Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

At first glance, this looks like just any other facelifted Ford Focus done up in white sitting in Sime Darby Auto Connexion’s car park by the Federal Highway. But it’s actually something new – find out more on what it is after the jump.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

It’s a Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi! I know alot of us more educated motorists have been asking for a new era where we can enjoy the really nice low rev kick of torque and the better mileage that the turbodiesel engines that Europeans seem to love in our daily rides.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

When the government upgraded our diesel to Euro 2 last year, it opened some doors for some better diesels to be brought in. Diesel engines that are lighter, smaller and more refined – a newer generation of diesel engines compared to the truck engines that we get in our sub-100K pickups. I know of a friend who bought a Nissan Frontier purely for its diesel engine as he had to travel alot, he wasn’t really interested in a truck.

And then BMW introduced their 320d. It had loads of shove over the 320i and could go over 1,000km per tank if driven frugally. Finally, a diesel compact executive to be enjoyed. You needed deep pockets but not as deep as pockets as 530d or X5 3.0d owners. But it was still priced over RM250k, though during promotions you could get pre-registered units for lower than that.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

The Ford Focus TDCi is expected to be priced a tad lower than RM130k, which means a pricetag of about the same as a Honda Civic 2.0S and a Honda Civic Hybrid. This will make it the most accessible turbodiesel-powered passenger car to date.

While its petrol sibling is available in both hatch and sedan form, the Focus TDCi will only be available as a hatchback, CBU from Thailand in two colours – black or white.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

The interior looks pretty much standard Focus. There are just a few changes. Firstly, you get leather seats in the TDCi hatchback. With the petrol version, you only get leather in the sedan, while the hatchback makes do with cloth seats. There is a small extra strip of trim wrapping around the front door armrests.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

The most obvious change you’ll notice when you sit in the driver’s seat is the RPM meter, which has a redline much lower than the petrol version. This is usual with diesel engines – they don’t rev as high because of the self-ignition combustion but they deliver all of their massive punch under 3,000rpm.

With the 2.0 TDCi engine here we’re talking about 134 horsepower and 320Nm of torque at only 1,800rpm, with the ability to overboost to 340Nm briefly whenever the engine management decides its needed.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

The shift knob area is also slightly different. The petrol version has the letter “M” in place of the “S” you see here. This is because the 4-speed auto in the petrol has your regular “D” drive mode, and a “M” manual mode for you to swap cogs manually – not that there’s really many gears to shift in that 4-speeder.

The diesel version uses a 6-speed Powershift unit – similiar to the transmissions you’d find in the S40 Powershift and V50 Powershift launched by Volvo recently. In addition to the “D” drive mode and manual mode, you also get a “S” mode which is essentially an automatic mode with a sportier shift pattern.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

When you start the engine up, you do hear some typical soft diesel clatter from the front of the car as you idle. This disappears as you get moving as the other sounds begin to overwhelm it and it disappears. Thanks to the Powershift technically connecting to the engine via mechanical clutches instead of a torque converter, throttle response is very crisp and nice, something you only feel in an automatic when the torque converter locks up mechanically at cruise speeds. Unlike in pickup trucks where there tends to be vibrations especially in the manual versions where the whole shift lever and 4X4 selector shakes like crazy, the Ford Focus TDCi had no diesel engine vibrations or anything in the cabin. Gear lever and steering wheel remained calm.

Shifts are very smooth and driven sedatedly, the car shifts gears at just over 2,000rpm smoothly and rapidly. Gearchanges are pretty quick, faster and smoother than what a single clutch automatic can do but Volkswagen’s DSG implementation is still the leader in terms of quick upshifts (VW DSG is quite average on downshifts though). There are no jerky shifts and you do not need to lift the accelerator pedal slightly to ensure a smoother shift as with AMT products.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

In this new economy where co-development between is needed for viability it’s no surprise to learn that the Duratorq TDCi engine was developed together with PSA Peugeot Citroen and is also used by PSA as their “HDi” engines. If we ever see a Peugeot 308 2.0 HDi here in Malaysia, it’ll have a similiar engine as this Ford. The engine actually sounds like growlier and more ganas than the petrol version and surprisingly sounds quite good for a 4-potter diesel. It’s sweeter and I kinda feel also quieter than the 2.0 4-potter in the 320d and 520d but it’s nothing compared to the great 6-potter BMW diesels.

