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Comments
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/31/2012-ford-focus-first-drive-review-road-test/-
2012 Ford Focus SE hatchback, sport-tuned with 16" alloys
You can get a 5-speed stick with the SE model!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
http://www.cars.com/ford/focus/2012/reviews/?revid=56889
claims that the availability of a sport suspension on the SE is a mistake. Not sure who's right about this though I hope they get this sorted out.
To those of you who drive cars with a manumatic feature, I'm wondering: how often do you guys/gals actually use this feature?
I can shift by pushing the shift knob forward and backward in my Mazda5, but I don't think I've actually used it once since getting the car almost two years ago. Granted, I'm a tamer driver now than I was five years ago. But in most cases, if I need the extra juice, I just stomp the pedal and let the auto shift down naturally.
Then again, like you, for family reasons (i.e., son can't drive stick shift) I'll probably just go Titanium in gold, anyway, and enjoy the taught suspension in one of those.
On our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS we have paddle shifters, 6 forward "gears" and 6 minus "gears." I use them about 5% of the time I drive is the answer to that. Ford putting the "shifter" on the gearknob is good planning, in my view. Just learn where it is and it'll be safer to have it there. I have gotten used to using my paddle shifters on our Lancer GTS, too, and they're very safe to use, too.
Long story short, it's no deal-breaker by any stretch. I might just go titanium with the 6-speed automatic.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Teach your son to use a stick shift.
My son was hesitant at first, but loves it now.
Wish ford had the stick available on more models (this is supposed to be a sporty vehicle after all) - wouldn't cost them a dime as the you don't have to re-certify different models of the same vehicle.
Teach your son to use a stick shift.
My son was hesitant at first, but loves it now.
I won't buy until 2013 so I do have time to train him, indeed, and we may go that route.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Perfect!
2012 Ford Focus sedan
Johnny...a couple of your friends have come over and they wanna play!
I'm gonna take a serious look in 2013 for one of these.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Also I wonder what the replacement cost will be on those 18" tires?
Anyone else remember when 13" wheels were standard on compacts? Yes, I know, I am dating myself.
Only the "dual-clutch" DSG automatic. Which wouldn't be the end of the world, though, either.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I feel the sedan in the pic needs to be lowered or something. The front wheel well seems especially noticeable, although the tires already look like they're pretty low profile.
2012 Ford Focus sedan with upgraded 18" wheels and tires
This is actually lookin' hotter than Hades to me right now, even with this color. I am going to research this car fully-completely. It might even leapfrog the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS for a replacement for our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. I was thinking I didn't like the sedan, but then I saw this picture and the sedan does look great to me.
I mean, look at that. Crikey! Hot! :shades:
It's that racing-inspired front end design with the sharp vertical lines on the side that I love. Both the hatch and sedan are currently neck and neck in the race for me. I've decided the Fiesta is just too small for us, but this would be just right. Now it's honing in on options packages and trying to decide hatch or sedan. I've got two years to decide so that shouldn't be tough.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Just lots going on in this segment presently and in the near future. Would be hard to completely decide on what car I am going to buy two years from now.
I do really, really like the new Focus though and think it's a step above the current crop of compacts as an overall package.
I got to see an SEL hatch at the local auto show last weekend and it looked very sharp inside and out. It had 17" rims and 50 series rubber which I would forgo and stick with the standard 16 inchers.
One of my first cars was a 1979 Honda Civic with 12" rims! Times are a changin'!
W/ clutch pedal or not, "manually selecting gears" means neutral should also be available anytime! I wonder if BMW or Porsche offers this feature on their DSG. Does the "launch-control" mode do that?
"As you’d expect, the Ford’s chassis shines the brightest. The electrically assisted steering is beautifully weighted and responds instantly, while the torque vectoring system ensures strong front-end grip. But it’s the poise and balance that really impress, allowing the car to flow through corners. Adding to its appeal are a precise gearshift and progressive brakes. Only the unyielding low-speed ride of the sporty Zetec disappoints."l
Golf VI
"The lowered sports suspension is designed to boost efficiency, and affects comfort, as the BlueMotion doesn’t ride with the smoothness and fluency of ordinary models. If anything, though, it’s more compliant than the stiff set-up of the Focus Zetec at low speeds.
Up the pace and the VW trails – the Ford rides well at higher speeds and is more capable and enjoyable to drive. The Golf is safe and sure-footed, but doesn’t have the Focus’ dynamic polish or feedback.
