When you think of a focus...
09 August 2003, 06:59 PM
#1
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Do you think of a car with carisma?
There was a post on some focus forum abotu how a guy in his st170 beat a guy in a 172 when this was said
"personally i think there is more carisma owning a focus then owning a clio---unless its one of those 3.0 V6 thingys"
Now I know clios are a bit girly compared to the focus, but a focus having carisma? The rs just about, but imho none of the others.
There was a post on some focus forum abotu how a guy in his st170 beat a guy in a 172 when this was said
"personally i think there is more carisma owning a focus then owning a clio---unless its one of those 3.0 V6 thingys"
Now I know clios are a bit girly compared to the focus, but a focus having carisma? The rs just about, but imho none of the others.
09 August 2003, 07:53 PM
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I think both cars are boring(except v6 clio)
FWD=Boring (except honda type r)
French=Boring
Ford=Boring (except coswoth)
This thread=Boring
Take your Max Power threads back 2 Max Power
FWD=Boring (except honda type r)
French=Boring
Ford=Boring (except coswoth)
This thread=Boring
Take your Max Power threads back 2 Max Power
09 August 2003, 09:10 PM
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I just see other manufacturer progression as being threatening to Scoob ownership. Before the 2 liter 220/240/280bhp mark was a real high water mark, however today it more average than class leading despite how gutted how many folks on here think. Good cars just that others are now better than before.
09 August 2003, 11:01 PM
#5
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Too many car makers rest on their laurels and then fall behind.
Ford did it when they axed the RS in 1996. Look how much ground they lost to Subaru and Mitsubishi.
Even now, the Focus RS was a very limited run so cannot really be compared in the same way (i.e. the Focus RS came and went, an Imprezza/Evo can be bought today, tomorrow and the the day after).
Ford did it when they axed the RS in 1996. Look how much ground they lost to Subaru and Mitsubishi.
Even now, the Focus RS was a very limited run so cannot really be compared in the same way (i.e. the Focus RS came and went, an Imprezza/Evo can be bought today, tomorrow and the the day after).
09 August 2003, 11:55 PM
#6
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Even the long awaited RS is CENSORED
IT sqiurms and pulls to were ever the road wants to take it.
and for the price you could by a far faster WRX and modd it to lightspeed or any other fast jap car.
IT sqiurms and pulls to were ever the road wants to take it.
and for the price you could by a far faster WRX and modd it to lightspeed or any other fast jap car.
10 August 2003, 04:44 PM
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So whats wrong with the Focus or is simply that its one of the UKs best selling cars ?
They sell loads of Focus because they are good cars. Yes I own one and brought it for a number of reasons. The police around here use nothing else because they are cheap to run and are reliable.
I brought my Focus because :
1) You get a lot for your money, mine is a mid range zetec and has air con, heated front screen, heated wing mirrors, electric pack, good sounding cd player, sports suspension, alloys, metallic paint, bucket seats and returns 35+mpg.
2) Cheap to run, low insurnace grouping, good mpg, low tax, 100 quid a year servicing. No problem getting parts unlike some Japanase and European manufacturer cars.
3) Blends into background
4) Looks good, yes I think it looks quite stylish both inside and out.
5) Plenty of room inside, high roof gives an airy feel and having 5 doors rear passengers can get in easy and have plenty of room.
So what cars would you suggest as having carisma and why ?
They sell loads of Focus because they are good cars. Yes I own one and brought it for a number of reasons. The police around here use nothing else because they are cheap to run and are reliable.
I brought my Focus because :
1) You get a lot for your money, mine is a mid range zetec and has air con, heated front screen, heated wing mirrors, electric pack, good sounding cd player, sports suspension, alloys, metallic paint, bucket seats and returns 35+mpg.
2) Cheap to run, low insurnace grouping, good mpg, low tax, 100 quid a year servicing. No problem getting parts unlike some Japanase and European manufacturer cars.
3) Blends into background
4) Looks good, yes I think it looks quite stylish both inside and out.
5) Plenty of room inside, high roof gives an airy feel and having 5 doors rear passengers can get in easy and have plenty of room.
So what cars would you suggest as having carisma and why ?
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10 August 2003, 05:13 PM
#8
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Having driven Both the 172 and the ST i like to know how the ST won?
I bet he than beat a CTR, Than Scooby than an EVO 8. Hes now hurting down 911's. Most ST 170 Pilots round here have removed there ST 170 badges because there is no sortage of faster, better cars that **** all over them!
Mega
I bet he than beat a CTR, Than Scooby than an EVO 8. Hes now hurting down 911's. Most ST 170 Pilots round here have removed there ST 170 badges because there is no sortage of faster, better cars that **** all over them!
Mega
10 August 2003, 06:28 PM
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Hmm again peoples narrowmindedness and scoobynet mentality have gotten the better of them.
When did I say the focus was a bad car? It isnt, as you said it is very successful. So are many "boring" cars, doesnt make them no good tho!
