Ford Focus hatchback

maynard7

You're right about the steering wheel being a little to the left. If you look at http://www.motortrend.com/oct99/focus/focus_f.html (an article on the Motor Trend site about the Focus), the photo of the dash clearly shows that the steering wheel is to the left of center when you compare it to the driver's seat.

Switching back & forth from super to regular gas won't make any difference. If the car doesn't ping on regular, just use regular. Putting in premium when it isn't necessary is just wasting money. It's only necessary in high-compression engines & on most supercharged motors.

orlock

I think it is left of center, because the left hand is usually the primary steering hand and making it left of center would make it easier to drive with their arm on the arm rest or window ledge. The right hand for most people is busy with the shifter, car phone, food, radio ect.

Some of the options were probably deleted to sell out the Escorts, which have those options. You will see more options if the Escort gets dumped. Frankly I don't want those option. I don't even like air conditioning.

For $22,000 I could get a Mustang, Fire Bird, Jetta, F-150 ect. I could wait a couple of years and get the new T-Bird that will be out.

I think the Focus was designed to get people where cost mattered. The average debt of the people that Ford is targeting (you though I was going to say focusing where you?) is $2,000. They are probably going after the fleet market also. Those that want Ford style will be better off with the Mustang, ZX2 or the upcoming T-Bird. If I was running a taxi company, I'd rather spend $13,000 than $22,000 per car. The same goes for running those rent-a-car companies.

compucar

Test drove the ZX3 5-speed and found it ok.
The steering wheel does not have a tilt option as does the sedan & wagon. Pick-up is ok but nothing to write home about. Access to the backseat is not that easy. Why don't they make those seats slide easily forward? All in all, for the money it seems like a good buy if you can live with things such as they are. The ZX3 does not replace the VW Golf but hopefully they will be more to pick from than Golfs.

fastfocus

I believe it's not uncommon for European vehicles to have off-center steering wheels (set to the left of center - nothing to do with politics as far as I know!), though in the case of the Focus it doesn't seems like a major irritant. I once had a VW Fox in which the wheel was even farther to the left, and if you look at the new Volvo S40 it appears, based on photos I saw, to have an off-center wheel, too. I don't now the reason(s) for this, though I suppose it could have to do with fitting the steering column through a rather tight space on front-wheel-drive cars. In any case, it seems to be a European idiosyncracy. In my Japanese-designed Honda CRX the wheel comes right smack out to toward the center of my chest, and I don't recall ever seeing offset steering wheels on American-designed cars.

wmichgrad

The power rating on the stereo is 60W. 15W x 4, that's it. Not a bad sounding system for such low power!

vacrawf

Oy! It's strange to hear all these expressions of surprise and astonishment that Ford should come out with a car that's handsome, a honey to handle (5sp), and a fabulous value!

Where were all you guys when Ford was trying to sell the wondrous CONTOUR????

Granted, Ford marketed the Contour all wrong, but what else is new? I had two of them - sixes with manual - they were great - nifty to drive and never a suggestion of a mechanical problem.

I'm looking forward to a new Focus, ZTS 5sp, and I know I'm gonna love it, but I hate to see the Contour die unappreciated. Sob.

mikus

Hi again. Wish to spread the word from the Russian major car newspaper, AutoReview. They had two euro-Focus'es: 1.6 hatchback and 1.8 vagon for 2 weeks. They used them for a vacation , they rode from Moscow to Black sea and back. They mentioned, that:
1. 1.6 is the best in the line (maybe not so powerful, as 2.0 they tested before, but extremely well engineered overall).
2. The ride is excellent, in spite of occasional loss of power steering force in tough cornering.
3. The climate inside the car is kinda wet: windshield and side windows tends to mist over. Air conditioning is a big help.

I would like to know your opinion about windows misting. Wish I helped a little.
---

ragtop99

Just stopped at a dealer. Ford is offering 4.9% for 3 years on the Focus. I believe 4 years is 5.9% and 5 years 6.9%. I was behind a Focus LX sedan today. They have a quality, nice look. I'm looking for a fully equipped ZX-3 5 speed. I had a car with ABS and it is really great in the snow. ABS gives short, very straight stops in the snow. It pays for itself preventing one fender bender. $400 option. On dry pavement I didn't see a big benefit.

The ZX-3 in Malibu Blue is really nice looking. Anyone see it in infra-red?

Carmax in Kenosha Wisconsin says they sell cars on their lot for under invoice. If you order a car thru them it's $125 over invoice. They do not bargain on their prices. You can go to www.carmax.com to see their prices on in stock cars so you've got something to go by when you go shopping. Have fun!

dhk

Mikus: Enjoyed your post. Are these cars now available in Russia? Does Ford actually have dealers with cars on the lot to buy, or do you have to put in an order with an agent and wait?
Can you sign a contract for delivery and get a guaranteed price?

In my experience, window misting is probably due to either a rain water leak into the cabin, or big guys sweating in the car. Once the interior is wet, the windows will continue to fog over in cold weather. A/C and heat together do work well to dry the interior.

norwaydoug

Dear ZX-3 Fans,

What is the availability of ZX-3s as of late? Is it getting better?
I am interested in a ZX-3 with ABS, Side airbags, air and a 5 spd. Are these versions still hard to come by. I am planning to buy in mid-December in the USA.

I am one of those Golf GL, ZX-3 and New Beetle GL purchasers. Perhaps unusual, but in many respects all these cars are similiar, but vary with price.

I would also like to hear some feedback from new owners. Are they loving their ZX-3 or are they having regrets?

THe Focus is a hit in Norway. It is the 3rd best selling car after the Golf and Passat. I think they are catching on slowly here because Ford is not considered a great car, but the Focus (I have a feeling) is a great car from a good company.

The Contour was a great car, but its interior dimensions are very small considering it is quite large. People thought of it as a Tempo/Topaz replacement and it really wasn't because the Contour-Mystique are great driving cars. But,have you seen the crash results on the Contour? Not impressive at all. So I will not sob at its demise. People deserve a car that is engineered to be safe in a car.

NorwayDoug

mikus

Base price for 1.6 hatchback in Russia is nearly $14500. Prices can vary from dealer to dealer. Yes, one can sign contract, but usually he must pre-pay the cost and delivery.
There are plans to begin Focus assembling in Belorussia, where euro-Escort is assebled now for CIS market. Maybe, after the start of local assembling Focus would cost less.
Wish to buy Focus after I get to USA in 2-3 months.
---

projectzx3

I am still waitng in Baltimore. Tentative delivery on my optioned-out 5 spd. ZX3 is Dec.6th. I have a couple of questions. Since this is a project car for me I will be starting with aftermarket wheels and tires. Second on the list will be some type of body kit. I have seen the one WingsWest offers and I think it blends well with the car. A friend who owns a local speed shop has told me that any wheel tire package that fits on a Contour SVC should work on my ZX3. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Input is really appreciated since technical data on aftermarket products and how it would relate to a Focus is very difficult to come by. Eventually the car will receive a supercharger such as the WRC. I'll be kicking the 'import trash' off the streets of Maryland within a year! Thanks, ProjectZX3

tomcat630

Sport Compact Car has an extensive write upof the Focus 3 door. I skimmed the mag and it was a positive review.

silyboy

you may want to look at borla's (www.borla.com)
web site. they did a project car based on a sedan,
but they have a decent list of suppliers where they got stuff from. they added an exhaust, turbo,
suspension, tires/wheels, etc, etc. also check
www.kustomz.com they have stuff for the ZETEC
engine on a ZX2/contour, and some of there parts
may be available too. i would be interested in
knowing what u find out!!

silyboy

doug- i would definitely not say it is a buyers market if u r looking for the ZX3. they are slowly trickling into dealerships. very slowly. i only know of 1 in milwaukee (saw it last weekend) and i have seen 1 at a dealer in dubuque,ia- and they are ones that are are very stripped down. like the base plus air and floormats. i have yet to see ANY focus on a dealer lot with the side airbags, and very few with the ABS option. hopefully by mid-december u will be ok!!

norwaydoug

Thanks for the info Sillyboy. It is not silly advice at all to wait until the focus sedan and hatchback become more widely available. Ford will produce 250,000 of these cars for the North American market (sedans/wagon and hatch. There is no way that this car should demand a premium price. Now it does because they are rare, but soon they will be plentiful. So to all focus fans: Take Sillyboy's advice and be patient. I think in February these cars will be widely available. Wait and the deals will come.

NorwayDoug

ezavaleta

In response to acartwri (#314), I think it feels quicker than it probably is. I'm basing this in comparison to the 8.8 sec. 0-60 published figure. Torque feels good throughout the powerband. I especially like the midrange pull in 3rd gear, 40-60 mph, 50-70, that range.

I'm glad to see aftermarket website posting by others, cause that's what I was going to ask about next. I think I read that in-house goodies will become available through SVT, but I'm not holding my breath.

In response to ProjectZX3 (#327) concerning aftermarket wheels and tires: In Tire Rack's ad in the latest Car & Driver, I like the look of LOCO 2's offering for $888. I think it's a 7-spoke wheel, with 16x7" Yokohama's. Never heard of this brand, but looks like a decent value.

projectzx3

I just spoke with my dealership tonight. My ZX3 has been assigned a VIN! It's to be built within the week and should arrive within 3-4 weeks. So I guess the original delivery date of Dec. 6 is fairly accurate. Mine will have the side airbags but the computer would not accept the power window option...damn. Anyway, I'm really excited. I appreciate all the input on my project. I have tried tirerack, borla etc to get ideas. If you haven't already, check out the www.focus247.com sight. Not much happening there yet but its pretty cool. I will keep everyone advised on my ZX3 as it progresses. Right now I just want to get my hands on her! Oh, I ordered twilight blue w/ dark charcoal. I've heard conflicting reports on one issue... The tilt/telescopic wheel. My dealership says they believe the ZX3s to be delivered to this area will have the t&t wheel. I was under the impression it was not available on the ZX3. Any feedback? It certainly would be a nice surprise. thanks

ezavaleta

Hey, ProjectZX3. Did you get a price on that kit you mentioned? I checked it out through their Web site as well. Looks pretty good, not too much overkill. I'll prob spend $$ on performance first though (tires, brakes, springs, exhaust, etc.) I've been checking out Ford's SVT Website, but nothing for the Focus there yet.

projectzx3

I tried to reach my dealer rep for a definitive answer but he wasn't in today. I really need to know whether or not 1) tilt wheel is standard, 2)tilt wheel is an option 3)is tilt available at all on the ZX3 model??? I saw an ad for Carmax and thier Kenosha store has a ZX3 advertised and it lists tilt wheel on that one.

As far as my project I didn't get a price on the wingswest kit yet. I'm sure there will be others out there in a short period of time and i want to be selective. I am going to put 16 or 17" wheels on the car and approx 215/40 tires depending etc.

icabod1

There were some questions above about window fogging. I work in the auto interior biz (my company supplies door panels, headliners, floor consoles, etc. to the automakers) and you may be surprised that materials used in the car contribute to fogging. Some kinds of adhesives in particular have chemicals in them that increase the 'fog-ibility' of a vehicle. It is odd that this is a concern on a Ford, because Ford has more stringent fogging specifications than the other carmakers. (in other words, Ford limits the amount of these materials that can be used in their cars so that the windows don't fog up.)

Not that this is the only reason, of course. Humid days will fog up any windshield...

wmichgrad

This option is not currently available on the ZX3. I believe this may change sometime (first half) next year.

projectzx3

wmichgrad, thanks for responding. how can carmax new car of kenosha have one in thier inventory with tilt? check out thier site if you don't believe me. i'm calling my dealer rep this morning to get an answer.

jpthree

For those of you interested in hopping up your focus and/or racing it (like me), check out these sites:

http://www.focussport.com/

(there's nothing up yet, but it will deal strictly with focus performance parts)

http://rallysport.net/fordfocus/

http://www.tuningshop.co.uk/features/focus.htm

I can guarantee you that there's going to be tons of parts for this car starting next year. All car magazines are ga-ga over it and there's a few project ZX3's being built already.

If anyone gets any hard info on the wheel situation, please let me know (ie: offset, bolt circle, compatible models like escort or contour, etc) Thanks!

ragtop99

I just called the Carmax in Kenosha and they confirmed that the ZX-3 they have in stock does not have a tilt steering wheel. The salesman said it was a mistake on their WEB site.

ezavaleta

I received prices on the West Wings Kit, as follows:

Full Kit - $649
3-pc Spoiler - $325
Air dam - $213
Side Skirts - $142 (each)
Rear Wrap - $213

I like the looks of the one in the FocusSport site better, so I'll be waiting for a few options as well.

I found another web site of interest in Sport Compact Car magazine - December issue (p. 215). The site is www.performancelist.com. Basically, you subscribe, specify your vehicle, and all SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) members will notify you directly by e-mail of any new performance part release.

Also, Tire Rack told me that Eibach springs for the ZX3 will be available soon, but he didn't specify when.

projectzx3

Hi all,
I just got back from test driving a silver 5 speed. I might be gung ho but I'm telling ya the handling was superb in my opinion! Power-wise she lagged a little until about 2200 rpm, then she really kicked me back in my seat up to 4500 rpm! OK, OK so i exaggerate, but seriously the car was extremely fun and had a very solid feel. Broke the tires loose from 1st to 2nd. I'm glad I ordered one! The seats are much firmer than the 4 door model and everything seemed 'driver oriented'. This auto is a major league BARGAIN! I was impressed.

bdshort

I think this is probably the best looking Focus. Anyone know what backseat room is like, as well as trunk space, compared to the sedan? I'm hoping to test drive a Focus on Friday, though I dont think the Ford dealer has any hatchbacks in stock.

compucar

The ZX3 I test drove did not have tilt steering.
Also, the Ford literature does not list it as an option for the ZX3. I think this is stupid since you can get tilt steering in their other Focus models.

wmichgrad

Here are the Exterior and interior dimensions of the Sedan and ZX3.

Sedan ZX3
EXTERIOR

Overall Length, in 174.8 168.1
Overall Width, in 66.9 66.9
Overall Height, in 56.3 56.3
Wheelbase, in 103.0 103.0

INTERIOR

Front
Headroom, in 39.3 39.3
Max Shoulder roon, in 53.7 53.7
Max Legroom, in 43.1 40.7

Rear
Headroom, in 38.5 38.7
Max Shoulder room, in 53.6 53.5
Legroom at SgRP front, in 37.6 37.6

Load Compartment
Cargo Vol. Index (cu. ft.)12.9 18.6
Total Interior Vol. (cu. ft.)103.2 112.3
Fuel Capacity (usable), gal (US)13.2 13.2

projectzx3

Having been in one just last night I would say the rear legroom is adequate but nothing exceptional, especially with the front seat back all the way. The specs should be listed on the Ford WEB page. The rear seats do not have the headrests like the european counterparts which I would have liked to have seen incorporated. The front seats are very comfortable. My son is a little over 6'3" and he drove the car and said he was very comfortable although it would be nice to be able to tilt the steering wheel. Ford messed up a little there. Everyone I've spoken with would gladly be willing to pay for tilt if it were available...but I now know for sure it is not available. Question....CAN TILT WHEEL BE INSTALLED ON A ZX3 BY A FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. OR A SPECIALTY SHOP? I asked my salesperson and he wasn't sure.
P.S- Don't let the lack of tilt wheel keep you from buying the ZX3. Dollar for dollar it's much more fun to drive than the Civic we test drove and I think equally as fun as the Golf we drove and for less money!

rallynut

For those interested in seeing a Ford Focus in AWD and turbocharged trim (300 hp), go here:

http://www.rallysport.net/comicozzie/ffwrc/

rallynut

For those interested in seeing a Ford Focus in AWD and turbocharged trim (300 hp), go here:

http://www.rallysport.net/comicozzie/ffwrc/

norwaydoug

Response 347 states the front legroom is 40.7 inches.....I believe it is the same as the sedan (i.e. 43.1). Please correct me if I am wrong.

I agree 100% in regards to the tilt and telescoping steering option. That option is so clearly needed in the ZX-3 and I truly do not understand why it is not added on the ZX-3. Absolutely no engineering costs would be associated with its inclusion.

I am 6 foot 3 inches too and I love the way I fit in the sedan, but want a ZX-3. I haven't sat in a zx-3, but I am afraid that it won't fit.

Sooooooo.....I will buy a Golf or a Beetle. The result is Ford loses my business and the potential of a lifetime of buying a cars from Ford.

I think that is significant. Ford did not have the right Focus groups when they decided no tilt/telescoping on the ZX-3.

If anyone can find out if the ZX-3 will come with tilt / telescoping steering wheel or if it can be added by a Ford dealership with spare parts I would really appreciated it (I am not alone....in this appreciation....I am sure)

Regards,

norwaydoug

norwaydoug

Sorry....my front legroom spec was in reference to response 345.

ND

silyboy

i agree with the others here it is a much needed option. it should be available in february-march 2000 hopefully when they add some more options to the ZX3, or so atleast that is what the dealer is telling me. and i do not believe that a tilt wheel can be added by the dealer, that is just a bit too complicated for them. The ZX3 is an awesome little car, and i have sat in one and it has amazing headroom (i am 6'1"), but i am htinking i will end up going with a SE sport sedan. Just has all the otions i want now, and will be a 1000X easier for people to get into the back seat of, and the sedan design is not bad either.

jpthree

Actually, the zx3 that's pictured on the focus sport site is the Cosworth zx3. I like that body kit a lot too but it seems to use different front fenders, front and rear bumpers, fender flares, sill extensions, headlights, turn signals, tail lights, and grille.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone (maybe svt) offered a similar kit.

wmichgrad

I double checked the numbers, and what I have posted is correct. The ZX3 is shorter than the sedan overall by 6.7 in. I think this accounts for the shorter front legroom.

pecos

Just test drove a ZX3 with the automatic transmission. I'm 6'3" and 220 lbs. so I had my doubts about sufficient room. Was pleasantly surprised by the room I had when the seat was all the way down. Enough for someone a couple of inches taller than me easily! My driving impressions were somewhere between very good to excellent. This car is worlds ahead of the Escort in all respects. Acceleration with the auto trans was a bit leisurely (A/C was on) but was also very smooth and linear. Shifts were not noticeable. Ergonomics were first rate I thought. Seats in the ZX3 model definitely look (and feel) upscale when compared to the base Sedan which look like they came right out of an Escort. Also, this hatchback model looks MUCH better in person than it does in the brochure. And despite all the post's otherwise, I am sure there was more legroom for me in the ZX3 than there was in the Focus sedan. Overall, I thought this was a lot of car for the money. Ford has done their homework. Salesman said 4.9% for a 36 month. Thinking seriously about ordering a five-speed. Hmmmn.... Now what color...?

agntsilk

looking for the best online deal my local dealer is less than adequate with details he dosent even know the zx3 is out there I bet

orlock

The 2000 Jetta parts and the Focus are mainly on back order. Jetta parts are made around the world and shipped by boat. There are some recalls on the Jetta that are going to take a few months to get parts for. One VW recall is the hood latch.

I think the back head rest was deleted because doing so gets rid of a major blind spot. I've been in several cars and none of them had rear head rests. Another reason is that the back seats fold down completely(this even works on the sedans!), for more "trunk" space and the seats bump into the back of the front seats. With a head rest, the front seat would need to go forward another six inches to accomplish the same thing. That would suck for me.

The thing that supports the steering column in tilt steering is a plastic disk the size of a half dollar if that. They are always breaking, so expect to be able to drive a wet noodle and pay a lot for the repair bill. I'd rather adjust the seat height. I usually drive in the 5-7 position.
I don't have tilt steering in my '87 Escort and it doesn't bother me at all. It doesn't have power brakes, ABS, I don't even have air conditioning and again it doesn't bother me.

jamers85

I have already ordered the ford focus zx3 about 2 weeks ago.....E.T.A~~~> first week of december. Seeing all the postings on this site made me glad i ordered one even though i haven't seen one and didn't even test drive one either. Anyway about the pricing...i got one and charged with the factory invoice price. Was this a good deal? if you think so...i'll tell who to contact..Anyway i got photos of zx3 suited up...if interested leave your e=mail address

bdshort

bdshort@yahoo.com

Drove a loaded SE sedan today... liked it a lot... the ZX3 is cheaper though. Not sure if I like the look of the Sedan or hatch better though. I'll see how much the ZX3 is with power windows once it's availablein February

acartwri

jamers85, send some pics to me as well crtdesign@earthlink.net

I drove a black 5 Speed ZX3 today. It was smooth, solid and pretty responsive. Not to mention really comfortable. I am trading down from a 98' Jeep Cherokee to get into this car. Ha! Ha! Ford finally hit the nail on the head.

Also send the info for the invoice pricing deal.
Thanks

fastfocus

Still waiting to for ZX3's where I live, but in the meantime some pics would be great.

ertzog

Just checking back and saw some comments to my goodbye (bought a VW Golf TDI).

Yes, I was a little bitter about the ZX3 when I finally got a chance to sit in one after such a long wait. I think the wait raised my expectations/desire that the ZX3 be as good a car as the picture. After being swept up in anticipation the actual ZX3 was a big let down.

If you look at long term cost/benefit and doing your small part to preserve the environment (42/49 mpg, but drives like V6!) the cost difference vanishes. It's a proven, crashable platform (beetle/jetta/golf) that gets rave revues and reccomendations. Besides, the TDI engine torque/hp curves kick [non-permissible content removed] ....

It costs more and you can see/feel where the money is - if an extra $2k is not out of reach check it out.

ragtop99

Yea, the Golf gets great mileage but as far as environental concerns it is not sold in California
because of their air pollution standards. It must spew some pollutant at a very high rate. Anyone know any details on this or a WEB site thats explains the difference between what pollutants a gas and deisel engine emit? If the environment were our main concern we'd all be buying Honda's.
I'm doing my part by not buying a Sport Useless Vehicle. Or is it Stupid Utility Vehicle?

Personally, I think the ZX-3 has a much sharper appearance than the old, tired look of the Golf

dragway

In the current issue of sport compact car the TDI is out of California because of high hydrocarbon emisons. VW will be fined 10,000 dollars for each TDI imported to Cali. Buy it while you have the chance.

fastfocus

Thanx for the pics, jamer85. There are more at http://www.rallysport.net/fordfocus/images/...sorry, I'd bookmark this for y'all, but I'm not exactly a computer guru and I'm not sure how to do it. But, it's definitely worth a look. Many pics at this site. I especially liked "img0007.jpg" and "img0022.jpg." Check it out!

fastfocus

Ah, apparently Edmunds does the bookmarking for you, as long as you keep it on one line. Again:

http://www.rallysport.net/fordfocus/images/