Ford launches sportier, limited-edition hatchback

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 04/20/2006 10:34 AM  |  Life

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) launched the Ford Focus Sporty 2.0 Limited on Tuesday to give automotive enthusiasts a more complete sporty driving experience.

Physically and visually, there are hardly any changes to the ""standard"" Ford Focus Sporty 2.0 hatchback, although the limited edition is equipped with weather shielding on all doors and aero kit. In the interior, there are sporty leather seats and aluminum pedals which create a different atmosphere than the ""standard"" Ford Focus Sporty.

Asked why there wasn't much emphasis on the aero kit, PT FMI general marketing manager Bagus Susanto said that the focus was more on creating a sporty driving experience, rather than a mere feast for the eyes. ""I think further additions are a job for car modification specialists,"" he said. ""We are focusing more on our general customers than those who prefer extreme modification.""

PT FMI president Richard C. Baker said Ford Focus Sporty made up 45 percent of the total Ford Focus sales during last year's fourth quarter. Apart from the hatchback, there is also a sedan version with a 1,800 cc engine.

Offered at Rp 254.5 million, the hatchback comes with a 4-cylinder, inline 2,000 cc HE Duratec engine with 16 valves and double overhead camshaft (DOHC).

Ford describes the engine as fuel efficient yet responsive and powerful. It uses sequential multi point electronic fuel injection, and is driven by a variable intake system and electronic throttle control.

The engine yields a top power of 145 horsepower (hp) at 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and maximum torque of 185 Newtonmetre (Nm) at 4,500 rpm. This is much more powerful than its sedan, which features a 1,800 cc Duratec engine with top power of 125 hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 165 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Ford Focus Sporty uses an independent control blade rear suspension, and independent MacPherson struts for its front wheels. Coupled with the new electric-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), this could be a great answer to the problem of stability.

PT FMI in cooperation with AutoCar automotive magazine also announced three competitions featuring the Ford Focus 2.0 Sporty: sketch and computer-aided modification competitions, and a body stripping and painting competition.

The deadline for design submissions is June 23. Regulations and more information can be found at the PT FMI website, www.ford.co.id.

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