I probably don’t need to say this, but 320Nm is alot of torque so charging along empty roads can actually be quite addictive. Because there are 6 gears and so much torque, when you accelerate off from a standstill there’s actually alot of gearchanges happening until the transmission settles down in one of the higher gears.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

There is a short bit turbo lag when you take off, and if you shift high up the revrange on full throttle you also feel a short half-second lag once the next gear engages before things pick up in full force again. Ford’s 2.5 litre TDCi in Ranger actually does better at eliminating lag. Overtaking is also no issue, just downshift and ride the surge of torque, even going through two gears through an overtaking maneuver is no issue as once you get over that split second of lag that wave of torque comes again.

Other than lots of low-end torque, the only other thing that will probably remind you that you’re driving a diesel is that when you shut off the engine, the engine shivers a little before turning off. And I wish I could say confidently that your fuel bills will also remind you that it’s a diesel but I only took it for a short spin around the Sime Darby Auto Connexion office, up to Bangsar and back so there wasn’t really an opportunity for a fuel consumption test. Once the car is finally launched here in Malaysia I’m quite eager to get a proper test drive and see what the car consumes in terms of litre per 100km.

Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift – short test drive

Thumbs up to Sime Darby for being the first to being in a diesel passenger car for under RM150k. I know alot of us have been asking for this over and over and finally we have one choice, hopefully more to come. The previous ‘cheapest diesel passenger car’ (at over RM250k list price) in our market was the 320d, which also so happens to be sold by Sime Darby since their company Auto Bavaria is a BMW dealer and BMW Malaysia is a Munich-Sime Darby JV. I hope one day Proton will be able to give us our first diesel passenger car under RM80k.

But for now, too bad the Focus TDCi will only be available as a hatchback, from what I’ve heard so far. That’s one reason for people to turn away from it – our love for the 3-box sedan. The other issue with the current generation Focus – both sedan and hatchback – is that it’s interior spaciousness falls behind its rivals like the Civic.

I have a feeling there will be more people looking at passenger diesels come 1st May when our petrol prices will be revised. This is because although petrol prices will go through a revision, the government has hinted that it could leave diesel prices alone. I wonder if I can turn my E39 into a 525tds through a halfcut or something!

[zenphotopress number=999 album=803]

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Alpha on Feb 03, 2010 at 3:46 am

    we need Focus RS!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Squawk on Feb 03, 2010 at 3:53 am

    Is the engine tuned for Euro 2M (whatever the 'M' means)?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Paul Tan on Feb 03, 2010 at 3:56 am

    According to Ford, the engine should run fine on our fuel. The technical people were unavailable to me during the time of my test drive. I will ask all the relevant technical questions regarding fuel and etc when the car is actually launched, since there SHOULD be technical guys there.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • armandd on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:11 am

    why don't they bring in the 6-speed manual version??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mr_3m on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:18 am

    I was just thinking about the Focus TDCi today… and when it will be available

    Paul,

    Can the public test drive the car yet?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • rodimus on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:39 am

    When it gonna lunch? I wanna trade in my '05 Lancer for baby. Yahooo…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • darkskies on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:41 am

    I'm also looking for this car.

    Eager to test but no info at the moment?

    When arrr?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • asgard on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:43 am

    nice engine and high tech,certainly better option than hybrid

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mitlanevo on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:48 am

    another superb Ford, thanks Paul for this review :-)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • trav_da_man on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:51 am

    Sweet, its about time for good diesel cars to come to Mysia. Next they should bring supermini diesels to Mysia. Btw when the fiesta will be launched here?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • gavin on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:55 am

    check out the neatly hidden intercooler

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • japanesecarsucks on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:59 am

    Paul u lucky bastard, u always have the opportunity to drive various car. Say paul, whats the best car that u have ever driven?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Gajen on Feb 03, 2010 at 5:03 am

    looks dull

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda 3 MPS on Feb 03, 2010 at 5:09 am

    finally. a worthy challenger by the focus

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • dukenborg on Feb 03, 2010 at 5:42 am

    Really? The Focus has smaller interior than a Civic? I dont think so, as I drive a Focus & my brother has a Civic, with 3 people in the family in his car the back bench feels cramped, while the same 3 people sitting in the Focus have more bum space. The Civic has a lower roofline as well, so less headroom. Im just trying to understand why people say Civic is larger, thats all…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • gavin on Feb 03, 2010 at 5:55 am

    i drove once a 308 HDi which was rented so i assume was the least powerful of all the PSA engines, it was a manual and overtaking even in 5th gear was a breeze with all that torque.

