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11-08-2005, 08:02 PM | #1 | ||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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Just finished watching an episode of Top Gear from late last year, where they reviewed the LS Focus just before was released in the UK.
It was an interesting comparison between what they considered were it's main rivals (from a list of Toyota Corolla, Vauxhall Astra, VW Golf, Seat Alteya, Honda Civic, and Renault Megane, they chose the Golf and the Astra) and the new Focus. First of all, they point out that the new Focus has alot to live up to. The LR Focus was the class leader for 6 years, and the LS has big shoes to fill. First to be judged was exterior looks, and unfortunately, the Focus did not fair well. The LS is so bland compared to the LR Focus, they parked one on the side of the road weeks before its release and not a single passerby on the sidewalk in a busy city street looked at it. They said you'd have to point out to people that its a new car, because noone would even notice. The new Astra won the exterior looks competition hands down, in their opinion, whereas the Golf shape is conservative. Then the Focus starts to fight back... the interior is incredibly drab and dreary, but there is an air of quality to it. The plastics feel more classy, the buttons feel more well put together, the controls feel chunky... and the space amazing, even the three door. And the boot is bigger than any of the competitors. It also wins on price, the newest car of the lot is also the cheapest. The Astra was closest, the Golf was the most expensive. But the biggest party trick of the LR Focus was the way it drives. They asked, did it pass on the torch to the LS Focus? ... Oh yes. The steering is sharp, the Golf and Astra have improved but nowhere near as sharp as the Focus. The ride feels more grown up, but it's just as much fun. They finished with the comment that: Under the skin, the Focus is a very good car, but it blows its trumpet so badly with the very dull looks, will it appeal to you like the old one does? I'll try to take the clipping out of the video and get it to a size that I can upload to www.eurofordclub.com, for those who want to see the review (but I am not guaranteeing it, I'll try). I just thought it was interesting to hear the views of the Top Gear team, they obviously have alot of experience with a wide range of cars. Tim |
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11-08-2005, 08:10 PM | #2 | ||
not here much anymore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sthn NSW
Posts: 22,918
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Yeah very interesting Tim, funnily enough when Matt brought the LS FEU up to Albury so I could see it (: i saw it before all of you! haha!), we got plenty of looks from passers by all trying to work out what it was.
I love the dash layout on the new model, the steering wheel in particular is lightyears ahead of the LR one (IMHO - i dont like the LR one much) and the cluster is nice and easy to read, but also looks a bit better than the boring LR one. Thats all just my opinion but I do like a bit o' bling! The plastics feel classy - hmmm, thats a matter of opinion. I feel the LR dash is a lot "warmer" than what seems to be a cold, hard expanse of plastic dash as found in the LS.
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11-08-2005, 11:18 PM | #3 | ||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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Ok, I have uploaded both the Top Gear LS Focus Review, and then also the small section where they are back in the studio with all three presenters, the cars, and the audience, with some general comments.
Right click and then choose Save Target As or Save As to download the videos to your computer. Top Gear LS Focus Review (7.5MB) - 5 min 23 secs Top Gear LS Focus Studio Comments (1.79MB) - 56 secs I uploaded them to www.eurofordclub.com from dialup, so even dialup users can download it. Enjoy peoples. Tim Last edited by Timmeh; 12-08-2005 at 11:37 AM. |
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11-08-2005, 11:57 PM | #4 | ||
Focus Rookie
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 518
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Awesome, I love that show its the best. Merc SLR, Aston Martin DB9, Rolls Phantom, Maybach, Bentleys.........
aahhh one day...
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04' Panther Black Focus Zetec Custom Euro Plates, ST side indicators, MK2 Badges, ST Snorkel, White 17"s, Exhaust, Springs, Volant Intake,Angel Eyes, Body Kit, St170 Lower Grill, F/C Throttle Body, DBA slotters |
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12-08-2005, 08:16 AM | #5 | ||
Old enough to know better
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,311
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Thanks for taking the time and trouble Timmeh. Good effort
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Manual 2003 Machine Silver 5 Door LR Focus Zetec. Mods: Ford Racing CNC'd cylinder head milled .040", 3 angle valve grind. Ford Racing Stage II camshafts. Ford Racing cam gears. Ford Racing long tube header. Random Technology hi flow cat. Herrod 2.25" stainless cat-back. Pipercross Viper intake. CFM 65mm throttle body. 2000 ported intake manifold. Herrod Custom SCT tune. Eibach suspension. Quaife ATB diff. Wilwood 13" brakes. Custom ST170 leather interior. www.cardomain.com/ride/2773918
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12-08-2005, 09:00 AM | #6 | ||
Supes
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,063
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Great work Tim...
Top Gear is a great show and love the piece on the new focus....
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12-08-2005, 09:31 AM | #7 | |||
The 'Stihl' Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TAS
Posts: 27,584
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Quote:
When people say the new focus looks better, it doesn't mean that the previous was/is a dog; its still good. But its undeniable that the new focus will be more widely accepted as its ditches the edge design. The interior is miles ahead, I cannot comprehend how someone could think that its not better; in quality and overall looks; not to mention its functionuality. Driving, well, I did it before you so ner ner ner : ...lol....its great. Awesome shift, good enough performance (bring on the ST!) and good economy. The new focus is better than the old, its as simple as that. I have heard some people say that the old one was more unique, and thats fine, but this one will sell better no doubt, and thats what matters.
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12-08-2005, 09:43 AM | #8 | ||
Clio 182 CUP!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Inner West, Sydney
Posts: 2,590
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Nice review there! About the comments back at the studio.... what does he start to say about the Citroen C4 before it cuts out?! And... in regards to the quality plastics on the interior, is the UK car built in the UK or Germany? And if so.... i think they could have a different quality of plastic there then used in South Africa... just a theory!
Also.... found this review in carsguide: http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/st...E27286,00.html Pretty useless... they dunno much about cars, cause if they did, they would know the Corolla has 100kw and 171nm of torque, not 110kw... meaning its actually LESS powerful. Idiots!
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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) Last edited by Teki04; 12-08-2005 at 10:09 AM. |
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12-08-2005, 10:21 AM | #9 | ||
Supes
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,063
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lol....@ Teki...
mate that article comes from the "Telecrap" writers so I dont know why you are suprised that they can get things like that wrong..... In point on the interior, to me it looks better but DOESNT feel better...I much prefer the softer feel of the LR....then again thats my opinion and other will obvioulsy differ and thats what these forums are all about.
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Yes I DO drive a Toyota |
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12-08-2005, 11:34 AM | #10 | ||||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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Quote:
If you think it's better, then good for you. But you can't say that everyone is agreeing with you. Your opinion, and you're entitled to it, remains yours. Quote:
Tim |
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12-08-2005, 11:40 AM | #11 | |||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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Quote:
Good pick-up that he was starting to introduce the C4. Tim |
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12-08-2005, 12:05 PM | #12 | ||
The 'Stihl' Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TAS
Posts: 27,584
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Yeap your entitled to your opinion to Tim. But success is reflected by sales, and if this focus doesn't greatly out do the old then Ford Aus might as well give up now.
You guys are the exception, and even though you dont meant to, you will be biast; its natural. But for the normal buyer who will have NOT come from the previous focus, they will look at it and go phoah, thats great! The old VS new debate reaks of AU VS BA, or T3 VS GT. Both have there good and bad points, but overall, customers will want the new focus, BA's and GT's. Looks aside, the engine itself is worth the upgrade from the previous 1.8 and 2.0.
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12-08-2005, 01:00 PM | #13 | ||
Tricolore Tard
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,954
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I have to agree, the interior of the new focus esecially the door trims, look like rubbish.
Hard plastic is nothing to get excited about Chris
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12-08-2005, 01:12 PM | #14 | |||
Supes
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,063
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Quote:
I for one am sure the MK2 will do quite well in sales, in regards to the interior people dont really have any choice there do they anyway so they will have to take it as it is. MK1 owners will have their opinions and MK2 owners will have their's....obvioulsy biased by each ones aliegance to their model and there will be some who can see good and bad bits for both......
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Yes I DO drive a Toyota |
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12-08-2005, 01:16 PM | #15 | ||
Tricolore Tard
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,954
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Mine isnt biased by anything
i just think all plastic looks crap no matter what car its on especially the hard plastic stuff like this Chris
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12-08-2005, 01:19 PM | #16 | ||
Supes
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,063
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well I hadnt pointed it out but the plastic interior for the MK2 is very BA Falcon, same print, same texture, same harsh feel
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Yes I DO drive a Toyota |
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12-08-2005, 01:25 PM | #17 | ||
Tricolore Tard
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,954
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yeah didnt like that much either.... prefer much softer style of interior personally
chris
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12-08-2005, 01:59 PM | #18 | ||
Old enough to know better
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,311
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[QUOTE=Polyal] But success is reflected by sales QUOTE]
Therefore the Corolla is the best car in the world, because it is the No 1 selling car in the world. Go figure!!!
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Manual 2003 Machine Silver 5 Door LR Focus Zetec. Mods: Ford Racing CNC'd cylinder head milled .040", 3 angle valve grind. Ford Racing Stage II camshafts. Ford Racing cam gears. Ford Racing long tube header. Random Technology hi flow cat. Herrod 2.25" stainless cat-back. Pipercross Viper intake. CFM 65mm throttle body. 2000 ported intake manifold. Herrod Custom SCT tune. Eibach suspension. Quaife ATB diff. Wilwood 13" brakes. Custom ST170 leather interior. www.cardomain.com/ride/2773918
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12-08-2005, 02:04 PM | #19 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 22,922
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Hmmm... Im going to comment on this one even tho I probarly shouldnt.
