New Ford Focus

[Matra et Alpine]

Is it kust me ?

I see similar lines in the roof and side of the TOYOTA PRIUS !!!!

Please, tell me no :)
http://cars.msn.co.uk/pidl/80287283/Focus3dr3.jpg
http://www.new-cars.com/news/photos/030702-2004-toyota-prius.jpg

[henk4]

at least it impressed you that much that you posted it twice :)

[henk4]

and before Karmann is going to say it: Of course thePrius is going to set the new design standards :)

[IBrake4Rainbows]

it's a close resemblance. Either the Focus is getting boring, or the Prius has gotten too funky.

Either way, they all look too german.

[Coventrysucks]

I'm dissapointed with the new Focus.
It looks pudgy.

[Cotterik]

( I didnt write this by the way; courtesy of wheels24.co.za )

At last! After months of speculation, secret insider information and spy photos Ford has released the first info and photos of its much-anticipated new Focus.

The 2005 Ford Focus will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in September. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMSA) will also build the new Focus for export purposes.

Looking at the new car it is obvious that Ford has decided to keep the design conservative and that the company's so-called "New Edge" design, which was introduced with the launch of the first Focus in 1998, is something of the past.



The new Focus shares its styling cues with the C-Max MPV and is very similar to the Focus Concept Car which was shown at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year.


It shares its underpinnings with the Mazda3 and the new Volvo S40/V50. The car is also bigger than before with an overall length of 4.34m. Furthermore it is also higher and wider than the is predecessor.

This results in bigger interior and boot space.

It will be available in three and five-door guise.

The car comes well equipped and has a number of safety features such as six airbags.

Its petrol engine range includes 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2-litre units. The car is also available with a 1.6 and 2-litre turbo diesel engines.

In 2005 Ford will launch hot ST and RS version of the Focus, which will rival cars such as the Renault Megane RS and the forthcoming Golf GTI.

Im quite excited about the release of the new focus, seeing as there are SO many on the road, it will be great to see the new one take their place. The looks may not be as ground breaking as the previous Focus was at release, but Ford have done well to keep to the same lines while modernising it so they will sell just as well as the old ones if not better.

[UK CARS]

I was urging my mum to buy one, im not sure now.
Everytime i would sit in it, i would think of karrmann.

Any one got any thoughts, for the £10,000-£15,000 family car?
New Vw golf,
Mini,
New Astra,
This?

I have a couple of ideas, I just want to hear your thoughts, please :)

[Cotterik]

more pics...

they arent available in high res so these are the best you will find :)

I think the more i look at this car the more it grows on me and the more i like it!

[Matra et Alpine]

Any one got any thoughts, for the £10,000-£15,000 family car?
A 5 year old Espace for them and a 7-copy with trailer for you.

Try it, they might agree :)

[UK CARS]

A 5 year old Espace for them and a 7-copy with trailer for you.

Try it, they might agree :)
My parents are looking for something new. :)
Its a good thought though.

[Matra et Alpine]

My parents are looking for something new. :)
Its a good thought though.
A Smart and 7-copy and pay someone else to drive it to the track.
Don't give up on it man :)

[Cotterik]

I keep finding more!

If you compare this to the old focus, its alot better looking

CHECK OUT THE FIRST PIC!!! ESTATE VERSION!!!

[UK CARS]

A Smart and 7-copy and pay someone else to drive it to the track.
Don't give up on it man :)
You are speaking complete rubbish, whats a 7 copy?? why would i want a Smart?? and why would i want someone else to drive it???

[Karrmann]

cool, now your car can fall apart on the Freeway in a whole new way! :D :D

and yes it does have simular lines to the Prius :)

[Cotterik]

cool, now your car can fall apart on the Freeway in a whole new way! :D :D

and yes it does have simular lines to the Prius :)

The only part of the focus that is even slightly similar to the prius are the rear-side windows. If it was anything like as ugly as the prius im sure ford would rethink their designs immediately.
And if thats supposed to mean the focus is unreliable, you see every brand of car broken down at the side of the road, the focus is a well built car and no more unreliable than any other car in its class.