    this 2.0 with 6 speed dual clutch must be really fun to drive, i wonder if the intercooler is bigger for the hotter climate

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nice..now we have choice for diesel cars..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Denfire on Feb 03, 2010 at 6:06 am

    A good 1, finally we can get to know why the europe people love diesel car that much. But their diesel is up to Euro 4m and our country's diesel is just Euro 2M, will that shorten the life of the TDCI engine?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Arcane (Member) on Feb 03, 2010 at 6:08 am

    simple..Malaysian worships Jap cars, though it is not JDM. Thus, everything is perfect. Even perodua would do.

    safer, bigger, more reliable, higher re-sell value, faster, stronger, etc.

    Back to the Ford, is the engine slightly detuned to run on our Euro2 grade diesel?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • price ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Feb 03, 2010 at 6:37 am

    better wait for next gen focus… to be honest its not that far away, its already february

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • lovely engine and interior…looking forward for the launching of this car…i wish by the time they launch it, the sedan model will become available…i don't like short looking car..hehe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda 3 MPS on Feb 03, 2010 at 7:21 am

    shawal said,

    February 2, 2010 @ 10:37 pm

    better wait for next gen focus… to be honest its not that far away, its already february

    ————–

    lol yea true wait for next focus

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Annihilated on Feb 03, 2010 at 7:26 am

    yummy~~

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • skiborne on Feb 03, 2010 at 8:13 am

    i bet this is goin to be damn economical. i wish it had projector-xenon headlamps

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Backseat on Feb 03, 2010 at 8:15 am

    I wonder if we stack this up against a Pug 308 Turbo, who'd come up on top?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ammar on Feb 03, 2010 at 8:21 am

    Paul, you bastid!! You made me ruin another good keyboard from all the drool I spilled reading this review. This car is fantastic! 2.0l Turbo Diesel, 6 speed Dual-clutch, and Ford Focus legendary handling. And best of all, it's not at Golf GTI price and above. Now, the real question is, would the Ford after-sales service guys be able to do a quality job of maintaining this car?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • klguy on Feb 03, 2010 at 8:36 am

    nice. the fog lights are from Ranger?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kimi_ on Feb 03, 2010 at 9:03 am

    it may not be surprising that this will run more km/litre than civic hybrid with its diesel engine…

    But the there will be no fuel subsidy for big cc car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tokmoh on Feb 03, 2010 at 9:13 am

    dukenborg : bcuz it's a honda mar… when it comes to japanese makes, throw logic aside and worship it like God. That's the motto of malaysian mentality when it comes to car.

    Backseat : aiyo… two very different cars for two different market. One is petrol turbo that's more on performance, another is diesel that is frugal. The answer depends on what the person wants from a car.

    I'd take the blue oval badge ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ju (Member) on Feb 03, 2010 at 10:00 am

    Hi.Just want to share my opinion as one of the owner of the car in UK. Mine is 1.6tdci zetec.

    Good:

    1. Dashboard is soft touch. The dial is clear and simple with chrome lining.

    2. Steering wheel has 2 way adjuster, nice to touch and the position is excellent

    3. Handling is superb. I've drove vauxhall astra, new vw golf, honda civic. Nothing beats focus for its handling. The suspension is on the firm side, however it's soak the bumps nicely without too much intrusion

    4. Space inside is spacious, on par with other competitor

    5. Fuel economy is excellent. My best record is 850miles for 50L fuel. Average 50L=650miles.

    6. Accellaration is excellent. I dont have to downshift everytime to overtake. Just press the paddle and the turbo will kick in at 1500rpm.

    Bad

    1. Some cheap plastic has been used for lower part of the interior.

    2. Engine sound is a little louder at idle compared to petrol, however quiter at speed. due to lower rpm (2000rpm at 70mph)

    Go and try it for yourself

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • azrai on Feb 03, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    Exora's rims.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Royal Academy of on Feb 03, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    ju said,

    February 3, 2010 @ 2:00 am

    Hi.Just want to share my opinion as one of the owner of the car in UK. Mine is 1.6tdci zetec.

