Euro Focus
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 0
Euro Focus
I recently came back from Europe (Serbia and Croatia) and my buddy there took me for a drive in his 2003 Focus Ghia 2.0 (131 hp). He recently imported it from Italy with only 18,000 original kilometers (~11,000 miles) on the odometer.
And I gotta tell you that Focus is a lot better car than my brand new Fusion. Fit and finish is amazing, car is not noisy at all and engine feels a lot more powerful than 131 hp.
Car is simply amazing. I grew up in Europe around Volkswagen Golfs which were the best car in this class, but Focus is so much better than Golf.
If Ford was selling that car in the States they wouldn't be in a financial problems. I'm pretty sure many people would chose it over Corolla and Civic.
And I gotta tell you that Focus is a lot better car than my brand new Fusion. Fit and finish is amazing, car is not noisy at all and engine feels a lot more powerful than 131 hp.
Car is simply amazing. I grew up in Europe around Volkswagen Golfs which were the best car in this class, but Focus is so much better than Golf.
If Ford was selling that car in the States they wouldn't be in a financial problems. I'm pretty sure many people would chose it over Corolla and Civic.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 0
True, true, but here in the States I really would rather spend $20,000 on Euro Focus than on Fusion. Especially since Focus can get 35 mpg city very easily.
And Ford could adjust that price, they don't have to charge the same price. Other cars that are sold on both markets, like Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit) and Opel (Saturn) Astra, also don't cost the same here and in Europe.
And Ford could adjust that price, they don't have to charge the same price. Other cars that are sold on both markets, like Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit) and Opel (Saturn) Astra, also don't cost the same here and in Europe.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
A Mazda3 uses the same patform as the Euro focus. The only difference in the motor is that the 2 liter motor here has VVT, good for 146 hp.
I just bought an '08 Mazda3. For a plain car, complete with roll up windows, it's nice. Fun to drive too.
Window sticker EPA ratings are 29 city/32 hwy. Last tank I averaged 34, and have done as well as 38 on the hwy.
My car stickered for $15,525, I bought it for just under $12k, brand new. If you like the euro Focus, go drive a Mazda3.
I just bought an '08 Mazda3. For a plain car, complete with roll up windows, it's nice. Fun to drive too.
Window sticker EPA ratings are 29 city/32 hwy. Last tank I averaged 34, and have done as well as 38 on the hwy.
My car stickered for $15,525, I bought it for just under $12k, brand new. If you like the euro Focus, go drive a Mazda3.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
The Golf and Astra, when "Americanized" get inferior (bigger, lower output/liter) engines and therefore inferior gas mileage. I test drove a Mazda3, and wanted to like it, but it seemed too "crude" compared to a Civic, for instance. Also, the gas mileage (California version) was not exactly best in class. Why does a subcompact car need 2-2.5 liters? Im afraid the answer is that 90 percent of the US/Canada car market is for automatic transmissions.
Jim
Jim
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
My 2.0 with a 5 speed has plenty of power and is fun to drive. I didn't even test drive one with an automatic.
My car is "crude", as you put it. Roll up windows, manual shift, steel wheels all on an '08 model. Fit and finish are excellent though. The suspension is light years ahead of our US Focus. And the drivetrain is smooth and responsive without any strange vibrations.
There does seem to be a lot of road noise, depending upon the surface I drive on. But, hey, it's a base stripper car with small 15" tires. I'm sure higher trim levels get more sound deadening insulation.
Also, it's one of the few Japanese small cars sold in North America that's actually built in Japan.
I could not buy a similarly equipped Honda for less than 15K.
My car is "crude", as you put it. Roll up windows, manual shift, steel wheels all on an '08 model. Fit and finish are excellent though. The suspension is light years ahead of our US Focus. And the drivetrain is smooth and responsive without any strange vibrations.
There does seem to be a lot of road noise, depending upon the surface I drive on. But, hey, it's a base stripper car with small 15" tires. I'm sure higher trim levels get more sound deadening insulation.
Also, it's one of the few Japanese small cars sold in North America that's actually built in Japan.
I could not buy a similarly equipped Honda for less than 15K.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Does the euro focus look kinda like the U.S. model? Thats just like with the australian Ford Falcon if they brought that car over here it would sell repeatedly.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 0
First generation of Euro Focus looks exactly like a US model.
But 2nd generation is a lot different.
But 2nd generation is a lot different.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer