[Clivey]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Because you coudn't tell a good car even if you had it in front?

You bloody hypocrite!

In the Focus ST/XR5 thread, you're having a dig at me for making a joke about the same thing...!

Originally Posted by MRR

Oh come on!!

I think Albert was just joking - don't be offended by it. Even if there are a class of "stupid Americans" (rednecks and the like), I'm sure everybody else just ignores them and goes about a normal life anyway. I'm sure that if the new Mondeo were to be introduced in the US, it'd sell...

Originally Posted by MRR

I have a feeling if this was introduced in a showroom with a Fusion or a Taurus people would immediately recognize the Mondeo is a better car. I think a long time ago the Mondeo was in the US under a different name (before it was any good).

...correct: It was the Ford Contour. As I said, I think the new one would sell though because it's not only a very good car, but it addresses the main reason it didn't sell as the Contour before - size. The new Mondeo is only 1cm shorter than an Audi A6, which makes it even more confusing as to why Ford hasn't attempted to introduce it in North America yet - it could have a genuine "world car" on its hands this time.

Originally Posted by NSXType-R

At least we get cheap gas for the time being.

Yes, try to hold-on to that - it means that you can at least enjoy your cars without being demonically obsessed with MPG like most of us Brits (and other Europeans to a certain extent).

Originally Posted by Ferrer;

I think the problem is, a) they may be more expensive than equivalent american saloons or estates and b) not entirely suited Joe Public's needs. The orginal Mondeo (Contour), and it was a good car, already failed and the Astra doesn't seem to be doing much better.

Unfortunately our small world doesn't reflect entirely what's out there...

I see your point but I honestly don't think that's the case. It's the same situation as Ford with this Mondeo here - Ford are only looking back to what happened with the original Mondeo/Contour, and are afraid to back this one in the 'States for fear of another flop (despite this car being much better suited to the needs of the American public).

I think that the probable reason for customers not knowing how good the Saturn Astra is is that no-one knows what it is! - More promotion from GM, I reckon, could easily sort that out. I mean, no disrespect, but it's got to beat the Cobalt/Neon type cars.

The only reason I see left that Americans could see not to buy Euro-market cars is that the model ranges aren't expansive enough (the Astra is only available as a 1.8VVT, for example). This could also be sorted-out by greater backing from the manufacturer and would lead to gains all round.

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Apparently Saturn sales were down in Jan '08.

The Astra is a fine car, but not a class leader.

I have to disagree. I had one for a while and the only "minus points" I could really find were:

- The diesel engine range (the 1.7CDTi engines need replacing)
- Visibility out of the rear window
- Lack of cubby-holes for things like SatNavs, iPods etc. (The glovebox is a decent size though and a front centre armrest with storage bin can now be bought as a dealer-fit option)

In fact, the reason I traded mine in for the C4 was more to do with the actual car I had (the model didn't suit my needs and the condition was awful) - I'd definitely consider another one.

IMO it's a definite class-leader - what do you consider to be at the top of the tree?