Ford Focus
Ford Focus
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 2
From: NH
The 2010 US Focus is still mostly the 2000 Focus platform.
The Mazda 3 and the 2005+ Euro Focus have the Same platform (C1) which is updated and better than the 2000 US Focus platform.
The 2012 US Focus is supposed to catch up with the Euro focus and Mazda3 platform.
I think it's the Volvo S30 (whatever the small Volvo is) also has the Mazda3 Platform.
In 2005 the Euro Focus got the new C1 platform (and a complete body makeover. The US focus just got a face-lift) and the US version (because Ford said the US version had not made enough profit yet, or something like that) got tweaks to the original platform and more tweaks in 2006 and on.
I am not sure when or if the Mazda3 had the exact platform as the US Focus. But you are correct in that they are basically the same platform. The 2005 Mazda3 and US Focus ST both had the Duratec 2.3L motor but Mazda had like 5 more HP due to VVT vs VCT. Can't remember which one had which.
I know a few people that went Mazda3 after they were tired of the Focus. And loved the move.
The biggest gripe with the US Focus enthusiasts is that Europe gets all the good new stuff and the US gets all the left over cr@p.
Note: I own 2 Focuses and one of them since Jan 2001.
The Mazda 3 and the 2005+ Euro Focus have the Same platform (C1) which is updated and better than the 2000 US Focus platform.
The 2012 US Focus is supposed to catch up with the Euro focus and Mazda3 platform.
I think it's the Volvo S30 (whatever the small Volvo is) also has the Mazda3 Platform.
In 2005 the Euro Focus got the new C1 platform (and a complete body makeover. The US focus just got a face-lift) and the US version (because Ford said the US version had not made enough profit yet, or something like that) got tweaks to the original platform and more tweaks in 2006 and on.
I am not sure when or if the Mazda3 had the exact platform as the US Focus. But you are correct in that they are basically the same platform. The 2005 Mazda3 and US Focus ST both had the Duratec 2.3L motor but Mazda had like 5 more HP due to VVT vs VCT. Can't remember which one had which.
I know a few people that went Mazda3 after they were tired of the Focus. And loved the move.
The biggest gripe with the US Focus enthusiasts is that Europe gets all the good new stuff and the US gets all the left over cr@p.
Note: I own 2 Focuses and one of them since Jan 2001.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,000
Likes: 1,516
From: Maine, Virginia
The 2010 US Focus is still mostly the 2000 Focus platform.
The Mazda 3 and the 2005+ Euro Focus have the Same platform (C1) which is updated and better than the 2000 US Focus platform.
The 2012 US Focus is supposed to catch up with the Euro focus and Mazda3 platform.
I think it's the Volvo S30 (whatever the small Volvo is) also has the Mazda3 Platform.
In 2005 the Euro Focus got the new C1 platform (and a complete body makeover. The US focus just got a face-lift) and the US version (because Ford said the US version had not made enough profit yet, or something like that) got tweaks to the original platform and more tweaks in 2006 and on.
I am not sure when or if the Mazda3 had the exact platform as the US Focus. But you are correct in that they are basically the same platform. The 2005 Mazda3 and US Focus ST both had the Duratec 2.3L motor but Mazda had like 5 more HP due to VVT vs VCT. Can't remember which one had which.
I know a few people that went Mazda3 after they were tired of the Focus. And loved the move.
The biggest gripe with the US Focus enthusiasts is that Europe gets all the good new stuff and the US gets all the left over cr@p.
Note: I own 2 Focuses and one of them since Jan 2001.
The Mazda 3 and the 2005+ Euro Focus have the Same platform (C1) which is updated and better than the 2000 US Focus platform.
The 2012 US Focus is supposed to catch up with the Euro focus and Mazda3 platform.
I think it's the Volvo S30 (whatever the small Volvo is) also has the Mazda3 Platform.
In 2005 the Euro Focus got the new C1 platform (and a complete body makeover. The US focus just got a face-lift) and the US version (because Ford said the US version had not made enough profit yet, or something like that) got tweaks to the original platform and more tweaks in 2006 and on.
I am not sure when or if the Mazda3 had the exact platform as the US Focus. But you are correct in that they are basically the same platform. The 2005 Mazda3 and US Focus ST both had the Duratec 2.3L motor but Mazda had like 5 more HP due to VVT vs VCT. Can't remember which one had which.
I know a few people that went Mazda3 after they were tired of the Focus. And loved the move.
The biggest gripe with the US Focus enthusiasts is that Europe gets all the good new stuff and the US gets all the left over cr@p.
Note: I own 2 Focuses and one of them since Jan 2001.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 2
From: NH
If you are buying new the 2011 Fiesta will be out in July. Little smaller than the Focus but 35-50 MPG. Might see 30-33(maybe 35 with 5speed) with the Focus. The Fiesta is also supposed to have the same perfoamance as the 2000-2002 Focus(zetec). At least give it a peek.
Moderator
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 158,231
Likes: 11,940
From: Greenfield, MA
Ford projections are 29/38 for the 5 speed...30/38 for the auto....and 30/40 for the automatic with the SFE package!!! Better numbers than the Fit...Yaris...Versa!!!
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,000
Likes: 1,516
From: Maine, Virginia
The dealer I'm getting my new Focus at has a Green Fiesta priced at about 20K, I'm going to give it a look.
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