New Ford Focus review

ondori · 02-12-2007, 10:33 AM

New Ford Focus Raises the Stakes
Rating: 5 stars

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...ord_focus.html

Video
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_w....php?id=200700

A new DSG-style twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox will be available, "I hope this will make its way to both focus and mondeo XR5 models"

Pictured here (Large)
http://www.forddesktops.com/show.asp...us_2008_02.jpg

Falcon Freak · 02-12-2007, 10:36 AM

When is the new Ford Focus due to be released in Australia?

FF

zetec · 02-12-2007, 01:44 PM

Very nice. DSG will be a winner with the diesel alone and possibly with the XR5 version should they include it. Focus really is starting to be a cheap Golf, with technology, looks and quality all growing!

jweb · 02-12-2007, 03:25 PM

Wow the new look is really good,We have to wait for this update,unfair.

Rhubarb · 02-12-2007, 09:14 PM

so given our latest focus was just released here in Aug, when is this one due ?

autolover08 · 03-12-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhubarb

so given our latest focus was just released here in Aug, when is this one due ?

I've heard we should see the heavily facelifted focus towards the end of next year

4dlvr · 03-12-2007, 11:50 PM

thats way too late, i want to see them now.
its what ford need if they want to boost sales
after all the focus is arguably the best 4cyl on the market, it deservs more then double the sales its achiving

Bossxr8 · 04-12-2007, 10:53 AM

The XR5 will be here just after it does in Europe, as we get them from over there so we have to take what they are making at that time, and the rest of the range will follow later on.

autolover08 · 10-12-2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4dlvr

thats way too late, i want to see them now.
its what ford need if they want to boost sales
after all the focus is arguably the best 4cyl on the market, it deservs more then double the sales its achiving

Remember that the focus had a mild facelift only 3 months ago...
It appears 2008 will be a very busy year for Ford

_2:

Stugots · 10-12-2007, 04:32 PM

horrible wheels, I prefer the side mouldings of the LS/LT and the front grille sections look a wee bit too disproportionate. All that chrome at the front is a little garish but I love the headlights, remind me of the Triumph Daytona 675

outback_ute · 12-12-2007, 06:01 PM

There was a recent report that we will get the XR5T as it comes through from Europe (minimal delay) as Bossxr8 said, but that we have to wait until the South African factory updates for the rest of the range, approx 6 months

kwikkwak · 05-02-2008, 08:21 AM

i have no idea what is coming to Oz, however there are two hot versions on the plans. Called in europe the ST and the RS. ST has been around for a while over here but the RS will be new with approximately 280bhp and a clever diff to keep the thing in a straight line. I haven@t seen the styling yet as ther eis not one running around with the kit on it. but there are prototypes out there with the powertrain

Rhubarb · 05-02-2008, 02:13 PM

Will the "clever diff" power all 4 wheels or just the front 2 ?

THR · 09-02-2008, 12:45 AM

I would literally walk into a showroom and buy one tomorrow if they were on sale.

Silly Ford - instead, I'll have to keep looking elsewhere, because I cannot wait six months.

Realistically, they need to think forward and align the release of a vehicle across all markets - because once we know in Australia that the UK and Europe has a new vehicle, and we have not, that in itself will dramatically impact sales.

Forest Bear · 11-02-2008, 11:39 AM

DSG transmission is a winner. I love my Focus LS Zetec. I'm hanging out for XR5 with DSG transmission.

outback_ute · 13-02-2008, 03:45 PM

Rhubarb, the RS will still be fwd from what I have seen.

I think the TDCi-DSG combo will be the way to go (from the perspective of driving in peak hour traffic each day!)

zetec · 13-02-2008, 05:39 PM

From what I've read, Jost Capito (head of Team RS) says it will be NO COMPROMISE... that to me suggests AWD. Here's hoping!

zetec · 13-02-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THR

I would literally walk into a showroom and buy one tomorrow if they were on sale.

Silly Ford - instead, I'll have to keep looking elsewhere, because I cannot wait six months.

Realistically, they need to think forward and align the release of a vehicle across all markets - because once we know in Australia that the UK and Europe has a new vehicle, and we have not, that in itself will dramatically impact sales.

I'm sure Ford Aus would love that, but there's usually massive demand in Europe meaning countries outside Europe don't get as much stock as they'd like. To me that suggests they're onto a good thing!

Uni · 14-02-2008, 11:07 AM

but surely they can re-tool the South Africa plants at the same time? It makes no sense to me... As soon as the market thinks there will be a facelift, sales fall through the floor. they're shooting themselves in the foot here in Australia. There is no way in hell i would buy the current focus knowing that is coming here...

Uni/.

THR · 16-02-2008, 10:33 AM

^ You've got that exactly right. It's not a matter of European demand because we are supplied from South Africa.

They should have the foresight to retool and manufacture the vehicles across all plants at the same time. Because now that they have released the look of the new Focus and new Fiesta, it's all over red rover for the current model.

And looking at the new Fiesta, it's damn nice too. I like the consistency of the design across all of the vehicles.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/10357/20...ally-unveiled/