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Ford Focus ZX3 Hatchback - Part IV - READ ONLY

430 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2000 at 4:30 PM

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Messages Page 43 of 43

#421 of 430 Euro Focus Sedan by norwaydoug

Mar 23, 2000 (7:45 pm)

This is the hatchback conference and I do not want to go on and on about the sedan, but the European Focus sedan(Focus Ghia) has a chrome strip along the edge of the grill and the bumper. This chrome strip is definitely seen in the Edmunds photo of the sedan as was previously mentioned. It is not sunglare. The curious part of this picture is that it does have a NA bumper and turning signal light lamp set-up which leads me to conclude that the photo was an early pre-production prototype focus model.


Again all this confusion is due to the lousy Ford Focus pamphlets that were made. They provide zero information.


The main differences I have seen between the euro focus and the NA focus are the bumpers (rear bumper has a fog light incorporated into it), side marker lights, interior fabric (more sporty and nicer than the NA Focus---particularly the 'Trend' model line) and the amber rear light fixture for turn signals.


The Euro foci also have heated seats & stability control! Not to mentioned the 5 door hatchback.


NorwayDoug

#422 of 430 euro focus by tickbitty

Mar 23, 2000 (8:27 pm)

also costs considerably more for all the special stuff on it. Less power, too (but better fuel efficiency, the trade-off) I like the euro ones, but wouldn't be able to afford one, if I lived there.

#423 of 430 Oldsmobiles by judas

Mar 23, 2000 (8:47 pm)

Personally I'd rather have the young yuppie image of a VW than the old stodgy image of an Oldsmobile

#424 of 430 Euro Foci by norwaydoug

Mar 23, 2000 (9:06 pm)

Tickbitty is right! Euro foci can cost 1.5 to 2.5 times more than our USA version. Ford did a great job making the car affordable. I am pleased with the interior of my zx-3. The seats are great. I think the zx-3 seats are nicer than the sedans. The texture of the seats in the hatchback is very attractive.


The Euro foci can have more engine options:


1.6L, 1.8 L and 2.0 L


The 2.0L is the ztec engine that we have in our Foci.


Any news Tickbitty when your Focus is coming?
ND

#425 of 430 NA focus by cefurod

Mar 23, 2000 (9:58 pm)

I'm glad NA offers the stripped down version of the focus instead of the one they have in Europe. Over there, hatchbacks are very popular so they could add all kinds of accessories. But in the US, the demand is much lower so Ford kept cost down this way.
One of the main reasons I bought the Focus is because of the bang for the buck. I needed a cheap commute vehicle to work (1 hr one way) without all the luxury items. If I had wanted a more luxurious hatchback, i would have bought a Golf 1.8T. If I had wanted a more luxurious car in general, i would have chosen an Audi A4 or Acura TL. Don't get me wrong, luxury aside, the Focus is awesome to drive and just a great car period!

#426 of 430 Ford Owner Connection by pcleveland2

Mar 23, 2000 (11:40 pm)

Jedimaster1,


The Ford Owner Connection is:
"www.ownerconnection.com"


Just follow the instructions and register your vehicle.


Pat

#427 of 430 vw's better? by focusfanatic

Mar 24, 2000 (12:16 am)

I test drove both a focus (all the styles) and a few from the golf line. I think that many people mistake the prodigous weight of the vw for a "quality feel". This almost tricked me, but then i tried acclerating. The weight was obvious. But it is true, the mass feels alot more solid. The only Golf I would consider would be the GTI VR6, but having read Car&Drivers comparison test including it, I ruled it out. It depends upon what you want. I would much rather have a sharp-handling, (relatively) quick car, than a somewhat luxurious "boat". This is not meant to offend VW owners, but i think most will agree that, for the money, the focus annihilates its competition.

#428 of 430 continued... by focusfanatic

Mar 24, 2000 (12:19 am)

also, the golf uses an old american trick to make cars feel quicker. They shorten the throttle response so that just a light touch of the pedal gives you more throttle. So people like it, but I prefer more control for safely manuevering parking lots.

#429 of 430 gabe & fgaydos by calico1

Mar 24, 2000 (12:46 am)

Gabe--you seem to have received the ZX3 I originally ordered (in early March) and was told was an impossibility! CD Silver with power everything and a tilt steering column. My dealer checked with Ford Motor Co. -- I was there when they did it -- and they were told that they were not yet installing power windows, although the target date for them had been publicized as February 2000, and that they had no idea when and if that would even be an option on the ZX3 at that point. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, I really, really do, but it seems like we are getting very different messsages in different parts of the country about our ZX3s. My dealer (like I said before, good people, not the stereotype at all) still has no info. on the recall.


Fgaydos, thanks for making me feel better. I, too, question the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof. Around here the terms seem to be used interchangably, and I can't imagine that that's accurate. Can't wait to hear the answer to your question. Will try to find out myself.


Because of a glitch in installing my cruise control (necessary to maintain reasonably low speeds with me behind the wheel and my foot on the gas), my sun/moon roof is still being installed as we speak. Now I'm scheduled to get it tomorrow. I miss my car!!!!
--Calico1

#430 of 430 carlady by mzn

Mar 24, 2000 (4:30 pm)

Looking for the ZX3 crowd? Join the conversation in Ford Focus Hatchback - ZX3 - Part V. See you there!


carlady/host

Messages Page 43 of 43

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