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Hatchbacks Hatchbacks - Archived Discussions Ford Focus ZX3 Hatchback - Part IV 
430 messages, Last post on Mar 24, 2000 at 3:30 PM
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You're correct about the arrogance of some VW drivers. The styling on the newer VWs are ok, nothing to write home about. And I'm definately not devoted, I bought my Jetta because the thing was quick, and handled like it was on rails. I'll admit calling Foci "poor-man's VWs" was sort of a back-handed compliment. By this, I meant that while the Focus 'feels' sort of like a VW, the mechanicals just aren't up to par. Which, of course, is expected given the price differences of the two cars. The main differences I noticed with VW Golf/Jettas and the ZX3 I test drove: 1. The suspension seemed firmer, yet more supple on VWs, resulting in easier cornering and more comfort/less road noise. I was still shocked by the quality of the ZX3's ride, though, it definately had that distinctive "German" feel to it. 2. The newer VW's interiors are nicer, but again this is to be expected given the price. I was still deeply impressed by the ZX3's roominess, interior finish, and sheer amount of room and functionality. 3. One of the larger problems I had with my ZX3 tester was possibly suspension-related. It seemed a bit "tail-heavy", like it was dragging it's rear around while cornering and doing slalom-like maneuvers. That said, I do believe that the Focus is a MUCH, MUCH better deal that any VW. I think VW's market changed (sometime slightly prior to the New Beetle's introduction), and not for the better. Quick anecdote, I went back to my VW dealer to settle up with the lease (this is a pretty big dealer), and was shocked at the amount of yuppie kids I saw running around the place. In 1996, most fellow VW owners I ran into were 20/30 somethings, real driving enthusiasts. Now, it's become a car that yuppies buy for their kids, sort of a "Mercedes with training wheels". It's quite sickening, and is something that used to disgust me with certain Japanese makes. It's also why I went back to an American car(an Oldsmobile, no less, a car most certainly not marketed for yuppie 'rats). Sorry, I kind of got OT there for awhile. Carry on.  Rich |
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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 |
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| 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. | |
| Personally I'd rather have the young yuppie image of a VW than the old stodgy image of an Oldsmobile | |
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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 |
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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! |
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Jedimaster1, The Ford Owner Connection is: "www.ownerconnection.com" Just follow the instructions and register your vehicle. Pat |
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| 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. | |
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| 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. | |
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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 |
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