silentandy Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 It would be interesting to see the Volvo version of this car when it eventually comes out (I think it's C30?). Would the ST in Volvo clothing be more appealing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Forgive me, but where the feck are all these badge snobbery comments coming from? Just because someone doesn't rate a particular brand doesn't mean it's due to snobbery. [/ QUOTE ] Right here mate. I've owned a Ford XR2 and I loved it, if you're talking fun to drive it's one of the best cars I've ever owned. I wouldn't want one now though. I'm a snob and proud of it. You can be a snob in life, there's nothing wrong with thinking something isn't good enough for you. Or do you think that there is? Strange Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Oh and you wouldn't own a Mitsubishi Evo? Are you crazy? £20,000 for a Rocket Ship, sounds like a bargain new or second hand. [/ QUOTE ] Yup, fastest minicab on the planet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_cs Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 As a current (and very happy) MkV GTI owner, this is the first car I've seen that might make me question my GTI purchase. My GTI with 5 doors and DSG (in Shadow Blue with Monza alloys) has an amazing breadth of talent. The only real competitor for me is the A3 Sportback. Most hot hatchbacks are either too slow, too raw, 3 door only, or too small for my requirements (although I could fancy a 130i or a Clio Trophy if I had more than one car). The Focus looks like a cracking deal compared to GTI, and it's got decent kit, good power, is available with 5 doors, and should handle well. Think I prefer the interior style of the GTI though (the Focus looks a bit garish), and apparently the engine in the Focus wasn't that stunning in the Volvo S40, so the devil is going to be in the detail. If they can get it right, the saving over a GTI would tempt me (although I'd miss the DSG). If it depreciates quickly, it's going to be a stunning used buy. Having said all that, I'm very happy with my GTI, and have no plans to visit my local Ford dealer. Steven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 The Golf is a fantastic car and aimed at a slightly different market, but you are right about the door options, spec and size. Ford as usual have put together a spankingly good value for money car and that's undeniable. Stick with the Golf though eh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 13, 2005 Report Share Posted September 13, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Oh and you wouldn't own a Mitsubishi Evo? Are you crazy? £20,000 for a Rocket Ship, sounds like a bargain new or second hand. [/ QUOTE ] Yup, fastest minicab on the planet. [/ QUOTE ] Nothing wrong with that, when I'm in a minicab I want to get home as quickly as possible so I can have a much needed wizz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] how long did you drive it for? Oh, and our cats are better than the Feckus RS so that's not much of a yardstick. [/ QUOTE ] I only drove it for 3 days as a rental when over in NI with work, so I didn't spend as much time in it as you. However, for my purpose at the time I was happy enough - compared to other rentals I've had from the same company, it was much better. You ever tried a 307? Now that's a bad car IMO. As for your comment on the RS, I can understand why you would think that - but having ran a RS company car for a few months and using one belonging to a family member quite often, I see their positives, not just the negatives. Yes, the torque steer is unbelievably bad at times, but on a good smooth B road it's the most fun I've had in a fwd car. The Alfa 147 GTA is a close second mind you, but the rampant wheelspin from it is almost as unbearable as the RS's torque steer! Each to their own though MrMe, as I've said many times before - if we all agreed and liked the same cars - TSM would be a pretty boring forum!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattR32 Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Many on here would rather have a 1.6 boggo Golf or A3 than a Focus ST which just shows how brainwashed some people really are. I know about it, because I used to be the same. Me and the motor industry have moved on however leaving the badge snobs waaaaay behind in some bizarre gentlemans club of bad handling, rip off prices and poor quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activa Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Many on here would rather have a 1.6 boggo Golf or A3 than a Focus ST which just shows how brainwashed some people really are. [/ QUOTE ] Well said Mastra! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smjohns Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 I have been a bit of a Ford and Focus convert since the release of the original. I have owned mine for 4 yrs now and it has not let me down once and has continued to drive better than all of the competition. At the time it was the only real choice for the money if you were interested in decent handling car. Neither VW, Honda, Nissan or Vauxhall were anywhere near when it was released and it is not far off even now. Yes the depreciation is not the best, but the Focus has been one of the best Fords ever for holding value and that can't be bad considering the numbers it has sold. Ok so the VW Mk4 may have had a better interior but what was important to me was that the Focus drove better and provided more smile per mile. I appreciate that the Ford dealers are not always the best....but the three around my area have been much better than our local Audi dealer (we have an A4 too). Reliability and build quality, whilst not up to Audi standards has exceeded all of the 4 Golf pool cars at our company. This year I am looking to replace it and I am starting to struggle. I want something alot quicker and the options I have are limited. Never been that keen on Japanese cars, or French for that matter. Vauxhall look good but I don't like the handling....yes the VXR is excellent but a bit too hard for everyday use. New Honda type R will not be out for some time. This leaves me looking at the Golf GTi and the Focus ST. Both have fairly decent interiors, look 'ok' from the outside. Golf has the option of the DSG gearbox and the Focus has the fabulous Volvo T5 engine .... oh and a heated windscreen (not sure I could give this up !!). Anyway when the Focus is released I will just have to test drive both and will go for the one which makes me smile the most on the twisty roads....whilst providing the best possible motorway miles. At the end of the day this is all down to personal preferences....which is why I am not bothered by people slating Ford. Each to their own and all that. Anyway....back on topic.....here are some more info on the Focus Prices: <u>Basic Costs:</u> Focus ST: 3dr £17495 & 5dr £18095 Std Kit includes 18" wheels, aluminium pedals, handbrake & gearshift, CD Radio, power windows/door mirrors, trip computer and extra dials, air con, leather st steering wheel, recaro 8 way manual drivers seat (others are standard) + other basic kit......excludes heated windscreen ! Focus ST2: 3dr £18495 & 5dr £19095 as per ST + Sony MP3 single disk CD player, Quickclear windscreen + heated washer jets, ESP and Xenons. Focus ST3: 3dr £19495 & 5dr £20095 as per ST + Sony 6CD in dash, Full Leather with 10way electrically adjusted Recaro driver/passenger seats, Quickclear windscreen + heated washer jets, ESP and Xenons. <u>Extra Kit:</u> Metallic Paint £350.00 (All) Electric Orange Paint and interior trim £695.00 (All) ESP £250.00 (ST Only) Xenon Headlamps £500.00 (ST Only) Heated Windscreen £150.00 (ST Only) Sony MP3/CD ilo Radio CD £200.00 (ST Only) Sony 6CD ilo Radio CD £400.00 (ST Only) High Leather Pack - 10 Way electrically adjusted Driver/Passenger Recaro Black Seats £1,250.00 (ST & ST2) ST Stripes - Side £75.00 (All) ST Stripes - Bonnet, Roof and Boot £200.00 (All) DEATC ilo Manual AC £400.00 (All unless sat nav fitted) Recaro 8 Way Manual Passenger Seat with Recaro Stle Sculpted Rear Bench £250.00 (ST & ST2) Touchscreen DVD Navigation ilo Radio/CD/Sony ICE(inc DEATC - Climate Control) £2,000.00 (All) Low Level Nav ilo Radio/CD £800.00 (ST Only) Solar Windshield £100.00 (All) Reverse Parking Aid £300.00 (All) Auto Headlamps and Auto Wipers £250.00 (All) Cornering Lamps £250.00 (ST unless Xeons fitted) Power Sliding Sunroof £500.00 (All) Heated Driver Seat £250.00 (All) Bluetooth Advanced Telephone Pack (No cradle/ariel kit) £250.00 (All) Bluetooth Premium Telephone Pack (Cradle and ariel Kit) £300.00 (All) Sport Front Floor Mats £50.00 (All) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Slightly off topic, but I saw a Focus RS this morning and I have to say that's a damn fine looking car. I know the inside leaves something to be desired, but the outside still looks fresh and tight. Now there's a Ford I would love to own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallachie Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Slightly off topic, but I saw a Focus RS this morning and I have to say that's a damn fine looking car. I know the inside leaves something to be desired, but the outside still looks fresh and tight. Now there's a Ford I would love to own. [/ QUOTE ] Nice to hear someone with something positive to say about the RS for a change - flawed as it is, it's still the best fun and best handling fwd car I've ever driven! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smjohns Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Does make me wonder what the has been done differently between the RS and the new ST that has enabled even more power to be delivered through the front wheels. OK I know it is a completed new chassis, etc but we are still talking about a very powerful engine driving the front big fat wheels. I am really hoping they have managed to sort it and have in fact come up with a rapid grand tourer of a car without the torque steer probs of the RS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Depending on engineering you simply can't put anything more than between 200-250bhp through the front withought encountering some sort of problem. And don't forget it has a blower, so there's gonna be booooost to worry about too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max_b Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Many on here would rather have a 1.6 boggo Golf or A3 than a Focus ST which just shows how brainwashed some people really are. [/ QUOTE ] Well said Mastra! [/ QUOTE ] well said that man! pics of my old one for those 'converting' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riz Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 I like the Focus RS too. Riz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Many on here would rather have a 1.6 boggo Golf or A3 than a Focus ST which just shows how brainwashed some people really are. [/ QUOTE ] Nail. Head. there is no need for the premium prices placed on German cars, and why anyone pays it ive no idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felixthecat1 Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 pics of my old one for those 'converting' [/ QUOTE ] Very kind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_m Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 I saw a RS focus today externally I think it looks good, but inside it looks like Ford let a buch of 5yr olds loose with their crayons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Many on here would rather have a 1.6 boggo Golf or A3 than a Focus ST which just shows how brainwashed some people really are. [/ QUOTE ] Nail. Head. there is no need for the premium prices placed on German cars, and why anyone pays it ive no idea. [/ QUOTE ] Cos they last longer and have better build quality (or they used to) then the usual array of boxed metal, ie Ford and VX. I've owned enough Ford, VX, etc when I was younger to have been scunnered and won't go back. I have a K plate 80 Avant TDI and when it was in getting MOT earlier this year the guy said it was in better shape the the 25k miles, 2 year old Mondeo LX that was in for its MOT!!!!!!!! All I needed was a track rod end replaced - nuff said!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Nail. Head. there is no need for the premium prices placed on German cars, and why anyone pays it ive no idea. [/ QUOTE ] Because we're all fecking stupid of course. That must be the only reason. FFS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Nail. Head. there is no need for the premium prices placed on German cars, and why anyone pays it ive no idea. [/ QUOTE ] Because we're all fecking stupid of course. That must be the only reason. FFS. [/ QUOTE ] i'm not talking about all grerman cars, but how the golf can command the prices it does, ive no idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Top marks to Ford's marketing dept. That is what has kept Ford on top for so long here in the UK. However, in Europe, it is a whole different ball game. VW/Audi rule the roost (sales). Merc, GM and BM are also tops. Ford are always languishing in the sales charts. That is why Ford of Europe make such hideous losses year on year. (plus dismal Jag sales - but that is a different story!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted September 14, 2005 Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Top marks to Ford's marketing dept. That is what has kept Ford on top for so long here in the UK. However, in Europe, it is a whole different ball game. VW/Audi rule the roost (sales). Merc, GM and BM are also tops. Ford are always languishing in the sales charts. That is why Ford of Europe make such hideous losses year on year. (plus dismal Jag sales - but that is a different story!) [/ QUOTE ] Less than GM europe though! £100m last year loss in europe isn't too bad, but they need flagship models now, not boring Ka replacements based on fiats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted September 14, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2005 Just to give all an idea of the problem GM and Ford have at the moment. GM lost the equivalent of $666 dollars for each car they sold in the US in one quarter earlier this year. They have a major issue with pension and healthcare costs for their retired workforces that is huge, this is before they even think about the costs of making and developing a car. Technically both companies have more debt than assets and net worth. But the banks have more to lose by closing the debt than hoping they can sort it all out, only time will tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now