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#1 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 397
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I had a Fiesta Zetec as a loan car from a dealer today while my 2003 Focus Zetec was in for it's 45K service and racked up abput 400kms in a city/highway mix.
Here's my thoughts Good points: - Good fuel economy - less than 8l per 100kms - Nicer looking interior / dash layout - Good looking exterior - Very easy to drive and park around town - lighter steering maybe? - Quiet engine, even with a few revs on board - Handled sitting on 110ish quite well - Air con didn't affect performance too much Bad Points: - Noticeably tigher inside - knee hitting the centre console - What's with the 5K indicated redline? - Wipers have an unusual action and don't really cover much of the windscreen - Worst thing about the car - very hard windowsill with no padding - I have a sore right elbow! Other: - Clutch and Accelerator pedals are a lot lighter to press than the Focus - Surprised to see the key-operated fuel cap on this car too - I hate this. - Definately feels like its one size down from the Focus and a bit lighter (tinnier) in construction Before I bought my used Focus I test drove and seriously considered buying a Fiesta Zetec - after today I'm very happy I went for the used Focus. MK |
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#2 | ||
GT4.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,218
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Thank you, A lot of the bad points you have pointed out I found the same as well coming from a falcon.
The only one I disagree with is the "tinny" comment. I think both cars construction wise are on par most definiely (As you all know I prefer the fiesta interior so much more). Ever put some decent force on a fiesta door though, or felt how heavy and solid they are? Open and close the boot, it shuts beautifully. The doors are the same. The only tinny part i reckon about it is the bonnet, which IS like a tin. I had another Focus today too while my car was at the dealer, so i've been driving it all day. It was an Auto sedan.... Not all that flash, especially the grandma beige interior colour scheme... Very uninspiring car. Still waiting to drive a manual 2 litre. |
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#3 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 397
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Maybe I should have said less insulation from roadnoise etc than "tinnier" as I also thought the doors etc felt pretty solid.
MK |
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#4 | ||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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We have a Focus 2L auto as a family hack, and of course my Euro4D is manual - and I really prefer my manual where possible.
Good write up on the two cars Mick, thanks for your opinions. I'm yet to drive a Fiesta Zetec but did have a drive on a Fiesta LX and found similar opinions to you. Tim |
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#5 | ||
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Hi Mick
I agree with all of your comments on the Fiesta (even though I've never driven a Focus lol) but i'm surprised you never mentioned the Driver's seat? I find this is the worst thing on the car as it offers no support whilst cornering. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to roll right out the window in tight corners ![]() Also you are spot on about the tinny feeling. I think Ford skimped a bit on sound deadening under the car because driving on a dirt road sounds like a meteor shower is hitting the car from underneath ![]() I love the lighting in the dash at night - the silver rings around the dials glow red and look great with the green lights. But I miss not being able to adjust the brightness levels and I miss the little light near the ignition which helps you guide the key in. Apart from those little niggles, I think the Fiesta is a great little car and I think it's the best looking small car in it's class. And the motor just loves to be revved! :eclipsee_ |
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#6 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 22,900
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I have driven both LR Focus and the Fiesta and would say the Fiesta is a bit better finished off, especially when it comes to the cabin etc but they are a little over priced for their size..
It felt a little small for me but im a pretty big guy so yeh.
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2022 RAM Laramie 5.7 2023.50 Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 V6 Premium Pack 2024 Everest Sport 3.0 V6 Touring Pack 2024.50 Mustang Darkhorse 6M Blue Ember + Appearance pack ETA Jan 25. |
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#7 | |||
GT4.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,218
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#8 | ||
not here much anymore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
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Bah, you're all soft. Autos are great for lazy afternoon driving
![]() Having only driven a Fiesta once (also been taken for a ride in a Manual One though), I prefer the Focus simply for size. If size hadnt have been an issue (I have 2 guitars to fit in, as well as an amp), Fiesta would have suited me down to the ground, I really like them.
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2024 F150 XLT
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#9 | ||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Finally... peace and harmony between Focus and Fiesta owners
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#10 | |||||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Other then that i think your on ball with everything you say! One thing i DONT like about the Fiesta is the stupid boot release... either the button on the dash or stick the key in (or i guess... press the button release on the key)... its not practical sometimes. Oh, also the stupid pull release on the front bonnet, which i agree with Danny in that it is like a TIN! I have a nice dent on mine now from someone walking on my car when i parked in a dark carpark till 4am.... alarm had gone off, but at night i saw nothing wrong... oh well. Yes... alot of road noise! Another thing could be that the Window wipers make a LOUD whistle at 130kmh + or at 110kmh with high winds. Even heard it on the Anzac Bridge at 80kmh!!!!! The Focus Zetec is really nice though... i feel inlove with the ZetecR when i bought mine... but as the new model was out in 6 months and i didnt want to wait... i got the next best choice! ![]()
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#11 | ||
GT4.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,218
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You can claim to ford that the dint on you bonnet was caused by you trying to close the bonnet because the bonnet latch wouldn't catch. Ford know it's an issue and i've herd in some cases have fixed the dented bonnets...
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#12 | ||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Really? Well... my dent is in the middle section of the bonnet to the right.... so i doubt i could claim that
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#13 | ||
Candy White GTI
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,516
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In reply to back2thefutura's comment about the size issue with Fiesta..
