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It's to compete with WRX, EVO, etc. Sounds expensive. It should satisfy all those who have been whining over the current SVT's lack of power, though, eh regfootball? (BTW, most of this really is regurgitated from a car mag ;-) ).
Too bad we probably won't see the Cosworth Focus WRC homologation car here in the US. I guess this is a good substitute.
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Sam
Welcome to a potential SVT Focus world. This site is rather slow of late so I suggest you try myfordfocus.com or focaljet.com, although there are some historic posts here you should check out. I've owned an SVT Focus for nearly six months and it is a hoot. I don't think you're going to find it too similar to the old Capri II as that was likely a V6 smog motor and was rear drive. But you need to see for yourself. The new one requires premium fuel whereas the old one only required regular but there is a world of difference (all to the better as it should be for a 25-yr newer car!) between the two and I think you'll like the difference. Good hunting.
Scootch
Also, please note: Edmunds' new vehicle TMV prices do not take into account current Manufacuter-to-consumer incentives or rebates; so, you may also want to check Edmunds' Incentives and Rebates section and make any appropriate adjustments. Others here may have more to add.... Good luck.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
I was able to find SVT listed among the Foci for Edmunds TMV pricing.
Sam
http://media.ford.com/events/2002_SEMA.cfm
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=13661
Ford has not been able to make this car right from a quality and reliability standpoint...too bad.
This is truely a great car. Every time I drive it I smile because I managed to purchase an incredibly fun to drive and practical car for very little money, relatively speaking. When I got the car I also had a Jaguar XJR--which stayed in the driveway once I got the Focus. It is that much fun to drive.
From a practicality perspective there are no issues. I have three small children ranging from 8 to 4 years old, and the all fit in the back seat comfortably. Cargo capacity is fine.
I have had nothing at all go wrong with the car in the first 5000 miles.
But did I say it fun to drive? Easy to shift, not tiring even in LA traffic. Six speeds are great. Lot of power--I am not sure I would even want more in a front drive car. Braking and handling very good. Cornering at the limit very predictable; no snap oversteer, just a nice drift; it is hard to believe from a handling perspective that this is a front drive car.
I would recomend this car to anyone who really likes to drive and does not need their car to be a status symbol.
LOL!
If anyone has had any of these problems or other similar problems with the SVT or the regular Focus, please post them or email me at- mopar9285@excite.com -as I am filing a lawsuit against Ford for breach of contract and the Lemon Law. Thanks.
Its pretty damned funny your email is "mopar", but you bought a Ford and had all these problems with it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
And now back to the subject of the Ford Focus SVT.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Want a sporty hatchback for less than 20k with good mileage? Try a base RSX w/ a 5 speed which will return, according to the EPA, 27 city and 33 highway. I think its the most fuel efficient, not to mention reliable, hot hatch out there today.
I went with a GTI 1.8t which still gets for me an acceptable 27 mpg on mid grade gas.
- hypothetically better resale value in being an Acura
- according to surveys better service through Acura dealers
- better mileage
- automatic climate control
- 16" alloy wheels standard
- standard side air bags
- more torque
- optional leather
- a nicer interior(IMHO)
- and is much, much nicer to look at (again in my opinion).
Especially for shoppers that aren't enamored with the SI's looks(worst looking hatchback sold in America? - too bad we can't do a poll here) and want to upgrade the wheels anyway the base RSX is definitely a "must-consider."
We managed to get $1500 off the price of the Focus, almost retail price for the trade in Civic, in addition to a $2500 tax savings. Went with the 1.9% lease for 36 months, as the total cost to buy in the end was $2300 less than a 60 month loan at 5.9%.
Look forward to giving a full report on the Focus after some ownership time. Was impressed with the power, ride and steering on the test drive. And the audiophile sound system rocks! My biggest concern is how much fuel this car will use compared to the Civic. Time will tell.
Canadian SiR = US Civic Si?
So how do you like your car so far? You know, I haven't even had the opportunity to sit in an SVT.
The car rides amazingly well - better than the Civic, even though the Focus has 45 series tires vs. the Civic's 65 series. The handling appears to be awesome, although the temperature has been below freezing, so I haven't pushed the car yet. The engine is great - lots of torque at low RPM for regular driving, with a nice pull at high RPM. Sounds good too, but not too loud for cruising. The heated seats are nice in the cold weather. The audiophile sound system is really sweet, clear and loud. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and even the back seat is good for me - I'm 6ft tall. I like the remote audio controls and how the sunroof open wide.
The only thing that might be bad is the fuel economy, but I will have to wait until after break-in to comment on that.
see you on the road.
cvtulley
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
Other differences? Constant supercharger whine in the Cooper, which you either enjoy or not. Much more stylish/busy interior for the Cooper; again a matter of taste. Very thick steering wheel on the Cooper, and very oversized shifter knob, which seemed strange to me although I have large hands. Interior space seems larger with the Focus. Seats similar. More head room in the Focus. The Cooper gets style points, just because of its styling and the fact that it cannot be taken for a non-sporting car.
Net, if you looking for a great driving experience save your money and buy the Focus SVT. If you need the latest and greatest in terms of style/coolness and have extra money to spend, then buy the Cooper S.
To Dmould- Sorry, I missed you the first time around. Meant to say congratulations a while back. Thanks for returning to post your initial impressions. We look forward to hearing more....
To jroger19- Thanks for your notes. Also, feel free to start up a new "Mini Cooper vs Ford Focus SVT" discussion on the Hatchbacks board if you'd like. I think it would be an interesting topic of discussion.
Happy motoring!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
The engine still impresses with its low end torque, and feels good even if you shift at less than 4000 rpm in daily driving. The car does use quite a bit of gas - our best tank has gone 330 miles, the worst was 270 miles to empty. The car is great for passing, with very good midrange and top end pull.
I will update in a month. Thanks Revka
02 SVT Focus (too new to tell)
01 Acura CL Type S
02 Ram QuadCab 1500
Hopefully the mileage will improve significantly when the car is broken in, and the weather is warm!
The car had it's first service, including the free SVT wash and vacuum. The check engine light was on, turned out that the gas cap wasn't sealing properly, got a new one. Running good on the RLA1 software!
If I could find one at the lower end of that spectrum, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
To Everyone- Anyone else have a vehicle update to share? It would be nice to see some more in here. For those interested, you could list your:
1. Model Year & Total miles to date.
2. MPG & Driving habits. Any differences in mpg since you first purchase?
3. Any additional accessories & mods?
4. Maintenance issues to date.
5. Any interesting trips or cargo experiences?
6. Overall impressions pro/cons of your vehicle since you first purchased...
Share as much (or as little) information as you'd like. I'm sure other Focus SVT owners/shoppers passing through here, would find the information quite interesting, if not helpful.
Also, as dmould has been doing, you can report back every once in a while to update again. Thanks for your participation! ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Which dealer in Sacramento was discounting?
I may be interested in a 4 door one if they have one.
Cheers
Nick