what do y'all think about the new Focus?
- Thread starter BlahBlahYouToo
- Start date
I test drove a decently optioned SE 4-door a few weeks ago. Very nice car, definitely larger and more appointed than before. Rear seat room behind my driving position was a little tight, but for kids or short trips with not-giant adults, it would be workable.
The engine combined with the 6-spd dual clutch transmission is a peppy enough combo for the application; it's definitely not an ST but for normal driving it's fine. Handling was actually fairly fun, ride quality was good.
Interior materials and fit/finish were surprisingly very nice. Much more on par with the Taurus instead of the Fusion. I actually sat in a Fusion after getting out of the Focus, and the difference was very apparent. Don't get me wrong, the Fusion is nice and the interior is exactly what I'd expect, but the Focus was just surprisingly well done. For nearly the same price, it should be though.
I think if I was going to get one, I'd look at an SEL 5-door.
The engine combined with the 6-spd dual clutch transmission is a peppy enough combo for the application; it's definitely not an ST but for normal driving it's fine. Handling was actually fairly fun, ride quality was good.
Interior materials and fit/finish were surprisingly very nice. Much more on par with the Taurus instead of the Fusion. I actually sat in a Fusion after getting out of the Focus, and the difference was very apparent. Don't get me wrong, the Fusion is nice and the interior is exactly what I'd expect, but the Focus was just surprisingly well done. For nearly the same price, it should be though.
I think if I was going to get one, I'd look at an SEL 5-door.
good to know.
first time i've gotten excited over a domestic compact car in awhile.
the cruze does nothing for me.
first time i've gotten excited over a domestic compact car in awhile.
the cruze does nothing for me.
The driving dyanics were decent but it felt really cramped inside. kind of like a cockpit or something. If i had to choose that or the Elantra i think id go with the Elantra which felt much more roomy and open. It didnt drive as nice as the Focus imo but it wasnt horrible. A bit better mpg and lower sticker price would puch me that way as well towards the Elantra. But either car i think is good for the size.
the front looks like it wants a MONSTER front mount. I am a hatch fan so I think they look good. just wish they were AWD.
MiataNC
Platinum Member
- Dec 5, 2007
- 2,215
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I drove a manual SE this week and I was not impressed.
I couldn't get the seat set right for me. I felt like I was sitting in the cab of a truck. I also felt disconnected from the road while driving.
I also drove the new Elantra, and Jetta TDI. Both cars (with manuals) were more fun to drive than the Ford. The Hyundai is a sweet little econo-box, that you can flog around and not care. The TDI was very nice, but I am not convinced it is worth the asking price since they decontented the Mark6 Jetta. Next up is the Cruze Eco...
My opinion on driving dynamics is most likley skewed. I am spoiled. I have been driving an RX-8 for the past 3 years and before that a Miata with a tuned suspension.
I couldn't get the seat set right for me. I felt like I was sitting in the cab of a truck. I also felt disconnected from the road while driving.
I also drove the new Elantra, and Jetta TDI. Both cars (with manuals) were more fun to drive than the Ford. The Hyundai is a sweet little econo-box, that you can flog around and not care. The TDI was very nice, but I am not convinced it is worth the asking price since they decontented the Mark6 Jetta. Next up is the Cruze Eco...
My opinion on driving dynamics is most likley skewed. I am spoiled. I have been driving an RX-8 for the past 3 years and before that a Miata with a tuned suspension.
punjabiplaya
Diamond Member
- Nov 12, 2006
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JulesMaximus
No Lifer
- Jul 3, 2003
- 74,584
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I drove a Titanium Hatchback about a month ago and was very impressed with the car. I think this is going to replace my Maxima one day. Good fuel economy, great looks, excellent fit and finish, lots of cool technology features (hope they work all the bugs out).
Just a fantastic car IMO. Not overpriced at all for what you get.
Just a fantastic car IMO. Not overpriced at all for what you get.
I should point out that the SE I drove had the Sport package, which adds a lot of options to the interior (leather wrapped wheel, different seats) as well as a stiffer suspension, hence it was probably a bit nicer and felt more fun to drive than a normal SE.
I agree that the driving position felt a little cockpit-like, I think in part due to the fairly wide center console.
In my opinion the price is pretty fair, we get X-Plan pricing so that helps a bit. I'd like to check out the new Hyundai as well just to compare though.
I agree that the driving position felt a little cockpit-like, I think in part due to the fairly wide center console.
In my opinion the price is pretty fair, we get X-Plan pricing so that helps a bit. I'd like to check out the new Hyundai as well just to compare though.
JulesMaximus
No Lifer
- Jul 3, 2003
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The Titanium model is the top of the line. Comes with leather, power moonroof, NAV, DSG, sport suspension, 18" wheels, bluetooth, power everything, all the bells and whistles for $27k...probably under that if you do your homework and shop around.
The one I drove was silver with black leather interior. Very nice car IMO. It is at the top of my short list.
Yes, I was responding to MiataNC saying that he didn't care for the SE he drove. Dealer didn't have anything above an SE when I stopped by, and most of them were pretty basic. I could see where they could be unimpressive, but the higher level one I drove was nice. I'd like to check out an SEL or Titanium, from playing with the website I thnk I could get what I want for $21-22k or so.
not too crazy about the front end imo but they look like nice cars, never been in one or driven one though.
if i was in the market for a new compact, i'd have to say i'd drive the elantra first.
if i was in the market for a new compact, i'd have to say i'd drive the elantra first.
I like it, but I probably wouldn't buy one for more than $20k...simply because it's a ford focus. It does look sharp though, especially the top of the line trims.
- Mar 20, 2000
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the elantra is a midsized car, so it should be roomier. cruze is also midsized.
JulesMaximus
No Lifer
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I didn't say it was standard. But the price I gave was for the one I drove which included all those features.
exar333
Diamond Member
- Feb 7, 2004
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Seems kind of silly to me to have a 'Titanium' trim level without these features. Like the car, but the options/trim levels are a little baffling.
- Mar 20, 2000
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Demo24
Diamond Member
- Aug 5, 2004
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The Forte is from my understanding the Kia equivalent of the elantra, and I can't really imagine why you would want to get one over the Focus. The interior was a mess, the quality felt ok but it was poorly designed to use the space. Terrible rear visiblity, awkward front visibility because the dash is long and very far from the front, and the side windows are small. Had an awkward seating position as well.
JulesMaximus
No Lifer
- Jul 3, 2003
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No, I didn't. I said what it comes with at the $27k msrp...I never said these were standard features for the Titanium model.
The only think I don't like about them is the funky tail lights that sweep forward over the rear wheels.
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