2013 FORD FOCUS ST

• Tech specs:
• Model : 2013 Ford Focus
• Trim : ST
• EPA fuel economy : 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway
• Power train : Turbocharged direct-injection 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission
• Observed fuel economy : 23.1 mpg
• Bluetooth phone support : Standard with contact list integration
• Navigation : Optional flash-memory-based with traffic integration
• Digital audio sources : Smartphone apps, onboard hard drive, iPod/iPhone, USB drive, Bluetooth streaming, auxiliary input, satellite radio, HD Radio
• Audio system : Sony 10-speaker 355-watt system
• Base price : $23,700
• Price as tested : $28,170

States call driving a privilege. Some people consider it a task. With the 2013 Ford Focus ST, it becomes a joy. There are very few cars today that so reward the active, engaged driver. At the same time, the Focus ST would be practical as a daily driver. As a hatchback, it provides versatile interior space that can handle five passengers and cargo. Fuel economy, while down substantially from other Focus variants, is still good enough that each fill-up should not empty your bank account.

For the average American buyer, the Focus ST has a couple of strikes against it. It only comes with a six-speed manual transmission. At last count, only 6 percent of new cars sold had manuals in the U.S. And we apparently prefer sedans over hatchbacks, even in the compact segment. In the tradition of the hot hatchback, a type of car developed by European and Japanese gearheads who generally only had access to economical front-wheel-drive cars as platforms for tuning exploits, the Focus ST sends almost too much power to its front wheels: 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque


Ford Focus ST good:- The 2013 Ford Focus ST delivers responsive handling and plenty of power from its efficient four-cylinder engine. Voice command handles destination input, music selection, phone calls, and app integration.

Ford Focus ST bad:- The optional MyFord Touch system has a clunky interface, especially when it comes to navigation. The Recaro seats can be a little much for everyday use.

FORD ECO SPORT DIESEL 1.5 AMBIENTE CAR

FORD ECO SPORT is a sub-four metre compact SUV with stunning looks that was first unveiled in 2012 at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. It immediately created a stir in the SUV market of India. It was released in Brazil and China with great enthusiasm and also got overwhelming appraisal and positive reviews. Ford has launched the EcoSport in India (on 26th June, 2013) and the bookings of Ford EcoSport are now open; the booking amount is INR 50000. Its most important feature for Indian market is its mouth-watering price range that is almost equal to C-Segment sedans that makes it a worthy winner. The base variant of EcoSport is priced at only INR 5.59 lakhs (ex-showroom). India has already witnessed Renault's compact SUV 'Duster' that made quite a repo and image in the Indian market. It is extremely manoeuvrable in city conditions of India. It also has huge front bumper and peeled-back head lights with a sporty rear-end placing it in the Ford's latest design theme. It also guarantees excellent mileage and reliability because of its EcoBoost engines. It is a SUV that is particularly designed for Indian market needs. 

The Ford EcoSport is powered by a tiny and highly efficient 999cc three-cylinder petrol engine that is EcoBoost. It produces 123 Bhp and 170 Nm of torque with the help of turbocharging which is also very eco-friendly compared to other SUVs in its segment. It is also available in diesel engine that is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 90 Bhp and 204 Nm of torque. This engine is also very economical that gives almost an average of around 22km/l on highway runs. The petrol and diesel engines of EcoSport, both are matted to five-speed manual transmission that powers front wheels. The top-end petrol variants of Ford EcoSport are also available with dual-clutch six-speed automatic gearbox that is highly efficient and reliable. The ARAI certified mileage of the Ford EcoSport is as follows – 15.6 kmpl (1.5 Petrol AT), 15.8 kmpl (1.5 Petrol MT), 18.9 kmpl (1.0 EcoBoost), 22.7 kmpl (1.5 Diesel). These figures will be attracting many Indian buyers for sure. 

Ford EcoSport comes equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels making it more dashing and exquisite. The whole design of this SUV is based on American engineer's new Kinetic design philosophy. It also has a spare tyre added to it at the back that increases its bulkiness and also helps Ford in cutting the length for tax subsidies, thus making it a proper SUV. The instrument dials have blue lighting which is cool and easily readable. It also have a lot of features for the passengers comfort like power windows, AC, electrically adjustable ORVMs with central locking, smart Start/Stop button with hill launch assist to avoid rolling back of vehicle and V-shaped central consoled dashboard with edgy AC vents. 

The dashboard also has a big glove box, a miniature cooler to keep things fresh and cool. It is also providing an under seat tray to keep essentials. It has a boot capacity of 346 litres which can be extended to 560 litres by folding the rear seats. The EcoSport also has a powerful music system with voice control system containing USB and Aux-in ports for connecting music gadgets. It also has a Bluetooth connecting facility through SYNC. These audio and Bluetooth controls can also be found on steering wheel. It is available in orange, kinetic blue and yellow colors in India.

