compared to the M3 GL, no keyless entry but equipped with push start and it shares the same infotainment display as the high spec.

Unless you are a hardcore Ford fan, just get the high spec M3 for a little more than the Trend and save your money. Or if you don't need all the gadgets get the M3 GL spec for RM109K and end up with a car which is still well rounded and satisfying with 6 airbags and you even get leather seats!

This post has been edited by kluseng: Mar 12 2016, 06:47 PM

If you want outright power get the Jetta 1.4TSI. With discount it can be yours for about RM110K, cheaper than the barebones Trend. Torque is 240 Nm from 1500rpm to 4500rpm. This is what gives you the pickup and the fun. DSG issues appear to be fading. In terms of after sales service hard to say which one is better or worse.

The NA Mazda 3 doesn't have the low end grunt of turbos but overall power is still very decent and better than the average family car. In a world where you can't have everything it is a good compromise between power, reliability, features and price.

You can also wait for the Civic 1.5 Turbo but it will probably be disappointing in price and power.



This post has been edited by kluseng: Mar 12 2016, 10:34 PM