    Good:

    1. Dashboard is soft touch. The dial is clear and simple with chrome lining.

    2. Steering wheel has 2 way adjuster, nice to touch and the position is excellent

    3. Handling is superb. I’ve drove vauxhall astra, new vw golf, honda civic. Nothing beats focus for its handling. The suspension is on the firm side, however it’s soak the bumps nicely without too much intrusion

    4. Space inside is spacious, on par with other competitor

    5. Fuel economy is excellent. My best record is 850miles for 50L fuel. Average 50L=650miles.

    6. Accellaration is excellent. I dont have to downshift everytime to overtake. Just press the paddle and the turbo will kick in at 1500rpm.

    Bad

    1. Some cheap plastic has been used for lower part of the interior.

    2. Engine sound is a little louder at idle compared to petrol, however quiter at speed. due to lower rpm (2000rpm at 70mph)

    Go and try it for yourself

    ——————————

    lol another bad thing, it's more common than buses hahaha (common uk mag joke)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I believe we did have our 2.0D diesel that just die "naturally" :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • MyCarMyLife on Feb 03, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Henry Ford is alive in 2010 , Only Black or White available you have 100% more choice of colors.!

    Good one Ford , be a leader again in MY, please bring in more models for 2010.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Chris on Feb 03, 2010 at 5:01 pm

    Paul, you mentioned that you hoped one day Proton will be able to give us our first diesel passenger car under RM80k.

    Well, actually they did already, remember the 2 liter diesel Proton Wira sedan? Occasionally I can still see it running on our roads… although they do spew black smoke when they accelerate.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • with diesel price is not affected after May 1

    more and more diesel engine will b introduce…..

    however, our 2M grade is still sluggish to achieve d BEST out of d engine….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • i too find interior space is not that much diff compare to civic. maybe look snug and high seat position.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ha Gnih on Feb 03, 2010 at 6:54 pm

    1st!

    Nice ride

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • if price around 1.8 civic, will definitely buy this…..luv the diesel torque….anyway, i do think the mondeo which was recently launch need this engine, the petrol is too underpowered.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Paul, u should really tell those bargers in SD to stop bringing in hatch backs if they really want to sell cars. Just look at the i30, if they bring in the sedan, I am sure it will sell better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Meaning how far could we drive this car until the tank is empty?

    Sorry,i'm not good in this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • HatchBacklover on Feb 03, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    @cfa

    stop bringing the hatchback? wow..lucky me that u are not the one who're making the decision..I love the hatchback variant more than sedan (for all car)

    and I in love with this car..looking forward to test drive it myself :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • this sounds like a very good package.. rm130k 4 a comfortable spacious well built fun 2 drive hatchback?? thats like a really good deal.. given that if im lookin 4 a family car around that kinda budget, id definitely get one of these over the civic, or the lancer, or any of its rivals.. finally, a modern kinda affordable turbodiesel in our country.. been waiting ages 4 this.. n wats more, it really looks good in white..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • "70 Plymouth Ba on Feb 03, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    1st???haha..you're right..

    by the way, good car for preparation on high fuel price soon..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • assume 6L/100km which is = to 1litre can go as a far as 16km

    fuel tank 55liter

    55×16 = 880km

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Focus Tdci shouldn't more than RM100k otherwise people stay away from it, unless newest version of Mark III global Focus.

    BTW, Sime is good company but it come at wrong time as we expecting new Focus.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • klaka seram on Feb 03, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    Good job Sime Darby. Hope for more efficient oil burner models to come to our shore. Good for environment too

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Motorist on Feb 03, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    Diesel is the way to go forward. More torque, less fuel consumption, less pollution (esp. Euro IV). More than 50% of cars sold in Europe is now diesel. Forget about Americans. Petrol is cheap there & they have a culture of wastage.

    Sadly, still not many diesel sedans about. If only Toyota, Honda et al brings in the European diesel engines to their current line up.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Motorist said,

    February 3, 2010 @ 12:25 pm

    Diesel is the way to go forward. More torque, less fuel consumption, less pollution (esp. Euro IV). More than 50% of cars sold in Europe is now diesel. Forget about Americans. Petrol is cheap there & they have a culture of wastage.

    Sadly, still not many diesel sedans about. If only Toyota, Honda et al brings in the European diesel engines to their current line up.

