The Ford Focus' replacement is finally on its way after a six-year wait. Sporting sexier curves and a bolder design, it might look like a blown-up Fiesta, but believe me; it's all grown-up underneath the sheet metal. There's a new 1.6L direct-injected four-cylinder EcoBoost engine rated at 150 hp and a mind-blowing 2.0L version that produces 247 hp at the crank - mated to either a six-speed manual or a dry-clutch six-speed PowerShift automatic. Of course there's also a diesel option which should range between 115 to 163 hp and 300 to 340 Nm of torque. But the most striking feature of the all-new Focus is the spruced up interior, which is styled to fit the eccentric lifestyle. Expect the all-new 2012 Focus to arrive in showrooms mid this year in both four-door and five-door trims.
A year after the launch of the all-new Explorer 3.5L V6 last October 2011, Ford is adding a new variant to the Explorer line-up. It will pack just as much bulk, but with a little bit less grunt. A smaller (and hopefully more efficient) 2.0L direct-injected inline four EcoBoost will take its place under the bonnet and produce 237 hp and 340 Nm of torque - just 53 hp and 6 Nm less than the growling V6. This version, however, will only be available in front-wheel-drive form and a regular 6-speed automatic transmission. Still, with a proposed sub P2-million price tag, Ford should have no trouble selling this hot SUV by the boatload. Watch out Fortuner and Montero Sport, there's a new bully in the playground.
Ending 2011 on a High
Ford Philippines is looking forward to an even bigger 2012 after ending 2011 on a high note. Sales last December rose by 24% from the same month in 2010 to 973 units, which is the company's best-ever monthly performance. On top of that, they've upped their sales by 48% to an all-time high of 9,778 units, making Ford the fastest growing car brand in the country in 2011. With the addition of the all-new Ranger, Focus, and Explorer 2.0L GTDi, Ford is set to make it a repeat in 2012.
