New ‘smart’ Ford launched

MANILA, Philippines – How about a smart car to go with your smart phone?

Ford Philippines unveiled last Thursday the “all-new Ford Focus” that is able to connect to a smartphone or mobile gadget via Bluetooth so calls can be made, text messages can be sent and received, and music can be played – all through simple voice-activated commands.

Randy Krieger, Ford Philippines President, opened the launch by saying that the new 2013 Ford Focus was an “all-new Class-defining vehicle” because of its many features that were usually seen in bigger and higher-end cars.

“Customers are going to fall in love with it as much as we have,” Vinay Piparsania, Ford Philippines Vice President for Marketing and Sales, said during the launching.

The new Focus has several smart features, including the ability to connect to any smart phone or mobile gadget via Bluetooth, known as Ford Sync.

Once connected to the phone, Ford Sync has voice-activated commands that allow the driver to call, talk, start conference calls, send text messages, and play specific music by saying the artist name of song title or genre, without having to take his hands off the steering wheel.

Sync pairs with the mobile phone and can download phone contacts, display the phone’s signal strength and battery remaining, read text messages aloud, receive calls,

Prudz Castillo, Ford Philippines Assistant Vice President for Marketing, said that the Focus also has several sensors and radars around that car giving it smart driving features like Active City Stop, Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Ford Power Start, Keyless Entry, and Torque Vectoring Control.

The new 2013 Ford Focus has informative dashboard displays and several steering-wheel mounted controls so the driver do more while still keeping his hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Active City Stop uses the radars in front of the car to automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle ahead stops unexpectedly.

Active Park Assist allows the car to steer itself into a parallel parking space while the computer guides the driver on when to apply gas and brakes through audible signals and on-screen instructions.

The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) alerts the driver of any oncoming vehicle from either side of the car through radar sensors. It works best on multi-lane highways where fast-approaching vehicles are not likely to be seen by the driver in the side mirror. It can also help the driver know when a car is approaching while backing out of a parking space.

Ford’s keyless entry and power start features work by detecting the presence of the key fob through sensors outside and inside the car. When the driver with the key fob has arrived beside the car, it will automatically unlock the doors. Once inside, the driver can start the car by pushing the power button instead of using turning the key.

The Focus will also have the “cutting-edge” Torque Vectoring Control feature that allows for better handling and grip by balancing power and brakes on the two front wheels of the car. The technology reacts to the road condition 100 times per second ensuring a smooth ride.

The Focus will have four variants, Ambiente, Trend, Titanium+, and Sport+, with 4-door and hatchback body styles and automatic and manual transmissions.

Price ranges from P859,000 for the 4-door, 1.6 Liter, 5-speed manual transmission Ambiente to P1,199,0000 for the 5-door, 2.0 Liter, 6-speed automatic dual clutch powershift Sport+. The 4-door Titanium+ has the same price and almost the same specifications.

Reservations are already being accepted for the new Focus and the first delivery will arrive on September.

For more information about the new Ford Focus, visit https://www.ford.com.ph/cars/new-focus.