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Lately some car companies have come to characterise top-of-the range models with metallic monikers. Kia, for example, uses ‘Platinum’ for its Optima and Sorento prestige picks. Now Ford has done likewise, giving the top Territory wagon and Focus five-door hatchback and four-door sedan the Titanium tag.
The 2012 LW Focus Titanium features the very latest smart technology and driver aids, making it the ultimate all-new Focus model. Starting at $33,090 for the 2-litre GDi engine and six-speed PowerShift transmission – the entry-level Focus Hatch comes in at less than $22,000 - it may seem a bit steep for a small passenger car. However, far from being merely a shiny show-off, the Focus Titanium (hatchback in the test car case) is an amalgam of some of the finest features in modern motoring.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Standard equipment includes Active Park Assist, Voice Control, Ford Smart Key keyless entry and start/stop button, partial leather seat trim, heated front seats and 18-inch alloy wheels. Neat.
And from this month (November), all LW Focus Sport and Titanium models coming to Australia are being fitted with satellite navigation integrated with the Sony audio and communication systems as standard equipment, all for an added $500.
Gone is the 4.2-inch display screen and in its place is a 5-inch multi-function colour display screen, adding to the smart stuff and driver assistance already offered on Focus Sport and Titanium. The audio now features nine speakers, AM/FM radio, single disc CD player, integrated audio module, MP3 compatibility and audio streaming.
There’s AUX connection for external music devices, USB/iPod port, Bluetooth hands-free phone and Voice Control, multi-function display with distance to empty, average fuel consumption, average speed and outside air temperature.
POWERTRAIN
The test Titanium had the 2-litre GDi Ti-VCT direct injection petrol engine mated to the six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission. Putting out 125 kW of power and peak torque of 202 Nm. Fuel consumption using 95 RON petrol is claimed to be 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions are said to be 156g per kilometre.
Options include an economical 2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine and to top off the ‘hi-tech/luxury fest’ a Sports Executive Pack which includes adaptive cruise control, bi-xenon headlamps with static cornering lights and integrated LED daytime running lamps, plus an electric tilt/slide sunroof.
In ‘normal’ mode the PowerShift automatic transmission takes care of itself, but in ‘Sport’ mode, things are left in the hands of the driver, not by tapping the gear lever back and forth, or pushing and pulling paddles on the steering wheel or column.
In this case swift, smooth cog swaps are produced by pressing a small button on the side of the gear knob. Nifty.On the other hand, Active Park Assist, does just the opposite, taking away from the driver the stress of safely parallel parking. Cruising the street in search of a slot, at the press of a button on the centre console the system picks out a convenient parking space and reverses the vehicle into it while the driver, operating the footbrake only, sits with his or her arms folded. Wondrous. Note: it doesn’t distinguish ‘no parking’ spots. Talk to the Titanium and it will obey. Voice control mostly can select a radio station, pick a temperature and control demisters, dial a contact on a Bluetooth connected phone and play a Bluetooth-connected device. Clear diction is the key to connecting. A ‘help’ function is the backstop.
SAFETY
Safety is paramount across the Focus board. All have driver and front passenger forward and side thorax airbags, and side curtain airbags for front and rear seat occupants. Active safety comes via ABS anti-skid brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist. Dynamic Stability Control incorporates Traction Control and there’s a Hill Start Assist system for getting going on inclines.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
There’s nothing harsh about the Focus Titanium. Increased torsional rigidity, stiffened front and rear subframes and strategically placed absorbers all combine to cut road noise and vibration. Ford says many key areas of the new Focus in general – from the design of the seats, to the thickness of the rim on the steering wheel, to the door closing sounds – were engineered to meet the new higher global standards.
The direct injection petrol engine proved economical during our time together. Fuel consumption around town was 7.5 litres per 100km; on mainly highway driving 5.6 litres/100km. With more than 10 million sold since its introduction in 1998, the Focus has become a Ford small car favourite worldwide. The Titanium adds a further dimension with its finish quality, long list of standard features and high performance driving dynamics.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
Hatchback
Ambiente 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT 5-speed manual $21,990
Ambiente 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT 6-speed PowerShift automatic $24,290
Ambiente 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 5-speed manual $24,490
Ambiente 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 6-speed automatic $26,790
Trend 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 6-speed PowerShift automatic $30,500
Sport 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 5-speed manual $27,890
Sport 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 6-speed automatic $30,190
Sport 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 6-speed PowerShift automatic $33,690
Titanium 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 6-speed PowerShift automatic $33,090
Titanium 2.0 Duratorq 6-speed PowerShift automatic $36,590
Sedan
Ambiente 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT 6-speed PowerShift automatic $ $24,290
Trend 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 6-speed PowerShift automatic $26,790
Trend 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 6-speed PowerShift automatic $30,500
Sport 2.0 GDi T-VCT 6-speed PowerShift automatic $30,190
Sport 2.0 DuratorqTDCi 6-speed PowerShift automatic $33,690
Titanium 2.0 GDi Ti-VCT 6-speed PowerShift automatic $33,090
Titanium 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 6-speed PowerShift automatic $36,590
(Manufacturer’s List Price, excluding government and dealer delivery charges)
SPECIFICATIONS (Focus Titanium 2-litre GDi Ti-VCT 6-speed PowerShift 5-door Hatch)
ENGINE:
Displacement: 1999cc
Configuration: Four-cylinder in line
Head Design: Aluminium DOHC four valves per cylinder
Bore/stroke: 87.5 mm/83.1 mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Maximum Power: 125 kW @ 6600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 202 Nm @ 4450 rpm
Emission level: Euro IV
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Front
Transmission: Six-speed dual clutch PowerShift
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4358 mm
Wheelbase: 2648 mm
Width (inc mirrors): 2010 mm
Height: 1484 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb weight: 1435 kg
Gross vehicle mass: 1900 kg
Boot capacity: 277 litres (seats upright); 1062 litres (seats folded)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Towing Ability: N/A
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Suspension: Independent MacPherson struts, offset coil springs, gas filled dampers and lower L-arms. Anti-roll bar (front); Independent multi-link Control Blade, large dampers. Anti-roll bar.
Brakes: Ventilated discs (278 mm, front); solid discs (271 mm, rear)
ABS anti-skid with electronic brake force distribution, traction control.
Dynamic Stability Control
WHEELS/TYRES
Wheels: Alloy, 8.0 J 18
Tyres: 235/40 R18 95W
Spare: Full-size steel, 205/55 R16 91V
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top speed: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Petrol 95 RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.7 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 156 g/km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 7.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three-year/100,000km |
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