[Karrmann]

oh yeah, visit this page (http://www.tgrigsby.com/views/ford.htm)

[Matra et Alpine]

The only part of the focus that is even slightly similar to the prius are the rear-side windows. If it was anything like as ugly as the prius im sure ford would rethink their designs immediately.
And if thats supposed to mean the focus is unreliable, you see every brand of car broken down at the side of the road, the focus is a well built car and no more unreliable than any other car in its class.
The US Focus is different :)
So he may well have seen it, it's Ford US problem not Ford :)
I didn't mean in the details, Cottericlk, it was the overal 'feel'.
Clearly when you get in close all cars are different - they have to be or they get sued :)

[Karrmann]

yes in the US you can drive the Focus 60 MPH and the hood would fly open and all the innards would fly off.

[Cotterik]

yes in the US you can drive the Focus 60 MPH and the hood would fly open and all the innards would fly off.

wow thats interesting, if that was the case im sure it wouldnt even be on sale, what are u trying to prove here? If i remember correctly the focus is one of,if not the best selling four door saloon in the US.

[sutton4481]

If i remember correctly the focus is one of,if not the best selling four door saloon in the US.


Hmm, try Camry, Accord, Taurus, Impala, Cavalier, and Civic (last two aren't necesarily 4 doors though). Focus sales are a drop in the bucket compared to the F-150 and Ford even sells more Explorers than Focuses. And even though it would be kinda interesting to see a Focus' hood fly up and the innards fly out, I don't think I've ever heard of it happening.

This new Focus has somewhat polarizing looks but so did the origional and hopefully we get it eventually in the US with a new SVT or maybe even a RS.

[cuntukimushroom]

wow this is great i dunno bout you guys but i mught get a Ford Focus C-MAX for my next car

[Rockefella]

oh yeah, visit this page (http://www.tgrigsby.com/views/ford.htm)

First of all, that proof is horrible. It is an ANTI-FORD website, you don't get more biased than that. By the way, the Ford Focus WRC team didn't mind using the focus for hardcore rallying did they. :cool:

[Mustang]

wow thats interesting, if that was the case im sure it wouldnt even be on sale, what are u trying to prove here? If i remember correctly the focus is one of,if not the best selling four door saloon in the US.


and in europe (maybee just england :p) it is the best selling car outselling the Golf etc the last few months :)


By the way, the Ford Focus WRC team didn't mind using the focus for hardcore rallying did they.

exactly have you ever seen a prius doing real 'racing', dont post that shitty 'race prius' its not a race car

[Coventrysucks]

yes in the US you can drive the Focus 60 MPH and the hood would fly open and all the innards would fly off.

That's interesting, because I have seen probably tens of thousands of Focusses doing 70+ mph on the UK's motorways.

Seeing as the "hood" is locked with the door/ ignition key, you don't think that people were not shutting the hood properly, then driving off?

So there are what 100-200 people who have had problems on that page.
Out of how many million cars sold?

[UK CARS]

yes in the US you can drive the Focus 60 MPH and the hood would fly open and all the innards would fly off.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Mustang]

looking at different pics of it it is nothing like a prius YAY !!!!!!!!!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!! GO FORD :D:D:D:D::D:D:D:D:D:D

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

Karrmann, as a former US Ford Technician, I am happy to say that I have YET to see any real complaints about the 2001 and up Focus. Now, the 2000 is a different story and proves my theory of not buying Job #1's. Any newer Focus is a great car and loved by most who own them. My question to you, Karrmann, is this, have you EVER owned a Focus? Or any Ford for that matter?

[Ciscoheat]

Any one got any thoughts, for the £10,000-£15,000 family car?
New Vw golf,
Mini,
New Astra,
This?

I have a couple of ideas, I just want to hear your thoughts, please :)

Unless you are an umpa lumpa or a liliputian don't consider the BMW mini. Its just about fine for two people, thats it. I think that both the Astra and VW look dodgy, like mpv's, but I'd go for the VW because of the quality.

