Ford Sime Darby Auto Connexion takes one of the largest stands at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 13 in PWTC to showcase their up and coming latest model to the Malaysian market. Set for the near future – Ford displayed 3 of the most anticipated cars set to arrive on our shores in 2014 with other models previewed as well along side to gather the market’s feedback on the possibility of having these models here.
“Our plan and successful product-led transformation is helping to deliver even more segment-leading vehicles, like the all-new EcoSport and new Fiesta with 1.0-litre EcoBoost, that reflect our commitment to serve our growing number of customers in Malaysia,” said Randy Kreiger, Director, Marketing and Sales, Ford ASEAN. The brand has been successful in the market and with the soft launch of these models demonstrate to the public Ford’s commitment to capture even more of Malaysia’s highly-competitive compact segment.
First up – the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost. Carrying the brand’s award-winning 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine; this little car promises more than just environmental friendliness and fuel economy. Not to be fooled by the small engine – it produces a whopping 123hp and 170nm, a performance that rivals a traditional 1.6-litre engine but promises to use 21% less fuel and lower emissions.
Wrapped in the traditional Fiesta shell, the car retains the usual practicality and city-runabout manoeuvrability that the Fiesta offers, however tagged with the EcoBoost performance that boggles the minds of many. Set to reach our shores in Q1 2014 – the Fiesta EcoBoost carries a tentative price tag of between RM96k to RM99k (north of RM9k over the facelifted Fiesta 1.5).
Taking the stage at Ford’s booth is the newest design on the brand’s B-segment platform – a compact SUV that promises to blend versatility and smart connectivity to attract modern-day market demands. The Ford EcoSport carries a 1.5-litre 4 cylinder engine producing a generic 110bhp and 140nm of twist. Although no word has been revealed on the possibility of a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine to appear on this car in this market, we can expect it to make to our shores eventually.
Interior size remains relatively similar to the Fiesta (same platform) however the EcoSport enables more driving abilities off-road and even if submerged in water (up to 21.6 inch) simultaneously promises to keep the inhabitants of the car comfortable and entertained with Ford’s exclusive SYNC™ in-car connectivity system. Tentative price for the EcoSport is between RM98k to RM108k with bookings open now at KLIMS13.
The Fiesta ST has got to be our favourite on the stands. It is definitely one of the most anticipated car to make its way to our shores packed with its angry little 1.6-litre turbocharged engine empowering the rear-deal of hot hatches. With 180bhp on taps and 240nm to launch the angry little puppy from Zerotohundred in 5.9 seconds – the Fiesta ST will be the second Ford to carry the ‘ST’ badge in Malaysia.
We can expect the Fiesta ST here in Malaysia earliest mid next-year with a tentative pricing of RM150k. SDAC has also not assured the market of which variant will make its way here – either the 3 door or 5 door but only one will be coming. We prefer it in 3 door form however it will lose the practicality that the market lust after. Only time will tell..
Featured at the Ford’s stand is the Mustang Shelby GT500. Although the company has no plans to bring this in to our market, it is just to showcase what the country is missing out on. True to its heritage – the GT500 is a proper modern-day muscle car with 662bhp and 855nm on taps from the 5.8-litre Supercharged V8 heart. Any one interested can request for a special order, although no promises on an allocation. But sit tight because Ford plans to export right-hand drive versions of the upcoming Mustang generation which we might be able to see here on our shores.
Appearing in the flesh at the Ford stand is the American based mid-size sedan Fusion in Hybrid form. Proved to a be a success in the States since its launch, the Fusion Hybrid carries a 2-litre 4 cylinder engine supplemented with an electric motor which promises an total rear-world mileage of 1,000km on a full tank and charge. Do we want it here? No doubt it looks good and its bigger than a Mondeo. Why not..
This concludes the Ford’s stand at KLIMS13. The show will continue until the 24th of November so don’t miss out on these cars that you can see in the flesh. For now, below are some show girls for your bewilderment.
