Ford Group Philippines held a test drive cum autocross event recently using the Flex-Fuel vehicle, the Ford Focus. TV and movie celebrities were pitted against media personalities in a time-trial event to prove that their ethanol-powered vehicle is not only environmentally-friendly but race worthy as well.
The event was held at the western side of the Mall of Asia parking lot where different variants of the Ford Focus were available for test drive to the public including the Focus Trend 1.6, Focus 1.8 and Focus 2.0.
All Focus variants are capable of running on E20 or unleaded gasoline with a mixture of up to 20 percent Ethanol.
Presently, Shell offers only E10 (unleaded gasoline with 10 percent Ethanol) in select stations.
Using a stock Ford Focus Trend filled with Shell E10, the celebrity and media competitors took turns in setting the best time around a 600-meter slalom course laid out by a well-known performance driving school.
The course was specifically designed for the drivers to experience the Focus’ superior driving dynamics.
Even with the use of the Shell E10, the Focus’ environmentally friendly engine proved that it can still give out a spirited drive.
And with German engineering, handling proved to be superb on the Focus which steered with accuracy around the chicanes and tight turns.
More than 50 celebrities and journalists joined the qualifying rounds but only 20 drivers, 10 for each category, qualified for the actual race.
Among the celebrities who competed were Phoemela Barranda, Claudine Trillo, Mark Nelson, Paolo Paraiso and Mike Toledo.
FGP president Henry Co graced the event. FGP VP for marketing Luie Dy-Buncio together with marketing and communications head Hazel Ludovice were also present.
In the Celebrity category, Paolo Paraiso got first place followed closely by Mark Nelson and Mike Toledo.
The overall winners were Chuck Montecillo of Tech & Tuner Magazine, Anjo Perez of Manila Bulletin and Jeff Reyes of Philippine Star.
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