With that budget you could get an A4. I know you said you want new but you could even get a decent 2/3 year old merc.


On the focus issue..it looks like a SEAT Leon to me.

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

Unless you are an umpa lumpa or a liliputian don't consider the BMW mini. Its just about fine for two people, thats it. I think that both the Astra and VW look dodgy, like mpv's, but I'd go for the VW because of the quality.

With that budget you could get an A4. I know you said you want new but you could even get a decent 2/3 year old merc.


On the focus issue..it looks like a SEAT Leon to me.
At least you didn't say Prius.

[Fabio Ferrari]

Hmm, try Camry, Accord, Taurus, Impala, Cavalier, and Civic (last two aren't necesarily 4 doors though). Focus sales are a drop in the bucket compared to the F-150 and Ford even sells more Explorers than Focuses. And even though it would be kinda interesting to see a Focus' hood fly up and the innards fly out, I don't think I've ever heard of it happening.

This new Focus has somewhat polarizing looks but so did the origional and hopefully we get it eventually in the US with a new SVT or maybe even a RS.

I think that is funny that aweful cars like the Impala, Cavalier, and Taurus even sell, I know for a fact that the Accord has been the #1 selling 4 door saloon for a while now, this is because they are good priced and are built a million times better than any american car excluding Ford. Has anyone ever seen the dasboard on a Chevrolet, I must say a piece of Lumber is more luxurious. Ford build some really nice cars and they are well built. The Focus is a great car, and has been a great rally car as well. I think that this new Focus will be a great car and will be much better than its previous version. To me Ford is best American company, they are the only American car maker that could even compete in Europe, Chevrolet or Chrysler can not build anything that any European would ever want ot buy, because which European would ever buy a Corvette or Viper over a Maserati, TVR, Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, even Skoda. I will not mention the Super car makers, because they are much to amazing to even be compared to an Corvette or Viper. So all in all I hope Ford does well with this you generation of the Focus. Sorry for the rambling on there.

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

I think that is funny that aweful cars like the Impala, Cavalier, and Taurus even sell, I know for a fact that the Accord has been the #1 selling 4 door saloon for a while now, this is because they are good priced and are built a million times better than any american car excluding Ford. Has anyone ever seen the dasboard on a Chevrolet, I must say a piece of Lumber is more luxurious. Ford build some really nice cars and they are well built. The Focus is a great car, and has been a great rally car as well. I think that this new Focus will be a great car and will be much better than its previous version. To me Ford is best American company, they are the only American car maker that could even compete in Europe, Chevrolet or Chrysler can not build anything that any European would ever want ot buy, because which European would ever buy a Corvette or Viper over a Maserati, TVR, Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, even Skoda. I will not mention the Super car makers, because they are much to amazing to even be compared to an Corvette or Viper. So all in all I hope Ford does well with this you generation of the Focus. Sorry for the rambling on there.

Well, here in the US, cars like the Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Maserati are for the Rich to Super-Rich. TVR and Skoda don't even exist here. I mean, if you think about it, who would really pay $40,000(USD) for a four cylinder car like the Lotus Elise? Don't get me wrong, I WANT one and would buy it if I could afford something like that. There aren't many people who can here. When you mention leather seats, wood grain on the dash, steering wheel, and shifter, and a multitude of options, most (if not, all) Americans think Luxurary cars. Sports cars, or even cars like the 350Z, are just out of the reach of many in the US. The last time I saw a 350Z, an old man was driving it. The BMW Mini is a bit on the pricey side at $23,000 + for the Cooper S. For that price, I can get a mid-grade Taurus or a Focus SVT with enough to add a few things like an intake or even wheels and tires. Hell, I could get a nearly loaded 4x4 Ranger FX4 Level II Extra Cab and still have $1000 left over. As has been said many times before, things are different when compaired to across the pond.

[Fabio Ferrari]

I was comparing them to the Viper and Corvette, tell me how much do they cost, alot more than a Lotus I am sure.