While the major controls are well weighted, they all feel a bit more detached than in the blue oval model. However, in everyday driving, the differences are small, and the Golf is more capable and rewarding than the lacklustre Vauxhall."
New Vauxhall Astra (Chevy Cruze equivalent)
"Although the steering is positive and precise, there’s a disconcerting lack of feedback through the rim.
Grip is plentiful, but the chassis cannot match the agility, responsiveness and poise of the Focus, and the Golf feels more composed. As a result, it rarely inspires the confidence or pure ‘drive me’ enthusiasm of its rivals.
It’s not all bad news, though, as the supple suspension delivers a comfortable ride and, aside from a fraction more wind noise than the Focus at motorway speeds, refinement is impressive."
The Golf maybe be better overall, but as the driver's car?
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/262162/new_ford_focus_vs_riva- - - ls.html
The new Jetta has excessive leg room my 5'11 frame doesn't need, but the rear seat cushion is uncomfortably low just like its driver's door armrest.
Unlike the Rabbit V, the current Golf VI has front passenger seat-height adjustment even on the 3-dr. This mean all Golf's now have enough rear leg room for me.
Only expensive compacts are "suppose" to have no rear leg room, such as IS250, A3, Mini Cooper, & WRX (right side only). I guess the Focus III belongs to this category?
But what bothers me is that even sedans & coupes today are lacking the "lower-right corner" rear visibility for lane-change/passing (to the right). That was the main reason I chose the '05-07 Focus ST 2.3 sedan over the Mazda3 2.3 sedan. The Mazda3's nervous ride can be calmed down with Gabriel shocks, but the blind rear glass? Forget it.
The Focus III doesn't cut it:
http://chrisescars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2012-Ford-Focus-Sedan-2.jpg
& neither does the foreign Focus II sedan when the rear headrest blocked off the lower right-side corner:
http://news.u-car.com.tw/news-images/8001-9000/8501/nc-20081201-97306.jpg
Today, only the Lancer sedan w/o the elevated rear spoiler saved the day:
http://furiouscar.com/wp-content/uploads/Mitsubishi-Lancer-Evolution-MR-Rear-Cen- - - - - - - - - ter-View.jpg
But here's a surprise from the near future. Even this compact hatchback can do it! (Wow...)
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=424504
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?o=0&id=424501
more than likely painted alloys fresh from the Fo-Mo-Co factory? I'd say they probably are. If they wear sooner than usual that might be a concern but the inland Pacific Northwest (the Idaho Panhandle where I live) is not particularly rough on car paint. Wet and snowy and icy, though people throw generous amounts of rock salt down because of long winters here.
I would think a person if concerned could stave off early "painted alloy wear down" concerns by applying a wax of some sort to their Fo-Mo-Co (or Chrysler and Chevy, insert brand name here) alloys.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
"
Those are pretty bad examples if you ask me. The Civic has been shown now and it's a total bore. No reason to believe the Corolla will be any different. Those two may somehow beat the Focus, Cruze, etc. on FE but that's where it ends IMO. As for the next Mazda3, Mazda is on a roll with design these days but unfortunately, like Honda, it's in the wrong direction. Their powertrains may turn out to be good but I doubt that will get more people to buy them.
"Just lots going on in this segment presently and in the near future. Would be hard to completely decide on what car I am going to buy two years from now.
"
If gas is $5 a gallon in two years I can see your point. Based on recent designs I can't see any of your examples taking away his enthusiasm for the new Focus.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
The 1976 Chevette & the 1976 (Buick) Opel built by Japanese truck company Isuzu, which continued w/ the stylish Piazza (Impulse), are all the same old Opel-designed RWD compact. I remember how uncomfortable it rides. Even a 1971 Super Beetle w/ the more advanced MacPherson struts can do better. Only a Pinto can do worse.
I already saw it! The tail lights look very much like the new Focus III sedan's. Rest of the car is quite gorgeous, & seems to be sharing the same platform as the new Elantra. But, remember, beauty is only skin deep. Have you seen a Korean car w/ good steering feel???
Good is in the eye of the beholder. I dare say that 95% of the people buying them would say they have good(not great) steering feel or they probably wouldn't buy them. I don't particular like their iteration of EPS but it is fairly new and I would expect both that and their handling to improve over time. But 2012 Focus, from what I read, seems to have the best combo of ride and handling. Mazda3 probably handles better but it has a pretty stiff ride.
My first car, a 2dr 1960 Ford Falcon w/ 3spd stick on the column had 13" rims as did my 3rd car, a 2dr 1963 Tempest 2sp auto. It was 14" and upwards from then on until today where I have 17" on all 3 of my current rides, a midsize car, a full size p/u and a midsize SUV.