Im a musician aswell, the fiesta is just right when it comes to size. With the rear seats folded down i manage to fit the following into the back.. *Oversized quad box (for those who dont know what that is, its just a really big cabinet speaker box with four 12 inchers in it.. weighs around 50kg and its bloody massive) *gig bag *Mesa boogie amplifier *two guitars, one in a hard case and one in soft case and a box of spare parts etc. I personaly couldnt possibly ask for a small car with more space than that. ![]()
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Volkswagen GTI Polo. Candy White, Anthracite heated Sports leather seats w/ Red stitching.Tinted Windows, Eibach Pro-Kit springs,Whiteline Front/Rear adjustable sway bars,Cupra R intake, Forge Turbo Inlet pipe,BMC panel filter, APR stage one flash, Dunlop SP sport MAXX, Forge Polished upper front strut brace. 3'' downpipe and highflow cat Loads of fun ![]() |
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#14 | |||||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 397
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Not a bad car overall and probably very good compared to Echo, Barina, and others in the light car class. I'm just happy I went for the 18 month old slightly larger car than a new one of these. MK |
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#15 | ||
Zoom Zoom
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
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As I always have and always will say, the Focus would want to be a much better riding car compared to the Fiesta, for the weight it's carrying with one of the best IRS systems on the lpant, the Control Blade read suspension. It is naturally always going to ride and handle better in both bomfort and control due to that. The Fiesta however teaches it many lessons, not least in performance, fuel economy and interior space. It also would want to, it's a newer car. The New Focus takes that even one more step again. It's great to See Ford doesn't really take backward steps with major new models... Astra anyone?
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2012 Mazda3 MPS
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#16 | |||
not here much anymore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
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Yikes, Ill take that Mesa head off your hands! ![]() Seriously tho, how do you fit it in? I have trouble fitting the basses in with the seats down in the Focus!
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2024 F150 XLT
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#17 | ||
Candy White GTI
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,516
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Mmmmm Mesa Boogie single rectifier
![]() Its very straight foward fitting everything into the car. Of course when its loaded up you can only have yourself and the front passenger in the car. in the rear, the base of the seat flips up against the back of the front seats. Then the back seats fold down completely flat. Which gives the car a huge carrying space. Didnt your dealership show you this when you looked into the fiesta??? When i was looking in the local ford showroom as soon as i told the salesman i was a musician he folded down the seats and showed how much carrying room there really was in this ''tiny'' little hatchi :P Im still impressed by the car, i love the interior, i love the exterior, looks so smooth, LOVE the guards, LOVE the lights, handles very well, and can smoke a fair few cars from a standstill. Very fun little hatchi.... now it just needs a 4AGZE powerplant
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Volkswagen GTI Polo. Candy White, Anthracite heated Sports leather seats w/ Red stitching.Tinted Windows, Eibach Pro-Kit springs,Whiteline Front/Rear adjustable sway bars,Cupra R intake, Forge Turbo Inlet pipe,BMC panel filter, APR stage one flash, Dunlop SP sport MAXX, Forge Polished upper front strut brace. 3'' downpipe and highflow cat Loads of fun ![]() |
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#18 | ||
not here much anymore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
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Yeah I had a bit of a play around with the seats myself, dealership guys are hopeless with that sort of thing and they know I like to do it all myself anyway.
Ideally I'd have a Territory to fit a couple of Ampeg Cabs and Ibanez Basses in! OT, how much did the Mesa cost you?
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2024 F150 XLT
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#19 | ||||||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#20 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 144
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Couple of things I would like to steal from a Mk2 Focus and transplant into the Fiesta would be the power window system. The ability to open the window fully with one press of the button is great and the system to prevent anything getting jammed in the window is also good. Not to mention that 2ltr engine! Got to transplant one of those eventually...
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2004 WP Colorado Red Fiesta LX Mods: "Zetec S" badges, Zetec driving lights, stereo remote Ghia Gear stick surround and metal door handels. Factory EGA Sports Body Kit and Sports Leather Gear Knob. ST Rear Wing, Clear Indicators, Racing Pedals, Door Pulls, Door Sill Strips and Piano Black ICE Bezel. 2007 WQ Colorado Red Fiesta XR4 Mods: Smooth Rear Wiper |
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#21 | ||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Yea true.... there are ALOT of old ladies driving LXs.... but ive also seen HEAPS of young ppl driving Zetec's and EVEN Ghia's (usually girls)
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#22 | ||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Just spent about 30mins at the dealer... i noticed that the new LS is just like the Fiesta... it has hard door trims as well, and dash material isnt as nice as the older model IMO. Also, the gear shift was a little harder and IMO harder to use then the LR 2.0L ZetecR they had there.
Also, with all of those that want leather in a zetec and cant get it... they had a fiesta with leather retrim, and two ZetecRs with retrim as well... i want leather now as well! The finish was really good, and the leather looked factory fit!
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#23 | ||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Oh, just noticed that ZFOCUS also had a leather retrim from Doyles in Auburn... ill be paying them a visit!
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/i...ort/zfocus.htm for pics of his interior....
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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#24 | ||
Zoom Zoom
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
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Doyles come HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended, they're absolutely awesome. I use to sell their trim on our cars through Power Ford and they do a top job, very friendly too.
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2012 Mazda3 MPS
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#25 | |||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Quote:
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------------- Steven 'In fact, so good is the Clio 182 with the Cup chassis set-up that I feel moved to make a bold statement - I think it's the best hot hatch ever built.' (EVO Jan 04) |
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