[scubasteve87]

I agree completely, in the US, a Mercedes C class c230 coupe is up around $30000, for that no - options, bottom of the line mercedes, a US buyer can buy an Impala loaded up, a grand prix loaded up, a mustang gt loaded up, or even a GTO, the reason American cars aren't competitive overseas is the same reason European cars get looked over in the states, the cars are cheaper where they are made. European cars are cheaper in Europe, and US cars are cheaper in the USA.

[Mustang]

I was comparing them to the Viper and Corvette, tell me how much do they cost, alot more than a Lotus I am sure.


i think that the VETT AND VIPER are about $45000 USD, and if that is true then i think the Es[rit is more expensive if i am correct

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

i think that the VETT AND VIPER are about $45000 USD, and if that is true then i think the Es[rit is more expensive if i am correct

Thank you, Mustang.

I wasn't compairing a Lotus to a 'vett or Viper, but since you do bring that up, $45,000 is the price of a mid-grade 'Vette. You are getting a more powerful engine when compaird to a Elise, which is $40,000 and only had a 190 HP Toyota built/ Lotus tuned engine.

[Karrmann]

Karrmann, as a former US Ford Technician, I am happy to say that I have YET to see any real complaints about the 2001 and up Focus. Now, the 2000 is a different story and proves my theory of not buying Job #1's. Any newer Focus is a great car and loved by most who own them. My question to you, Karrmann, is this, have you EVER owned a Focus? Or any Ford for that matter?

read my profile, I own a Escort. it is a red 1993 Wagon LX, it has 120,000+ miles and is still running like new, but I bet that I didn;t repair it myself, and I was still taking it to the Ford Dealorships, it would be in the junkyard and be picked clean by now. I used to Take it to Bob Thibeatu Ford and the service was Terrible, then I took it to Al Long ford and it was still terrible. maybe it is not the cars, but Fords crappy mechanics.

[Coventrysucks]

Any one got any thoughts, for the £10,000-£15,000 family car?
New Vw golf,
Mini,
New Astra,
This?


The old Focus is supposedly the best handling car in its class by a mile, so, theoretically, the new Focus should be even better.

The new Golf and Astra are supposedly good to drive.
It is getting to the point where you can't really go wrong with this class of car.

I do have to admit I am quite perplexed by the MINI. It is kind of a reverse Tardis - huge on the outside, tiny on the inside. I wouldn't really want to spend much time in the back of one, and I'm not particularly huge. The boot is laughable.

[Coventrysucks]

I agree completely, in the US, a Mercedes C class c230 coupe is up around $30000, for that no - options, bottom of the line mercedes, a US buyer can buy an Impala loaded up, a grand prix loaded up, a mustang gt loaded up, or even a GTO, the reason American cars aren't competitive overseas is the same reason European cars get looked over in the states, the cars are cheaper where they are made. European cars are cheaper in Europe, and US cars are cheaper in the USA.

Poverty spec. Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe C180 Kompressor
£20,290 = ~ $35,000

Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe C230 Kompressor SE (lowest spec C230)
£24,210 = ~$43,500

All of your base level "family" cars (Mondeo, Vectra, Accord, Mazda 6 etc) are all roughly £15-25,000 ($27-45,000), then swanky "executive" stuff like the C-Class, A4 and 3-Series are £20-35,000 ($36-63,000).

I know prices aren't exactly comparable, because of different levels of tax and inflation, etc. but you get the gist.

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

read my profile, I own a Escort. it is a red 1993 Wagon LX, it has 120,000+ miles and is still running like new, but I bet that I didn;t repair it myself, and I was still taking it to the Ford Dealorships, it would be in the junkyard and be picked clean by now. I used to Take it to Bob Thibeatu Ford and the service was Terrible, then I took it to Al Long ford and it was still terrible. maybe it is not the cars, but Fords crappy mechanics.

Maybe you just live in a bad area.

