jsaylor

Ford is said to be considering a new, smaller than Focus car for North America. I feel this is a wise move personally, but fear that Ford is most likely going to release some suv/hybrid abomination on us and then wonder why it does not sell well.

I was a fan of the SVT Focus, but now that car is gone and we are left without a "hot hatch" offering from Ford. It would seem that Ford, and many others, have come to the opinion that Americans do not appreciate this particular avenue to affordable performance. However, I would disagree and say that the auto-makers have simply lost their way and forgotten the formula for building this kind of car...at least for our market.

The SVT Focus was nice, but it was a bit on the large side compared to the Escort GT's and VW Rabbit/Golf GTI's that roamed America's streets in sizeable numbers during the 80's. Ford and VW both apparently decided that bigger is indeed always better, and we ended up with much larger Golfs, and of course Ford Focus', trying to do what smaller cars had accomplished a decade or mor earlier.

Both of these were/are fine cars, but they really are not appropriate for the true hot hatch segment both Ford and VW both profited from so deftly in the 80's. Both the VW Golf and the Focus were really in a "larger" class of vehicle by this time, and more power (which means more money) was going to be required if they were going to perform like the bang for the buck marvels they had built in the eighties.

IMHO, the European Ford Fiesta and VW Polo are much truer to that original 80's "hot hatch" idea than are the newer Golfs or Focus SVT. Again, don't get me wrong as these cars are very nice indeed. But, I think the pricing neccesitated by their larger size and therefore logically more powerful powerplants tended to alienate the typical consumer these cars were supposed to attract.

Thats said, the newest European Fiesta is just a superb car. It offers great style for a car in this segment, as well as good power and excellent design/quality. I could easily envision this car with a mass-produced version of the now defunct SVT Focus' mill. (defunct on our shores at least) In Europe, it is essentially offered that way already as the Fiesta ST with a 150hp 2.0L Zetec. In a car this light, that should move it along smartly. Although, for our market another 20hp would not hurt

That said, below are Ford media pictures of the Fiesta Zetec S and Fiesta ST. If the Zetec ST were the Mach-1 in this scenario think of the Zetec S as the GT. The only thing needed besides safety/emissiona compliance for this to do well in America is a name change. And, if you base it on the price difference seen on the Focus between the US and UK markets and the South American and US markets the Fiesta should cost about $14,500 maximum in Zetec S trim with a sunroof and leather! More likely, it would be about a grand cheaper than that by "best guesstimate" math...works for me.

That said, here is a link to the Zetec S


http://www.rsstoc.com/forums/index.php?act...&cmd=si&img=198

jsaylor

Zetec ST on link to Fiesta owners club


http://www.rsstoc.com/forums/index.php?act...&cmd=si&img=179


The Zetec S and ST really look about the same except for the wheels. But, this is absolutely the small car Ford should bring over to our shores...in whatever trim that may be.

Ichi

Oh yeah! The Fiesta is nice. It would be great if they offered it state side. EVO evaluates it in the January issue. Not as sharp and well sorted as it should be[in ST trim]so they say. Regardless its a sweet package. I think the Zetec nominclature is just that. I believe the petrol engines in Europe are the same as our Duratec here in the states[2.0]. I've got an '04 ZX3 with the 2.3L "Duratec". What an engine! What a car! Thats where Ford dropped the ball. Not continuing to offer that engine in the hatch.

matic

They'd have to change the name, Fiesta has a not-so-glorious history here

mustang_sallad

this isn't exactly the best picture, but that's Jay leno driving this thing. Its called a SHOgun.

There are a couple sites about it, but the links are a little messed up.
http://www.google.ca/search?q=jay%20leno%2...lr=&sa=N&tab=iw

jgsmuzzy

the biggest engine for a standard Focus over here is a 2.0L. the 2.3 is not offered on any ford UK car I believe.

Ichi

I'm aware of that. I was just pointing out the fact that the engine architecture is the same. The nominclature being the only difference really. Its too bad they don't offer the 2.3 in the UK/Europe but you guys do get those fantastically torquey diesels. Not to mention the fact you have the Mk II Focus and the Fiesta as well as many other terrific motors that thus far we are denied. Cheers!

jgsmuzzy

Mate, I can assure you, I would get rid of the lot of them if Ford agreed on exporting the Mustang over here!!

You are right about the TurboDiesels, for the engine size they are certainly spirited!

FrankBullitt05

OOh, drop the name and bring it over here...

looks like fun (I love little cars... )

holderca1

They definitely would have to change the name, when I think of a Ford Fiesta, I think of those little pieces of junk they used to have with the 2 inch wide tires.

jgsmuzzy

That's exactly what this Fiesta evolved from! It is still a car that is so small, if you are over 6ft tall, you have to drive with your head out of the window, Ace Ventura style!

future9er24

^ i always wanted to look like Ace.

Jim carrey is the best actor/comedian ever. tied with Mr Cosby and Will Smith :w00t:

Autotooner

You forgot Chris Rock...