UK:It's Here:The New Focus - Page 2 - Ford Forums

fordel · 09-02-2004, 21:48

the dash is pretty sweet... wouldnt mind it at all

rest of the car doesnt look that bad. low set of 18's will be sweet in black

chris

FordHawk · 09-02-2004, 21:57

Love the interior, looks particularly classy and very clean throughout.

I think they have slightly missed the mark with the styling of the exterior. The front immediately made me think "Astra" (blue car, top picture) and the red one seemed like it was raised like an RTV ute. I don't mind the rear too much, might be accepted by more Aussies even if the current one still does look better.

Certainly doesn't look as sharp, which was the allure of the Focus to me so I am a little iffy on this one.

russellw · 09-02-2004, 23:40

Wonder if the V6 will find it's way here? That might be a Focus worth a look.

Russ

fordel · 09-03-2004, 00:11

doubt it...

would ford AU really want a small car with almost as much power as their main seller falcon ?

chris

Timmeh · 09-03-2004, 00:40

I love the look of it, am considering letting my Focus stay as is to upgrade when this one comes here in mid 2005.

The term Mk II is very misleading as the current Focus is considered the Mk II in Europe, where the first Focus design is, of course, the Mk I. Anyone who is familiar with the European Focus community will know this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by article

Despite the toned-down shape, a more grown-up feel and a higher-quality interior should be enough to keep the Focus at the top of the sales charts.

Over 4 million of the original Focus has been sold in the last 6 years, an impressive feat, one of the highest volume sellers for Ford. While the Focus is an incredibly popular vehicle in both the States and Europe, I am assuming the older blander look will appeal more to people here in Australia who do not see to like stand out cars - the AU Falcon comes to mind.

There is so much Volvo in that design also... anyone familiar with the latest in the Volvo range will know what I am talking about, most notably the crease running from the front guards to the glasshouse. Not suprisingly of course.

I think the car looks to be so much more well equipped than the current model Foci, I am looking forward to getting my hands on one already!

Tim

Zetec · 09-03-2004, 00:53

That's the thing with the Australian market, it seems vehicles that don't stand out as much are loved more... I think lookswise it has very strong potential because it isn't offensive. Of course there is one manufacturer that makes ugly cars with pride and sells them by the truckload, not that any Toyota owners ever really care what others think anyway!!! Kidding- couldn't resist it. I reckon it's a great evolutionary design, I'd have seen it a little lower and sportier but hey, that's when I personalise it and I make it lower!!!!! Will be a winner.

ST170X · 09-03-2004, 04:07

Looks like Ford Australias answer to the Astra & Vectra, looks similar in size with a large 4cylinder & optional V6. Bet that they cannot wait to get their hands on them. Whats with the old fashioned dashboard dials? Pity that they could not fix that stupid idea of how the rear seats have to be pulled forward for the backs to go down. Its worse on the ST170 as the headrests have to be taken out to do it. Maybe a ST Fiesta might be a better option in the future for a sportier look for some.

Regards Mark...

Nobby · 09-04-2004, 16:42

I didn't like the look of it yesterday, but today it has grown on me. If they drop the ride height just a fraction it will look pretty good.

Seems a waste not to release the new Mondeo here if this is here though. The Mondeo looks brilliant (actually looks far better than the new Vectra).

I'm very interested to see the RS model of this.

Suth · 09-04-2004, 17:36

To be honest with you, I didnt really like the mk1 focus when it first came out. Now I think it is fantastic. I don't mind the look of this series either. Still pretty tough looking. The current issue of wheels has a composit of what they think the RS will look like. The author suggests that it will use mazdas 2.3 4cyl turbo and AWD drivetrain from the Mazda 6MPS. I guess that they will still to use the duratec 2L for the WRC car though.

Zetec · 09-05-2004, 21:09

That is if they don't convert to Fiesta for WRC... nobody has said what's next.