[sutton4481]

One of the reasons cars like the Impala sell well is the huge dealer discounts they are sold at. The MSRP on a new impala stripper model is about $22K US but you can expect at least 1K of that price and even more with the current offers GM has going (0 interest, 0 financing, 0 down payment means you can essentially drive away in a new car for free) you can get even more money off.

Also a huge percentage of Tauruses go to rental car fleets. I think that the 04 model year Taurus is going exclusively to fleets in order to ramp down production to make the new Five Hundred.

[Coventrysucks]

http://www.sniffpetrol.com/USAad4.jpg
:D

[Karrmann]

well, I see at least 10 tauruses a day.

[Matra et Alpine]

excluding Ford. Why do you say that ?

Has anyone ever seen the dasboard on a Chevrolet, I must say a piece of Lumber is more luxurious. Ford build some really nice cars and they are well built.
You need to not think of the Ford you see in Italy as the same as our cousins in the US get.
Ford US interiors are awful, engineering is marginal and build quality variable.

The Focus is a great car, and has been a great rally car as well. I think that this new Focus will be a great car and will be much better than its previous version.
THe problem - and the looks sawy me - is that Ford might be trying the 'global platform' again and letting the US design teams have an input. It failed before when they tried that :)

To me Ford is best American company, they are the only American car maker that could even compete in Europe, Chevrolet or Chrysler can not build anything that any European would ever want ot buy,
I think you're comparing a European Ford with an American Chev/Chrysler. Putting them together in the same country and they're not that different :(

So all in all I hope Ford does well with this you generation of the Focus. Sorry for the rambling on there.
Ford Cougar ring a bell ?? For Scorpio ?? Dogs :(
We'll need to wait and see.

[Deutscher Adler]

You know what UK Cars. I would say the VW is the best bet for you. The Mini is not very roomy, as far as carrying things and versatility. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra is kinda on the ugly side. The Astra the direct competitor of the Golf and always has been. It has to this date not passed up the Golf. The Golf is just known for its ride quality, the utility, and the style. The Golf has a good value, size, and durability. So give it a shot.

[QuattroMan]

I know Ford Focus started from Europe,but it dose not mean it is a European car! IT IS A FORD! take it off from this thread :D than kyou... :p

[Coventrysucks]

Well seeing as it is only going to be on sale in Europe initially (and Australia?), plus the fact that is was designed, developed and built in Europe. Makes more sense than putting it in the Classic, Asian or American forums.

[Matra et Alpine]

I know Ford Focus started from Europe,but it dose not mean it is a European car! IT IS A FORD! take it off from this thread :D than kyou... :p
In general the FOrd Focus mainly being discussed is the European one.

Rally car, compeition history, good handling, reasonable interior, good performance and good economy for the diesel.

We're generally NOT talking about the one-geneartion-behind US version :)

[Fluppe]

If you see how the roof comes down on the back of the car...it looks too much like a Seat Leon... Not? correct me if i'm mistaking

[QuattroMan]

In general the FOrd Focus mainly being discussed is the European one.

Rally car, compeition history, good handling, reasonable interior, good performance and good economy for the diesel.

We're generally NOT talking about the one-geneartion-behind US version :)


OK i know but it is a Ford....

[Spastik_Roach]

If anyone can get hi-res pics, give em to me, i'd love to chop this new Focus! Maybe make into the 2nd Gen RS...

[Spastik_Roach]

This one looks a winner to me personally. Hopefully it will come to New Zealand a damn site earlier than the first gen did, although I doub't this because the Focus is hardly a brilliant seller here, I think 16th best seller in New Zealand. I really don't think Ford are going to screw this up, they got the best selling car in the world at the moment, theres been alot of money sunk into this I bet...

[Ferrari Tifosi]

I like the front, however I don't like the rear roofline, just makes it unappealing to me.

[danno]

the more i look at it, the more i think i might actually end up liking it.

[PsychoChimp22]

it's a close resemblance. Either the Focus is getting boring, or the Prius has gotten too funky.

Either way, they all look too german.

You think the focus is getting boring??? I think it looks awsome, really awsome for a >25K car. So what if it shares one line with the prius.