    —————————————————————-

    For diesel engine…euro car maker lead the way…Jap have this prejudice law against diesel

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • DiVo D27 (Member) on Feb 03, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    a RS plz…!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • peYno F**K on Feb 03, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    paul…sorry off topic..

    i just wanna ask..why some of your articles has a bigger font than usual..as i can see in this article,the font is bigger than usual..is it only me experienced this??what about other ppl??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • budlee on Feb 03, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    wow..nice..

    eh.. we do have a small turbodiesel in the market

    the Renault Kangoo!! :D

    i guess you are talking about cars right?

    so the captiva diesel and santa fe diesel does not count..

    to bad, they don't offer it in a normal looking vehicle..

    i would definitely keep diesel as one of my main option in cars

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Paul,

    Any date on the propose launch of this TDCI's focus?

    Thanks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • theanswer on Feb 03, 2010 at 11:01 pm

    nyumm..great torque for a sedan. with 6 speed tranny..this car going to be great.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • volvo engine kah ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • scanzew on Feb 04, 2010 at 1:23 am

    Kuga pleaseeeeee………

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Maserati on Feb 04, 2010 at 2:15 am

    Fantastic torque but damn blardy boring interior!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tokmoh on Feb 04, 2010 at 2:42 am

    peYno F**K said,

    February 3, 2010 @ 1:45 pm

    paul…sorry off topic..

    i just wanna ask..why some of your articles has a bigger font than usual..as i can see in this article,the font is bigger than usual..is it only me experienced this??what about other ppl??

    >>> U mean like this?

    http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7361/screensho…

    it depends on ur browser, are u using google chrome?

    this blog is best viewed using firefox.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • BSLee on Feb 04, 2010 at 3:26 am

    The present Focus has poor cabin insulation.Hopefully this one has much better noise/vibration insulation as it has a diesel engine!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Paul Tan on Feb 04, 2010 at 4:30 am

    I am working to fix the problem with Chrome and Safari browsers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 320 nm holey shat.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Royal Academy of on Feb 04, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    i can't believe that malaysia once had all the great fords…like the cortina, escort, granada and most interesting…the Rebellious Capri…..then all went shitty with australian fords but now…..slowly improving…focus, mondeo…..what we need next is a fiesta, new focus, s-max, kuga, galaxy etc

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • peYno F**K on Feb 05, 2010 at 12:22 am

    tokmoh,

    nope..im using safari in my macbook…maybe it is not compatible with this site i guess…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • TDI.. power!! this time hv auto (for car)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • whatever on Feb 05, 2010 at 6:58 am

    DOES THIS TDCi come with VGT turbo too? sorry if i missed something while reading it….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • iskandar on Feb 06, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    i am a current owner of an proton savvy amt. this looks to be the perfect upgrade : 6 speed powershift ! really good to have the firm suspension. these are really fun to drive especially on winding hilly terrain like gombak to karak. hope we can read a comparison between this ford focus and peugeot 308.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Choon on Feb 07, 2010 at 8:37 am

    Just happen to have a chance to test this car…

    The gearbox is a bit slow, is better than normal automatic gearbox but much slower than DSG!

    The car is great! The kick from the engine is a lot, just like a 170 bhp car, the torque from Diesel Engine capture my heart.

    With some light tune using Unichip, I think I can add another 30 bhp with another 40 nm to the car, which is impossible for Civic or any N/A car, turbo still the best car to squeeze power at the lowest price! :)

    Overall, if this car is priced below $130K, I think we can expect some serious buyers from Civic and Altis.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tokmoh on Feb 07, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    peYno F**K : well, as paul said, it's the browsers.

    Choon : when u drive the VW, is it petrol or diesel? I think it's a bit distorted to compare gearbox when the engine is different type…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Choon on Feb 09, 2010 at 12:54 am

    I'm please to have the chance to test drive the new 6 speed powershift Diesel focus, and really impressed with the torque it's delivering…

    I think they are going to launch it after CNY, may be you guys should take a look into this car – lot's of potential for tuning. I'm using unichip on my existing 06 ford focus, should be able to transfer it to the new TDCi focus with added turbo module, expecting to get another 30 bhp.. :)

    Even as stock, the torque is over 300+ nm! you can feel the pull when you press it down! I think you guys should test it out!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • antsng on Feb 09, 2010 at 10:39 pm

    The 3series D have 177bhp and 350nm and got to 100km/h in 8sec… 325 sport 218bhp n 250nm in 7.7sec…

    while the TDCI got 134bhp the same 320nm and Powershift but only manage a 9.8sec…

    Where have the power lost ??? The transmission should be really good as it have dual clucth…. Does the bhp really make such a 1.8sec differ in the drag race ?