The LS Focus is finally starting to put a smile on my dial after having it for 2 weeks, even tho we have had a few problems with it. Its a f*$&#& awesome car to drive and looks brillant in the black with the big tyres (even tho the pics i posted looked ). Build quality isnt one of its strong points but the interior for me after driven an LR runout last week is 1000 times better, specially the ICC and the gearstick...The seats however seem to be basically the same and very unsupportive (getting out of an XR thats expectable).. As for the door trims really I dont have a problem with, but the one I was driving had no power windows where as the new one does (front atleast)... Overall this is how id rate both cars.. Mark I Auto - 6 / 10 when compared with say a Mazda 3. ty interior, Hatch back looks good with the optional 17 inch rims as per B2TF has, sedan is a shocker... Mark I Manual - 4 / 10 I particularly HATED the LR manuals, the gearbox was an absolute joke to drive, had no feel about it and it was hard to comprehend if you have gotten a gear or if you were out in lala land, never would touch one. Mark II Auto 8 / 10 - took 1 point off for basic finish. Great interior, very much like a BA dash wise, and you can actually mount a mobile phone next to the radio without it looking like a disaster or drilling any holes, very user friendly. (Gotta show you some pics of this setup later). Exterior is great in either sedan or hatch, but I rather the LS in a sedan which contradicts my feelings on the LR... Somehow I think ford should have kept the LR hatch rear as it looked quite nice, somewhat dissapointed with the LS hatch rear. Mark II Manual - havent driven one. Now out of the possible 10 points this is based on this cars category, thats not compared with a BA or anything else, just the medium to small sized vehicle. I still think the Fiesta is probarly the Best out of the two if you can squeze into one, but the LS will be a very popular car, especially the Sedan. LR is still a great car to drive especially in the Auto variant, I let one of my lady friends drive the LR hatch auto I had last week and she loved it compared to her Corrolla, especially the dash layout which suprised me. Overall LS has alot more to offer, but with the right specs an LR will more then do the job. Unfortunately due to supply issues statistics will show sales as being **** poor for the first 6 months neways. This is a non biased post as the Focus is my mums car, she picked it and I did the business with respect to buying it.. Ive driven it a few kays, but have done alot more kays in an LR Focus, I hope no one gets upset with what I have said :
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12-08-2005, 02:56 PM | #20 | |||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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Quote:
But look at it from my perspective. I have the funds to walk into a Ford showroom and just buy a Mk II Focus if I wanted. But if its a step backwards to what I have now, in the comfort - which is my perception of how the car feels - then why would I spend the money. But it's good for Ford if the public love the car and buy lots and lots and soon you'll see them everywhere, even in your sleep! I think that's what you want me to say. Haha, all good, it's just friendly discussion. Shockwave - I am suprised at your comments regarding the Mk I manual - it's one of the best gearboxes I have ever used, I love it. It's so smooth and precise compared to the notchy T5 we had in our BA XR6. Not arguing, just suprised! I suppose I did modify the shifter actually... I can't remember it stock, so probably disregard that. Of course nowhere near as good as the short-shift gearbox from my '79 RS2000! 2mm from fourth to first, what could possibly go wrong! :hihi: Tim Last edited by Timmeh; 12-08-2005 at 03:04 PM. Reason: The word gearbox has no 'i' in it |
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12-08-2005, 03:33 PM | #21 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 22,922
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Yeh im not sure... I was comparing it to our Mazda SP20 at the time.
It was only an SR sedan and seemed a little too direct, didnt actually feel like you were putting it into gear.. Maybe for me the notchy box is what I am use to and didnt really appreciate the focus one. I would like to try and ST170 one day to see what the six speed was like.
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12-08-2005, 07:34 PM | #22 | |||
The 'Stihl' Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TAS
Posts: 27,584
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[QUOTE=melbzetec]
Quote:
Ford doesn't really need to win over you current LR owners; the people ford want are ex-falcon owners who are sick of paying for so much fuel or obviously other customers in the B car segment. Im sure there are a few good corolla's around, that 140 odd kw one cant be that bad. Previously, Levin (sprinter thingy from intital D)....
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12-08-2005, 07:45 PM | #23 | |||
Tricolore Tard
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,954
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Quote:
Chris
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12-08-2005, 07:47 PM | #24 | |||
Tricolore Tard
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,954
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Quote:
Power still is up way to high for anything. Chris
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12-08-2005, 08:52 PM | #25 | ||||
Fairmont Ghia
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NSW
Posts: 2,144
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Quote:
Quote:
Tim |
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12-08-2005, 08:58 PM | #26 | |||
The 'Stihl' Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TAS
Posts: 27,584
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Quote:
Id rather Ford win over peugeot/renault/astra customers first. If an LR owner doesn't like the LS I cant seem them selling up and getting a corolla etc etc. They will hold onto the LR and wait until a good enough deal is out on the LS, or an update comes out. You wouldn't buy a ST just because the interior plastic in your opinion was a bit hard?
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13-08-2005, 03:15 PM | #27 | |||
Zoom Zoom
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Quote:
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13-08-2005, 03:17 PM | #28 | |||
Tricolore Tard
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 1,954
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Quote:
Chris
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13-08-2005, 03:22 PM | #29 | ||
Zoom Zoom
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posts: 4,352
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162kw 2.5 5-cyl Turbo? WRX keeping honest power, GTi killing power, Corolla Sportivo killing power, Astra Turbo killing power, power to keep up with an XR6 Turbo... yes please!!
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13-08-2005, 05:28 PM | #30 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane North
Posts: 1,994
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Quote:
I will have 2 for at that spec please |
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