I guess it depends on what you want in a car. The Focus has much more technology and features then the Mustang plus better gas mileage. There might be a consumer that wants a really nice well equiped compact.

Of course I would buy the Mustang GT but there are people that would rather have the tech and better gas mileage than great track times.

 

I was referring to the Lancer Ralliart, which is a detuned EVO. More in line with the non-STI WRX.

 

So you don't wanna Focus ST because it's a Ford, yet, you would rather spend that money on a car with a Mitsubishi badge?
I'm surprised Mitsubishi's still in business.

 

I never said anything about it being Ford. I wouldn't buy it unless it can compete in performance with the cars that article is comparing it to. I also would't buy it as a 5 door, so that may be a moot point.

 

Focus ST will never compete against Evo, like it's mentioned in that article. Heck, not even Focus RS could compete against Evo.

Focus ST will compete against cars like Mazdaspeed3 and upcoming Chevrolet Cruze SS.

 

That's crazy. I think Ford is blowing it by taking this model to that price range. Turned me off from buying one - better mileage or not.

 

Charlie, most of us at the dealership thought the same thing. But if you really dive into the new focus you see it is so much more car than you think of for a Focus. You really have to forget what you know about the Focus before.

It is a overal better car than the Fusion, except for the fact you can get a 240hp V6, or 265 of course in the sport, but mainstream V6 one is nice and quick.

So for someone that wants that extra speed, like myself if I had to get a practical car I would much rather have an ST Focus than a V6 Fusion.

 

Except that a Fusion V6 starts at $24,800. And it's also a bigger car than Focus.

 

At the end of the day, your still driving a focus. I would rather have the clap. Just my opinion.

 

Well, if you're gonna look at things that way - with a Lancer Ralliart, at the end of the day you're still driving a Mitsubishi. One of the worst automakers in the USA.

 

Very true.

 

this new focus is light years past what the u.s. focus has ever been.
people gotta let go of their old focus feelings and look at this car as a brand new model.

 

Majority of the people buying Fusions from us don't do it because the size, a focus fits adults in the back seat just fine, they just want something a little more upscale. and now the 2012 Focus is more upscale than the Fusion.

 

Huh. I need to look again because the last Ralliart Lancer I saw was just a frufru'ed up package with shadow trim, some OZ wheels, still FWD and I don't think it was any more powerful, something to the tune of 145 Hp. Like I said, it's been a while. I'm with Redstar, I don't trust Mitsu.

Edit: I see now what they did with the Ralliart. That was a good move.

Agreed. I was stoked when I saw what Focus would be coming to town for 2012. So much more what Ford needed to release in the states. If we are going to adjust to higher fuel mileage we might as well get a Euro trend going to boot. At least for these smaller cars.

 

I drove a 2012 Focus SEL last week. It is an amazing car. Although, at 23, I was completely daunted when I got behind the wheel and saw 23 (count them) buttons on the steering wheel! I had no idea where to start. It drives like a dream though. And it is vault quiet compared to my mom's 2003 ZX5 that has every option available for that year...

It's not the same old Focus. Yes, it IS more upscale than the Fusion at this point, but there is a new Fusion coming next year that has to go even more upmarket now that Mercury is gone. Cars are just more expensive altogether. A loaded Focus and a V6 Mustang are not even in the same league...when you load up a V6 Mustang, you are pushing $37k as well.

 

I thought I was the only one scratching my head trying to figure out all the buttons too. Other than that, overall it is a very nice car.

 

At some point I need to have something other than a high performance V8 so I'm hoping there's something to the new Focus. That taillight looks like it was applied at high speed via an egg shell though. My perception is the Fusion is an upscale version of the Focus. I think the Focus is geared for city folks who need something tiny and long distance commuters who need good mileage. For the past 12 years I've driven my 99 Super Duty Crew Cab PSD 6-Spd 4x4 to nearly 300,000 miles. My PLAN is to drive the boss for about 2 or 3 years then suck it up and get a commuter. At this point a used V6 Stang looks better than the Focus or the Fusion.