    What could be done to get the close to like 8.5 sec or perhaps 9…? rechip to get higher BHP???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Choon on Feb 10, 2010 at 6:29 am

    Easy, just a simple unichip tune up you get 2 sec less :)

    Usually, that's depend if your tuner can reprogram the engine management + gearbox management system.

    Focus is still a very "family" car, you can feel the torque and power, but the came in a bit late. With reprogramming, I think 7 sec is possible… I tried 320D as well, the pull is fabulous! However, it just can't match the new Audi A4 Quattro with S-tronic (DSG). (210 BHP with 280nm torque)

    But A4 Quattro is priced at RM320K, BMW is much cheaper – RM250K! If you don't mind paying extra RM70K, A4 is still the best:

    1. Better spacing

    2. Better interior

    3. Torsen 4 Wheel System

    Just add RM5K you get extra 30 bhp with APR ECU re-programming, and you still enjoy the warranty – if you don't tell Audi about it :P

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • antsng on Feb 10, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    Basically u are saying that this engine can get the below 8sec if rechip the power management system, after rechip will it be ok with the E2 diesel?

    Sorry if its stupid…. Torque=what the PULL feels…. then how about bhp?? Can we actually feels it, or its just a number in which it will only effect 0-100 or ???

    Last time and still many old man are talking about bhp but the new gen-x are more likely to know about torque….more T better the feel

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Choon on Feb 14, 2010 at 1:07 am

    Torque is the power rating of the car to move heavy stuff. If the torque is high, you can put many things or people inside the car and it still doesn't stress out.

    Usually torque and hp must be relative in tuning, you can just get higher torque without adjusting the horsepower. However, you can tune the torque to increase more and less in horsepower, but you can just tune the torque or hp alone.

    If you have the same horsepower, and higher torque, you shouldn't feel more "pull" in the car, but you should feel the car able to take more passenger without lowering the sense of "pull".

    Diesel is turbo charged these days, that's why you can get more power with less cost – any turbo car can easily be tuned up :).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Torque – Lembu power

    HP – Kuda power…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • power roots addict on Feb 14, 2010 at 10:42 pm

    Ming said ..Torque = LEMBU power & BHP= KUDA power. Another equation is

    Tiger Woods = HARIMAU power that can eats many KUDA putih loh..

    .

    Coming back to this Focus TDCi ,the double-clutch gearbox & high torque shd make for exciting country ride which I often indulge in . I plan of acquiring one if it is to be in the market soon enough . Otherwise , it wld be quite near to the launch of the new focus (, may be aound 2012 arriving at our shore.) which comes with better interior & other gizmos and which may affect the value of my TDCi . I like Ford's performance, solidness and more importantly its handling dynamics. I own a 2001 Ford Escape with 272,000 km now and it is still tight at corners although the Duratec engine struggles , but even after trashing it all these yrs the output is still good.Now I passed it on to my son. I expect the price to be around RM 113 k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Dear Paul,

    Is this Ford TDCI engine a SOHC or DOHC commonrail turbo diesel engine?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Civic 2.0 club on Feb 28, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    i had never seen this car

    because it not look sporty

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Where is Sunway Complex? It is not Sunway Pyramid, right?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • lowprofile on Mar 15, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    has anyone tested the ford tdci against the 308turbo? just wondering how the feel is for both cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • tHe^CuLpRit on Mar 16, 2010 at 12:08 am

    finally… more diesels coming to Malaysia. Torque galore!! Hope the Gov moves us to Euro 3 within the next 2 year, considering the EU region are already at Euro 5!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • next 2 years?better move faster!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • In the D_tails on Mar 16, 2010 at 7:01 am

    Well, Sime, good job so far but C+ for not doing more to clamp down on the AP Mafia + Pro-dua. They are the biggest reasons for your lackluster performance with Ford so far and for the long term. If you can almost triple your share price from 2 years back, it shouldn't take much more to engineer the demise of the AP without another vicious substitute. Make this happen and I'll buy your Fords…….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Chris on Mar 17, 2010 at 6:59 am

    Will Ford be bringing into Malaysia a diesel saloon model?? Normally, a saloon model has a lower price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Fraz006 on Mar 19, 2010 at 6:52 am

    320Nm deserves a holy shat! this is the real mccoy! i don like the hondas, not hate them but they are overworshipped by malaysians.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ir2020 on Mar 19, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    Wanna have a test drive before decide anything, looks like a worth buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Teammate on Mar 23, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    I cant wait to get my focus. We ordered one last week and it still hasnt arrived. I'm from the Philippines and I believe we assemble the focus cars here. Maybe theyre still assembling mine. Haha.