Lemmi tell ya, the original Golf GTI from the '70's had 13" in Europe, even some of the '84 Mk1 Jetta GLI 1.8 here in the U.S. & they can make almost all of today's cars' steering feel numb by comparison!
I remember even the Mazda RX-8 w/ EPS steers confidently,
"It’s wonderful around corners. There’s no slack in the feelsome steering, gearchange or pedals and you can feel every bit of g-force build through those big wheels. There’s no need to fear turning the heavy-handed stability control off – the RX-8 is so well balanced and predictable that you can confidently exploit its limits. "
more so than the BMW 1-series:
" It’s neat, crisp and controllable, although the chassis isn’t as talkative as the Mazda’s."
We've been saying that for a long time about Hyundai/Kia now. Do you really think it will ever come true? They are simply not going to be able to compete on all levels and maintain their low costs. However I will say that their steering and handling is about the only thing they do not compete well with right now so who knows.
I would still take the Focus or the 3 over anything Hyundai/Kia will put out in the next 2 years based on their histories if nothing else.
Who knows what Corolla will be like but I too have severe reservations. It is still their top selling car the way it is so why spend a lot of money changing it for enthusiusts when they probably won't even look at it anyway. It hasn't been enthusiusts buying it. Sometimes we car and driving lovers forget that we are in the minority and that most people just want economical, reliable transportation...not a corner cutter. I know sales don't equate to "good car" but sales do influence what is offered.
And I wouldn't count out Honda and Toyota (this is in response to baggs). Honda is the king of making understated but fun cars. Toyota may simply make an appliance, but there's a big market for people shopping for appliances on wheels and you can be sure that at a minimum, Toyota will get the basics right.
I purchased my 04 Focus in Nov. 03. mostly based on a Test Drive that the dealer insisted that I take, when we were considering purchasing a small truck.
I am looking forward to driving the 2012 when the arrive this Spring. This market segment is hot right now and getting hotter as gasoline prices become so unstable. Prices for a model equiped the way I like it might approach a Base Level Mustang with almost twice the horse power. It will be tough to decide because I always wanted that American Icon
I know you probably mean regular consumers but I'm basing my first impression of the new Focus drive on auto writers. I've seen many first drives and reviews of the new Focus and they indicate the Focus handles and has better feedback than the rest of the segment. Obviously I haven't driven one but many of those same reviewers recently reviewed the Elantra too so they have a fresh comparison to go by.
I hear you. I had a 1968 Mustang 2dr, 289 V8 with the a 3 speed stick on the floor(used to be called that as versus column) that I bought after my first stint in the military. I had been tempted by the new 2011 Mustang as well but after sitting in it and really thinking about driving it on a daily basis it just wasn't a good fit to my life. Plus living in Chicago area even with snows and traction control there are many winter days where driving it would be too much of an adventure if you know what I mean.
Been in the market for a sub compact lease and almost settled on a Cruze before the deal fell through. Given am already at the end of Feb and not in a tearing hurry to get equipped with a car, am happy to wait for the Focus 2012 to be available at dealerships (April?) as it sounds like a winner.
Wondering what you think Ford's strategy would be as far leasing is concerned - do you think I can expect some aggressive deals (with low MF and high RV) early on? The biggest thing am concerned about is whether banks would offer higher RV on the Focus 2012 taking note of the strides Ford has taken over the past few years.
Given these are likely going to fly off the dealerships, am hesitant about whether I would find reasonable lease deals during Focus 2012's early availability. Your thoughts?
Cheers.
Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot!
Ummmm.
The girls that sing that song really do the Hot! Hot! thing accurate and fast, was it Sista Sledge that did that song? Look at the hatch in silver. That's what's caught me, is the European-inspired looks of the 2012 Ford Focus.
I want to see more consumer driving views of this car, and it's not out yet. I read mid-February it will be in dealer lots. Hey, it's February 23, 2011, people! Anybody seen a '12 Ford Focus in a dealer lot yet?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
1. The new Elantra is out and the OP picked the Focus.
2. The new Civic has been unveiled and still the OP picked the Focus. It's just a refresh, and a bad one, anyway.
3. We all know the Corolla will be the same old melba toast car with a pointier nose. yeah, it'll still sell and we'll all continue to wonder why. :sick:
4. The next Forte will probably be a refresh because I doubt Hyundai/Kia is now in the business of developing new platforms every 4 years (which is shared by the new Elantra BTW).