The EcoSport is also made for competing in off-road abilities with high ground clearance of 200mm and 550mm water wading capability.  It is available in 10 variants with 1.5 L petrol engine has four, 1.0 L EcoBoost petrol engine has two and 1.5 L diesel engine has four variants. Ford EcoSport is available in seven shades: Mars Red, Chill Metallic, Moondust Silver, Kinetic Blue, Sea Grey, Panther Black and Diamond White. Ford has managed to price the EcoSport very competitively at INR 5.59 lakhs for the base model of 1.5 petrol. The 1.0 EcoBoost model is priced at INR 7.89 lakhs. The base model of EcoSport diesel is available for INR 6.69 lakhs (1.5 Ambiente). The automatic variant of 1.5 petrol is available for INR 8.45 lakhs (1.5 Titanium AT). All these prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

Ford EcoSport is available in 10 variants with three engines options. The 1.5 P is available in four variants: Ambiente, Trend, Titanium MT and Titanium AT. The 1.0 EcoBoost petrol is available in two variants: Titanium and Titanium (O). The 1.5 D is available in four variants: Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium (O). The base variant of EcoSport is Ambiente, it comes with these features: EPAS with tilt/telescopic steering, AC, Music System, electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors with integrated turn integrated, remote central locking, front power windows, body coloured bumpers, MF display, foldable rear seat, front power source and 15 inch full wheel covers. 

The next variant is Trend, in addition to the features of Ambiente, it comes with ABS+EBD, split folding rear seat, rear parcel tray, steering mounted audio controls, rear power windows, rear defogger, rear wiper, rear washer, body coloured outside rear-view mirrors, silver ornamentation and rear power point. 

The third variant is Titanium, in addition to the features of Trend, it comes equipped with six-speed Powershift automatic transmission (1.5 petrol), leather wrapped steering, SYNC system, 16 inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control system, front fog lamps, driver seat lumbar support, roof rails, front armrest, cooled glove box, dual front airbags, chrome exteriors and reverse parking sensors.

The top variant is Titanium (O), in addition to the features of Titanium it comes with leather seats, push button start, key-less vehicle system and side plus curtain airbags.

Ford is offering warranty of 2 Years/100000 kms in EcoSport, whichever is earlier. Ford India is also offering extended warranty to cover your car against all mechanical and electrical failures, for an additional period.

Ford is also offering lots of official accessories for the EcoSport like Alloy Wheels 15" Size, Rear Spoiler, Front Fog lamp Kit, Air Deflector (Slim-line Weather shields), Headlamp Guard, Acrylic Bug Deflector/Bonnet Protector, Chrome Finisher Front Grille, Side Running Board, Reverse Parking Sensors, Roof Rack Tray, Roof Styling Rails & Cross Bars, Spare Wheel Cover, Front and Rear Bumper Appliques, Mud Flaps and Car Cover. At this price point, it is the best car (SUV) in its segment. With its striking design, brilliant fuel efficiency and power packed performance it’s undoubtedly a complete value for money car.

OTHER DETAIL :

Name : EcoSport Diesel
Model : 1.5 Ambiente
Car Body Type : SUV
Segment : C+ Segment
Fuel Consumption : Highway 22.70 kmpl.
Fuel Consumption : City 16.00 kmpl.
Warranty : 2 Years/100000 Kms
Length : 3999 mm
Width : 1765 mm
Height : 1708 mm
Displacement : 1498cc, DV5 diesel
Engine Type : Diesel
Maximum Power : 90 Bhp @ 3750 rpm
Maximum Torque : 204 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Seating Capacity : 5
Tyre Size : 195/65 R15
Suspension : Ind MacPherson struts, Semi-ind twist beam
Turning Circle : 5.30 mtrs.
Boot Space : 346.00 ltrs.
Steering : Power
Brakes : Front Disk, Rear Drum
Gears : 5 Manual
Ground Clearance : 200.00 mm
Kerb Weight : 1272.00 kgs.
Fuel Tank : 52.00 

AUDI S6 and S7 CARS

Audi has a new mission for its S-series of performance cars: Instead of competing directly against high-enders like BMW's M-series, the S cars are aiming a bit lower. So how well do the S6 and S7 fulfill their objectives? Not well, as it turns out -- and that's a good thing.

The first thing the Audi folks told us at the press launch for the S6 and S7 was that they are dialing back the S-series. New S models, they said, would essentially be A models with big engines -- in other words, the S6 would compete with the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E550 rather than the M5 and E63 AMG, while the big performance guns would be reserved for the RS models, only a couple of which (RS5, TT-RS) are available in the States.

Then they let us drive the cars, and I immediately realized that they had lied. They lied! Attention Pants Control, we have ignition.

If the S6 (or S7) is no more than an A6 (or A7) with a bigger engine, then I'm the King of Sweden*. Okay, it's true they could have turned the power up; the 4-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 420 horsepower -- a mere twenty more than BMW's 550i -- and 406 lb-ft of torque, and yet this same engine is set up for 520 horsepower in the bigger S8. But the connecting hardware is serious: The engine drives all four wheels through Audi's 7-speed "S-Tronic" twin-clutch automatic transmission, which delivers snappy shifts and instant power without the slushy feel of a traditional torque-converter automatic. And out back is Audi's torque vectoring rear axle, which shifts power to the outside rear wheel when the driver gets on the gas coming out of a turn.

Big power, big fun
All-wheel-drive grip adds a layer of safety
Reasonable pricing compared to the compeitiion
S6 and S7 are the new hot-rod versions of the A6 and A7
Price range: $72,795 - $98,120
EPA fuel economy estimates: 17 MPG city/27 MPG highway
Where built: Germany
Best rivals: Cadillac CTS-V, BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG