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Ford Focus SVT

Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
in Ford
Take a look at the 2002 Ford Focus SVT. What do you think?

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  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I plan on checking the SVT out when they appear at dealerships later this year. I've checked several SVT dealers locally, and no one wants to talk about taking an order now - too early, they tell me. If Ford manages to get a handle on the quality issues that plagued the launch of the Focus in this country, and dealers don't try to bend customers over a barrel on pricing, the SVT should be a sell-out. This segment of the market has been neglected for way too long, in my opinion. I'm leaning toward stretching a bit and going for the new Subaru WRX sedan, but I might wait until the SVT appears to drive it before deciding.
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    into the 5 door hatchback?

    Leo
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Not according to AutoWeek - the "ZX5" is supposed to arrive this fall with the 2.0 liter Zetec currently offered. SVT vehicles are built in relatively small numbers for a narrow audience, and are designed to be "halo" cars for the true enthusiast. SVT doesn't try to be all things to all people - which is why you won't see an SVT Focus with an automatic transmission, or SVT prepped engines finding their way into the bread and butter family cars.
  • mrossney1mrossney1 Member Posts: 2
    The SVT Focus is not available yet, correct? So I am correct in assuming that the Focus I pass going to work in the morning did not leave Dearborn with an SVT logo on the back?
  • playathug21playathug21 Member Posts: 20
    whens this car supposed to be available? if it is available for 18k and no dealer jackup, plus better quaility and reliability, id buy it (does anyone know if the focus is reliable?)

    thx (this would be cheaper and better for me so i dont have buy all those aftermarket parts)
  • fivespeedfivespeed Member Posts: 42
    .... " The PT Snoozer "
    .
    .
    .
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Unless you live near Ford headquarters, and happened to spot a pre-production car undergoing testing, I'd say you are seeing a regular ZX3 with an SVT badge stuck on the back. I have been in discussion with the general manager of a local dealership. He knows about as much as anyone who has visited the Ford SVT web site, and read the articles in AutoWeek, Car and Driver, and Automobile magazine. The Job 1 date (when they build the first production car) has not been finalized, but current rumors say November. Ford is still juggling the list of options vs. standard equipment in an effort to bring the car in at a competitive price - early reports had the sunroof as standard, and now it has moved to the short list of options (yay! I'm not a sunroof fan). This car should be a bargain if you can snag one at the projected list price of $18K. As opposed to trying to build your own performance Focus, there's no way a casual mechanic could duplicate the SVT for the same money - the Getrag six-speed transaxle alone would cost a bundle, plus the Zetec engine has received extensive internal mods, such as forged connecting rods, higher compression pistons, and variable valve timing on the intake cam... plus the whole package is covered by a 3/36 warranty and can be financed. Such a deal.
  • sentra20sersentra20ser Member Posts: 68
    I heard the Focus SVT will only be built in Germany. If this is true it will be the only sub $20k car built assembled in Germany. Not even a Golf or GTI is built in Germany anymore. I think the SVT will be the best hatchback available under 20k. Not that it has much competition.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    sentra20ser, an interview with SVT officials published recently in AutoWeek said that the SVT Focus will be built in the Hermosillo, Mexico plant alongside the regular ZX3. Ford engineers also visited engine plants in Germany, England, and Mexico, and decided to have the SVT Focus' modified Zetec engine built in Mexico as well. Despite what you might think about German vs. British vs. Mexican workmanship, it is largely the low price of labor in Mexico that will make the SVT Focus affordable.
  • rfruthrfruth Member Posts: 630
    Got the April edition of Motor Trend magazine (http:www//motortrend.com) and there is a Focus FR200 vs Corvette Z06 shootout ! Now if the FR200

    is a 5 door hatchback...


                        Rob Fruth - Houston, Tx

                     http://freeweb.pdq.net/rfruth


    1981 Raleigh for commuting, errands & fun

    1997 Trek 2300 for real fun !

    2000 DX Civic hatchback

  • wordman93wordman93 Member Posts: 36
    What is a Focus RS, and why can't we get any? Does this car really produce 220hp? Now I'd take that Focus over a VR6 any day. How much torque will this Focus SVT produce?
    Sentra20user, I was under the influence that all Golfs were produced in Brazil or Germany only. I also thought that all GTI VR6's were produced in Germany only. Maybe that was only the late models 95-early 99's, anyway my TDI was made in Germany though. First three characters of Vin WVW...
  • sentra20sersentra20ser Member Posts: 68
    http://www.urbanracer.com/features/focussvt.shtml
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    You won't see this car in the U.S. thanks to several reasons, among them:
    1. Our crazy products liability laws (i.e., too many greedy trial lawyers)
    2. A truck crazy market that wouldn't look twice at a hatchback costing upwards of $30K (projected price of the Focus RS in the U.K.)
    3. Insurance rates that no one would be willing to pay

    The tentative power and torque figures for the upcoming SVT Focus are readily available at the Ford SVT web site... 170 bhp at 6800 rpm, 145 lb-ft. at 5500 rpm.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    It doesn't make much difference, But I was surprised to see a small revision to the power specification on the SVT web site - max power is now listed as 170 bhp at 7000 rpm, not 6800. Good thing Ford modified the Zetec to include forged rods - this engine is designed to be revved past 7 grand...
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    I read that the new 2.0 Ztec is a cosworth design? Ill try to find the blurb and post where.
    I am interested in this car. I swore not another blue oval in my driveway, but in reality, my 94 escort gt has served me very well.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    A recent AutoWeek carried a brief story about Cosworth doing the reengineering of the 2.0 liter Zetec for the SVT Focus. On paper, the SVT Focus looks like it will have the "goods" - but, like you, I've said I'd never own another Ford product. My 2000 ZX3 has had all the recalls, but otherwise has been trouble-free. Of course, it has virtually no resale value, and I'm still mad about some of the cost-cutting, cheap parts, and dealer ineptitude that seem to be the hallmark of a Jac Nasser controlled Ford.
  • pks1pks1 Member Posts: 32
    The R will be for sale in the US according to automobilemag.com it is going to be prices under $20000 it is supposed to have 220 hp @ 5000 rpm

    Torque 245 lb-ft @ 4500 ouit of its 2.0L engine . It is supposed to have wheeles that were originally developped for the Ferarri F50 and wholebunch of other aftermarket upgrades...Borla...Eibach springs Garrett turbocharger... go here for more info http://www.automobilemag.com/previews/pages.cfm?page_id=796

    as for the SVT I'd pick the R even if the difference in proces will be 3-4k
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Despite the date, this is an old story - Automobile and Car & Driver, among others, carried this story over a year ago. Notice how it says "available mid 2001"? This car is NOT going to be offered to the buying public in this country. Actually, Ford put it together largely to gauge U.S. reaction, then gave the green light to SVT (not SVE) to develop the SVT Focus for actual production later this year. The "R" would be neat, but don't count on getting this car, or even a U.S. version of the European Focus RS, anytime soon.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    The Blue Oval needs to keep the price under 20K. I was thinking if they go over then they are going into WV GTi territory. There is NO way they can compete with the Level of not only performance, but a quality product. Fully loaded under 20K and it will be a great choice.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    I agree - the VW is ugly, but the basic design is pretty solid. Read through some of the VW forums and you quickly realize there are some pretty unhappy owners over there as well, however. Ford's strong suit is their ability to deliver bang for the buck, so pricing the SVT Focus well under a comparably equipped GTI is a must.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    that the GTi is ugly. Actually just the opposite.
    I "use" to think the focus hatch was ugly, but being a fan of WRC I got to see the car in action for a couple of years and it has grown (like a "fungi") on me. Plus it will be a high reving sleeper that hopefully wont turn a cop's head as I drive by;)
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    To each his own, I guess. I've owned several VWs, and I really want to like the current Golf, but I can't get past the clunky exterior design. That, plus the fact that VW seems to take itself a bit too seriously these days. All of the luxo nonsense they cram into the GTI seems out of character in a true performance hatchback. I owned one of the originals - a 1983 GTI purchased sight unseen in the fall of 1982. That was a fun little car! I think the SVT Focus will recapture some of that "let's have some fun!" attitude.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    After reading the article in the new Motor Trend, I am even more excited than before when I was reading the previews in other mags. The wait for the car to be released is agonizing.
    On a side note in the May issue of Sport Compact Car they are doing a project Focus. Very interesting read. Though it seems that the almighty Blue Oval has changed nothing in the way of allowing mediocre maintenance to be done. Damn assembly lines.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    I wouldn't be too surprised if that car is not that far away. With cars like the WRX, rumours of the Evo VII, RSX type R, and STI, we could very well be looking at higher powered pocket rockets in the near future. If Ford wants to keep up, they will have to bring the RS here. My guess is, if the SVT does well, then we could see the RS here as soon as mid '03. But, just a prediction, nothing more.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    The Blue Oval will bring over a car that would "out perform" the almighty Mustang. I understand the following the muscle car has, and they wont convert to a 4-banger. But if a new customer is looking for raw power, bang for buck, then the mustang is the choice. If a customer wants a pocket rocket, low-to-sub 7 second car, the ST focus is the choice for a Ford product.
    The AS would price the car out of reach for the consumer who would want a subcompact powerhouse.
    hats why Ford NEVER brought over the Cosworth Escort that would blow the doors OFF the mustang.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    If the Mustang were to be designed right in the first place, they'd have nothing to worry about. As it is, the base Mustang is pitiful. It should really give them a wakeup call (and all American v8 sports car makers) when a little 2 liter 4-banger can whip their cars. They really need to revamp their engines.

    Also, you wouldn't see the RS for much less than $30K in my opinion, so that still keeps the Mustang in strong contention with buyers. Besides, there is still one MAJOR point that separates the 2 that means everything to alot of buyers out there: FWD vs. RWD.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    I know the car isnt out yet and info is scarce, but besides www.svt.ford.com does anyone know of anyother info on the SVT focus???<---web info that is.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    You can check www.blueovalnews.com, but most info I've run across is just one source repeating another. Most of the car magazines got their info from press intros, so it is all about the same, plus or minus some factual errors.
  • greenguygreenguy Member Posts: 78
    also just found www.focaljet.com
  • klkrauseklkrause Member Posts: 96
    Although many people like to compare the Mustang (V8 versions) to smaller, high-powered 4-cylinder engines, there really isn't much of a true comparison. People can quote 0-60 times all they want, but for tire-burning power there is no comparison to a V8.

    I've recently driven a Mustang Cobra and a Subaru WRX, and although the Subaru is a very quick car, the Mustang feels so much easier to accelerate. The low-end grunt of the V8 blows the 4-banger away at low RPM's.

    I'm not actually a big Mustang fan and would probably buy the WRX over the Mustang, but they are very different cars.

    Back to the Focus, though ...

    I put my name on a pre-order list at my local Ford dealership to get a Focus SVT whenever it is they are released. I fortunately get a Ford discount - my wife is an engineer for Ford - so I don't have to worry about being "gouged" by the dealership.

    If my wife didn't work for Ford, though, I would probably get a WRX wagon. Although it is definitely more expensive the AWD and extra power are quite impressive. The thing I'm looking most forward to in the Focus SVT is the 6-speed!
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    I heard ford had an awd turbo focus planned? anybody know any more on that?
  • gibbo01gibbo01 Member Posts: 5
    revdrluv.

    I dont know about the US. but the Focus RS in the UK is AWD. so if that is the case i cant see there being any reason why an AWD SVT is an impossibilty, but it would need more power than the 170bhp it has at the moment, if my memory serves me correct AWD takes aprox 10-15% off the power.

    osfan456.

    In my opinion and a general UK opinion, the scoobyWRX, is a match for most cars(in the sub £25000) and is only equalled (depending who you talk to) by the EVO. so performance wise it will run rings round the SVT. Thats why the UK is getting the RS, to compete.

    Looks wise, the focus in my opinion is by far a better looker, and internally is superior as well. the scooby looks so bland.

    Just an opinion.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    First look at the 2002 Ford Focus SVT:


    image


    Edmunds.com's First Look of the 2002 Ford Focus SVT is now available. Here's the complete story: 2002 Ford Focus SVT, Holy Hatchback! by Ed Hellwig. What do you think?


    Thank for your comments. ;-)


    Pocahontas

    Host

    Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

  • kburcrofkburcrof Member Posts: 6
    I drove a S2 today! I've been in my ZTS for 18 mos. The S2 is a little stiffer ride. It think it is an improvement.

    I can't wait to test the SVT. Anyone want my ZTS, leather, side impact bags...$13,599, 20K miles, black exterior w/ grey leather interior. Im in Beverly Hills, Michigan..48025

    burcroff@yahoo.com
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    They are finally taking some of the luxo-junk out of the GTI, sunroof will be optional now and they have upped the ante performance wise.

    Signifigant changes for '02-->
    &#149; Available with 1.8T or VR6 engine
    &#149; GTI VR6 available at a lower content and price point
    &#149; GTI 1.8T will increase from 150 hp to 180 hp
    &#149; New VR6 24V with 201 hp and 6 speed manual transmission will replace current 12V VR6 later in year

    Plus, all '02 VW's will have the new 4/50k bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Focus SVT will have to undercut the price of the new GTI by quite a bit for my money.
  • biker16biker16 Member Posts: 26
    The RS is front wheel drive not AWD. it has 200 hp and 235 lbs/ft torque. just enough to open up a can O' whoop [non-permissible content removed] on the RSX.
  • mgambermgamber Member Posts: 4
    I was offered Invoice +2% to buy an SVT Focus.

    Should be about $300 to $400.

    Good? Or should I try to get lower?
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    If this is a legitimate deal for an SVT equipped the way you want it, I'd jump at it. Until initial demand is satisfied, I don't think there is going to be much dealing on these cars.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,726
    2% is a great deal. Take it! (if you want the car) How much lower could you possibly want?

    Make sure the salesperson isn't talking about a ZX3 or something like that.

    Did you get an idea of delivery date?

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • mgambermgamber Member Posts: 4
    No, it is definatly the SVT. Says we could expect delivery about Feb.
    When I bought my ZX3, I got $100 over invoice.
    Was thinking of trying to get same deal.
    Am I right in thinking invoice will be around 16k if retail is 18k?
  • digiturbodigiturbo Member Posts: 17
    2% over invoice !!! Maybe I should have waited for the SVT. Hope the invoice is at low 16K. Now I am thinking to get ZTS with $1500 rebate. Still thinking if I should wait for the SVT. Does anyone know what the invoice is?
  • kroliphkroliph Member Posts: 75
    Does anyone know the expected release date for the SVT Focus? For some reason, I thought it was early fall.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    Several posts on www.focaljet.com indicate that the release date has been pushed back to April 2002. No one seems to know the reason for the delay, although problems with a key component supplier have been cited. LOTS of unhappy wannabe owners, however.
  • tegwjtegwj Member Posts: 51
    I went by this dealership last night to inquire about the state of their order queue & allocation. The sales manager told me he had declined all allocation due to price -- he reckons the SVT's MSRP is $27k. I just about choked but he was clearly a car salesman and not an enthusiast -- knew nothing about the car. Suggested that the $17k base price doesn't include an engine.

    twj
  • judasjudas Member Posts: 217
    He thinks an SVT Focus is going to MSRP at 2 grand less than an SVT Cobra? Call the police, it's obvious hes a crack addict.

    Not only is he not an enthusiast hes not much of a salesman if hes that ignorant.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    It is not a Focus SVT but a ZX3 with a appearance package and interior modifications that I saw at the Ford dealer in the next town from where I live. It had a additional sticker in the window that stated the price was $21,995 with the add-ons. It was "On Sale" for the low price of $19,500. The mods included larger wheels, body kit, graphics, carbon fibre interior trim, and other misc.. No performance mods. to motor.
    It will be interesting to see how high the markup will be on some of the initial SVT's.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    with the dealers have gotten very good deals. Dealers haven't been gouging them from what I hear. Over at the Focaljet.com site they have a SVT section and there is a good chunk of people there with orders.

    Those stupid dealer cars with all the crap tacked on (out here in Oklahoma it's always trucks with 5000lbs of fiberglass crap added on) always are priced at some insane amount, so I woundn't infer much from that on what they will charge you for a SVT Focus.
  • tegwjtegwj Member Posts: 51
    So I called the 1-800-FORD-SVT number this morning. Let them know what Sales Manager Mark had told me -- especially the bit about the car not coming with an engine. SVT was going to give him a call and straighten out a few things :-)

    twj
  • chem123chem123 Member Posts: 272
    Booo to bad/dumb salesmen
  • tegwjtegwj Member Posts: 51
    So after my miserable luck at Frontier Ford, I called up Swanson Ford in Los Gatos, CA. Asked for the "SVT Specialist" at the dealership but was given one of the regular sales drones. I asked him about the status of pre-orders for the Focus SVT, he told me the car's production had been canceled outright due to emissions problems. Strangely, he didn't turn around and try to sell me something out of inventory, but still.

    twj
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