Motor Expo 2026

After the launch of HONDA CIVIC, another current popular trend is the small engine boosted with a turbo. Although this type of powertrain has been around for some time, it was mostly found in luxurious, expensive cars (such as BMW or MERCEDES-BENZ). But now we are starting to see more affordable cars doing the same. The result is high power, up to 173 hp in the CIVIC 1.5 VTEC TURBO, along with torque available from low RPMs, 22.4 kg-m at 1,700-5,500 rpm. This is something rare in previous HONDA models, and smaller engines have an advantage in fuel consumption at low speeds (compared to larger conventional engines).

But wait... CIVIC is not the only C-segment car using such a powertrain, because soon FORD is preparing to launch the FOCUS with a 1.5-liter ECOBOOST engine, and some specifications have already been revealed. Let's take a look.

FORD FOCUS has been launched in our country for some time. The latest model is a minor change facelift. The shape, as seen, is a 5-door hatchback. The ECOBOOST engine is a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder in-line, direct-injection gasoline turbo. Maximum power is 180 hp at 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 24.5 kg-m at 1,600-5,000 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission (goodbye...dual-clutch transmission), while the CIVIC uses a CVT.

Looking at the specifications, the engines are similar in design, both with direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and a 1.5-liter displacement. FORD claims that the average fuel consumption of the FOCUS ECOBOOST is 13.9 km/liter, which is a bit high considering current car standards. However, if the performance is quick and responsive, it might be acceptable (we'll wait to prove it on a later occasion).

In addition to engine specifications, safety systems are a key highlight. The top-of-the-line CIVIC 1.5 VTEC TURBO RS features a blind spot display system for lane changes, a rear-view camera with 3 adjustable angles, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), and Hill Start Assist.

FORD has never been outdone by anyone when it comes to safety systems. The safety features currently revealed in the FOCUS ECOBOOST include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Traction Control System (TCS), Torque Vectoring Control, Active Park Assist for parallel and perpendicular parking, Low-Speed Safety System, and a rearview camera for reverse parking.

It's safe to say they've gone all out, typical of an American car manufacturer. Interesting features, installed for the first time, include the perpendicular parking assist system, in addition to the existing parallel parking assist system, and a low-speed braking assist system, which is now being installed in many car models and brands (but the new CIVIC doesn't have it... go figure).

Regarding the price, the CIVIC 1.5 VTEC TURBO is priced at 1,099,000-1,199,000 Baht. For a C-segment top-tier model, the price usually hovers around 1 million Baht, plus/minus. The FOCUS ECOBOOST has not revealed its price yet, but it is expected to be in a similar range.

Let's look at the rough specifications first. There are still many questions about both models, which have just been launched and are preparing to be launched soon, regarding their performance, comfort, and driving feel. We will present these in the future after a full test drive and review!

P.S. Another option: a small engine...turbocharged NISSAN SYLPHY 1.6 DIG TURBO with a maximum power of 190 hp. If you focus on horsepower figures, it's currently the highest among its peers. It features a direct fuel injection engine, and its design is sleek and luxurious, with a starting price of 999,000 Baht.

Specifications for each model (click) : HONDA CIVIC , FORD FOCUS , NISSAN SYLPHY