    I hope the new focus sucks or arrives after 2013!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Paul Turner on Apr 04, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    I live in Thailand but see very few on the roads. This is the Thai mentality that only hondas and toyotas are worth having. This is especially true for toyota who still run a 4 speed auto with an underpowered 2.0 which costs more than the top line civic. Toyota knows this mentality so don;t bother too much with improving their products. Hardly any fords are sold here and they have poor resale value. Also the focus tdci is more expensive than the top line civic.

    Back to the focus tdci. Its acceleration will be similar to the civic 2.0 but will have more shove due to the torque. Also its easy to get a chip for the diesel to push out the hp to about 160-170 and torque to over 400 nm. Then there is the assorted mods that could be made to the turbo/intercooler. Its much more expensive to get performance out of the civic.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • testdrove on Jun 30, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    the salesman said the air conditioning compressor switches off when the car is driven hard …. something about power management to get the most performance when accelerating . i could actually feel hot air coming out when i floored the pedal … is this normal for turbo diesel cars … ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Y.W. Phang on Oct 20, 2010 at 10:00 am

    I’ve tested the car just yesterday, it was surprising to me, as what it was reviewed here, I’m quite impressed with the car, really not too bad for a diesel car with surprisingly so much urge from the engine if you really push it hard, the the engine just push on without struggling! And for the price, it is actually worth as the chassis is good with renowned road holding from Ford Focus as any car enthusiasts know. The only 2 draw backs I would think of is the fact of very poor resale value from Ford, other than that, I’m really drawn into this, for a diesel sedan. And the second draw back is poor quality of diesel in Malaysia, I mean, when????, the government will really start off the diesel upgrade despite of just been voicing it up??????

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hi Paul,
    Does the engine have VNT in the engine like the Ford Ranger 2.5?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • khairul on Dec 29, 2010 at 11:59 am

    I’m having Ford Focus 1.8 mkii year 2005, petrol fuel. Any opinion of doing engine swap with Focus TDCI 2.0 for better power and fuel consumption? Does the engine fits well in my existing Focus 1.8? Comment pls..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • test driver on Jan 04, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I’ve test drove the TDCI and am considering it against the 308T. As exciting as the torque numbers are, its only slightly faster than the 308T, sadly due to the max rev at 4k rpm.

    One big issue! how come no one complains about the seat? i took a fast corner and slided off the leather NOT bucket seats. All that great suspension and i’m flying off my seat?

    Another pain is the TCS. it really screws up the corner exit. While i’m trying to get out of the junction quickly, my pedal is fully pressed, the car doesnt go.. TCS is on.. wait wait 2 secs then only vrroom the torque kicks in. Not cool. I’m 2 seconds behind now and my passenger thinks i dont know how to drive a car. If only i can find the button to turn the damn TCS off.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jenifer on Mar 20, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    I just hope that the innovation that they did was not on the aesthetics alone. I hope they also exerted efforts on developng and improving the Ford parts.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ishak on Jun 14, 2011 at 4:58 am

    Hi Paul, why there always no photo of the trunk? I think it is an essential part of any vehicle for any segment, it should be included as part of the photo summary.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Are you gonna do a thorough test drive on this Ford TDCi again?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hi to all,
    I’m from Australia, and I do own the focus tdci above. For those still wondering, I have to say, purchasing this car has been the best thing ever.

    I also upped the power by installing a Bluespark power chip. Thats another 36hp and 40 nmtourqe. Made a blisful add on to an already powerful engine.

    I have the dual clutch auto, and do believe is the better option over 6sp manual. Simply, it’s a diesel and because of low end revving you’ll end up changing gears every 2 sec. Unless you like that sort of thing. Plus auto is a lot faster between gear changes, and seamless.

    The suspension set up is out of this world. It is within europe standards :) For a front wheel drive it can take corners almost like AWD. Lots of traction and ESC doesn’t give in easily as others. So even with traction control on it’s possible to have fun. Fuel economy?!? Well that’s where it really puts a smile in ones face. Over 900km on combined cycle is possible. Between long none stop trips it’s possible to see over 1200km between fills. That’s gotta be good.

    So the conclusion; it’s not bad quality, good torquey/fast engine, great on road response from suspension set up, and more economical than hybrid Prius!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required