Zastava_101

http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-...edan-pics.html

Lalo

If it doesnt look like the euro focus, I wont be happy with it.

TomServo92

So as long as looks like a Euro Focus, even it's based on the existing Focus platform, you'll be happy with it???

IMO, it's need to be the Euro Focus, not just look like it.

Tiberius1701

Absolutely! Ford keeps feeding us the "It's too expensive to bring the EuroFocus here." line of bullcrap. Mazda3 is on the same platform and it isn't that much more expensive. Besides (I have said this before) the economy of scale should help bring down the actual cost of the platform. Hence we could have it too.

Oh, one other point-give a quick read to some of the posts on that forum. Sounds like a bunch of teenage AOLers! (No offense to teenagers or AOL folk on our Forum!)

Lalo

Thats what I meant

AnotherMustangMan

Maybe Ford knows the only people that obsess over the Euro Focus (or even know its any different than our outdated model) are all Mustang owners that wouldn't be in the market for either one. Plus, our Focus can be had new for $12k, if Ford brought the new one over they would have to charge at least $15k for it (territory the Mazda3 has neatly covered).

Zastava_101

True, true.

NewEdgePerf

Oh but there are many Focus owners who would have traded up to a new style Focus now that it is time to replace the 2000,2001,2002s. Since it is not much different that what they already have, they go shopping elsewhere. Missed opportunity for Ford.

As far as the Mazda 3 being the step-up from the Focus, I would agree with you if it was offered as either a 2 or 3 door. More Zx3s get modified than 4 door sedans by a large margin. Many Focus enthusiasts are not feeling that Mazda 3 with 4 or 5 doors.

Tony D

hi5.0

So is Ford taking a "Cavalier" approach to the U.S. Focus or the small car market segment, like GM did with its cars? I hope not. It's hard to believe that a well thought out/executed U.S. version of the Euro Focus wouldn't be able to steal sales from cars like the Civic (2dr coupe/Si models) or the Golf/Rabbit/GTI.

NewEdgePerf

Ford has been decontenting the Focus ZX3, which was a value leader when it was introduced into this market. I was told this was being done to be more price competitive with the low cost imports that are prevalent in this market segment. Funny how focus sales have decreased while this has occurred!

Also, all the money in the last few years was spent on the new Mustang, F150, 500, and Fusion. Not much left for the Focus.

I keep hearing that the existing North American platform will be around for quite some time....just with a facelift here and there.

Now with higher gas prices a reality that appears not to be going away like last year, an up-to-date economy car would be quite an asset to the product line. Oh well!

Tony D

Galaxie

My next car will definitley be a small FWD... the only Ford family cars I would consider are the Mazda 3 or the Volvo C30 (which may be pricey but is a great car).

Instead of conquesting sales and getting into the now hot small car market, they're letting what was a once respected product languish... bold moves indeed

AnotherMustangMan

I drove a friend's 3 around the other day, and though its unfortunately an automatic, the combination of great handling and sporty driver/car interaction (the steering wheel, seats, pedal travel and response, classy instrument cluster) really make the car a blast to drive.

Zastava_101

Base Mazda 3 or Mazda MazdaSpeed 3?

NewEdgePerf

That is the same animal as the European Focus!! That is why Focus fans want the Euro version of the Focus!

Tony D

AnotherMustangMan

Haha, I know. Which is why I wonder why people think Ford would foot the sizable bill of bringing the car here...again.