5. The Mazda3 is the wildcard to me here. It could at least sway me from the Focus if Mazda gets back into the game with their styling but I just don't see it happening based on their showcars. The new Mazda5 is probably a good indication of what the 3 will look like soon.
6. Does Mopar even make a small car anymore?
7. Oh, almost forgot about the Cruze. Point proven for that one then. :P
I'll keep an open mind as the years go by too but I'm not seeing anything great on the horizon that would change the OP's mind.
I would probably agree that the Corolla will not challenge but again, do "we all know"? No, we don't. We can guess like you but we don't know.
Regarding Forte, I don't believe the only way you can drastically improve a car is by completely changing platforms. What if they substantially upgraded the suspension/handling and put in the 2.0T with 270+ hp. Probably would create a lot of excitement along with tweaks to the exterior and interior. Not a whole new platform but a lot different car. I'm not suggesting it would happen but, again, an open mind.
Glad you agree on the possibilities that Mazda3 may present in the near future.
Like it or not, Mopar is doing some good things right now with their new bosses from Fiat. Things are changing and Fiat has said they will introduce a new compact/subcompact models to Mopar.....no timetable though. I wish them the best as competition is a good thing.
Nothing wrong with the Cruze. Nice interior, decent looking and handles well, good mpg. Not quite as many pluses as the Focus IMO but still a nice car that could be made better given two years time.
As far as knowing whether the OP will change his mind over the next two years? I'll let someone with a crystal ball do that.
I will give you this though, IMO it is better than even odds that no better compact car will be available within the next couple of years.
I don't either. The OP said the Focus was his/her choice and no assumptions are necessary as that is a plain fact. The rest of my post did contain my assumptions on why the OP may have come to that decision. Since those are my opinion they really have nothing to do with the fact that the OP chose the Focus already. I was just providing food for thought.
"Regarding Forte, I don't believe the only way you can drastically improve a car is by completely changing platforms. "
I agree with you and Kia could do something drastic to make it an excellent car out of it. One thing keeps me from believing that will happen though. Hyundai/Kia still like the role of the bargain, bang-for-the-buck brands and it's getting harder for them to do that. For example, the new Elantra is a really nice car I have to admit. But A/C is an option on the base model (one of the two available trims). Really? In 2011 A/C is optional? Their cost cutting methods are getting more deperate so they can keep the quality of everything else on par with the competition and still keep prices down. An Elantra Limited is nearly identical in price to a 2012 focus SEL sedan all things being just about equal wiht features and specs.
Upping the game would hurt the bargain pricing they like to offer and I just don't see it happening in two years.
"He may just not like the looks of the others which is a totally subjective matter. "
Subjective, but totally relevent. However that is the one thing that does change through the years and is probalby the one thing that could make someone change their mind on what to buy over time especially if it is their only criteria for choosing.
"Like it or not, Mopar is doing some good things right now with their new bosses from Fiat."
I agree with you there. They still have too many "new" models that are the same old same old with new interiors though. A compact Fiat would probably be a worthy adversary to the Focus and its like given their European heritage.
"Nothing wrong with the Cruze. Nice interior, decent looking and handles well, good mpg. Not quite as many pluses as the Focus IMO but still a nice car that could be made better given two years time. "
There's also nothing really right about it either. It sits in the middle and knowing GM will stay there until it's time to change the name again. Cavalier, Cobalt, Cruze... The saga continues. Reminds me of Freestyle, Taurus X, Flex... (I currently drive a Flex BTW)
"As far as knowing whether the OP will change his mind over the next two years? I'll let someone with a crystal ball do that. "
That's one way to go about it. I don't think anyone cares if the OP changes his/her mind but I can see how one would think that way. Obviously you and some others didn't and that's a valid argument too. I don't think it's right to say the OP should keep an open mind though because we don't know the criteria his/her choice was made on or what other factors may have been involved in the decision. Know what I mean?
Think about it. Like the Mazda3, it's got the Control-blade German-designed platform coupled w/ reliable Japanese-designed drivetrain -- can't think of a better car out there b/c the Mazda3 rides rough.
I don't consider the new Focus as a small car anymore, not w/ that 6-ft overall width. Too bad the Fiesta got no multi-links.
The Mustang is no comparison -- it still got Pinto's rear suspension...
I'm gonna keep my excellent '07 Focus ST 2.3 stick for a very long time. The only thing I don't like about it is the smelly dashboard when exposed to sun or heater.