Seriously guys, be less defensive about stuff, im not raging on "scoobys suck buy X car instead" I was merely commenting on how the guy seemed to think the focus was as charasmatic as shane richie.
When did I say the focus was a bad car? It isnt, as you said it is very successful. So are many "boring" cars, doesnt make them no good tho!
Seriously guys, be less defensive about stuff, im not raging on "scoobys suck buy X car instead" I was merely commenting on how the guy seemed to think the focus was as charasmatic as shane richie.
10 August 2003, 06:32 PM
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Just interested to see what a car with carisma is. I doubt any car I have driven has had carisma. Soul, great handling, great noise but no carisma 
. Maybe I have owned one and didnt know LOL.
. Maybe I have owned one and didnt know LOL.
10 August 2003, 09:12 PM
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Yep, they are.
They handle excellently.
I don't own one but have had one as a hire car, and would consider one in future.
People are just snobs. If the focus was rare and maybe not a ford then people wouldn't slag them as they do.
Weren't they voted the most reliable car in the world in a fairly recent German survey?
They handle excellently.
I don't own one but have had one as a hire car, and would consider one in future.
People are just snobs. If the focus was rare and maybe not a ford then people wouldn't slag them as they do.
Weren't they voted the most reliable car in the world in a fairly recent German survey?
10 August 2003, 09:19 PM
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Quite right FatherPierre.
The Focus was, and still is, an absolute revelation. A fantastic chassis, decent enough engines, good packaging and brilliant handling all from a family hatchback.
No-one's got near it yet, infact most other manufacturers don't even try to make their competitors drive better better because they know they can't, and so concentrate on comfort instead.
The Focus was, and still is, an absolute revelation. A fantastic chassis, decent enough engines, good packaging and brilliant handling all from a family hatchback.
No-one's got near it yet, infact most other manufacturers don't even try to make their competitors drive better better because they know they can't, and so concentrate on comfort instead.
10 August 2003, 09:42 PM
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Freak,
It's a cheap family car and handles excellently next to its peers.
Of course it doesn't match the higher end performance cars, it's not meant to.
It's a cheap family car and handles excellently next to its peers.
Of course it doesn't match the higher end performance cars, it's not meant to.
10 August 2003, 11:01 PM
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The Focus has FUN handling for it's sector. It also features better packaging than most other cars regardless of size. I'm 6 3 ish and nearly 90 Kilos not only did I fit in comfort leg and headroom wise but the weight penalty didn't slow the thing down too much (1.8+2.0 cars I've hired).
I remember when I first got one as a hire/pool car it was one of the first I'd ever seen and was such a rare sight that people use to actually stop and stare it was such a radical departure from the escort.
These days I guess it is too common to have the same novelty value but remains the best car in its sector by a mile.
Dog slow with less than a 2.0 or TDCi engine though.
I remember when I first got one as a hire/pool car it was one of the first I'd ever seen and was such a rare sight that people use to actually stop and stare it was such a radical departure from the escort.
These days I guess it is too common to have the same novelty value but remains the best car in its sector by a mile.
Dog slow with less than a 2.0 or TDCi engine though.
10 August 2003, 11:28 PM
#21
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LMAO
Everyone has missed the point, or going off on a mjor tangent.
The thread was not about how good a focus is, greatness never has and never will come into it. ITs about the personality of the car.
For instance, cars like the integrale, audi quattros etc they are cars that I woudl say have carisma, their own persona.
A focus ot me just screams fmaily, sales reps, the norm, nothing exciting.
Everyone has missed the point, or going off on a mjor tangent.
The thread was not about how good a focus is, greatness never has and never will come into it. ITs about the personality of the car.
For instance, cars like the integrale, audi quattros etc they are cars that I woudl say have carisma, their own persona.
A focus ot me just screams fmaily, sales reps, the norm, nothing exciting.
10 August 2003, 11:35 PM
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But the Focus was meant to be a mass-selling vehicle. Which it is.
If the Integrale had sold millions then it would be viewed as boring, like the M3 is viewed along with the scoob.
Simple.
If the Integrale had sold millions then it would be viewed as boring, like the M3 is viewed along with the scoob.
Simple.
10 August 2003, 11:38 PM
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Simple, yes , liek the point of this thread, oh no sorry, noone has understood.
I know the focus is a respectable, well occomplished top selling good hatch. But carisma (that this guy thinks it has)? No no no I dont think so.
I know it doesnt have carisma for many reasons, as you say its mass market fodder. But I was pointing out that some people do think so.
I know the focus is a respectable, well occomplished top selling good hatch. But carisma (that this guy thinks it has)? No no no I dont think so.
I know it doesnt have carisma for many reasons, as you say its mass market fodder. But I was pointing out that some people do think so.
11 August 2003, 04:34 AM
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Freak,
It's your own opinion mate but I can't see how you can rate the handling of a Golf or Saxo higher than a Focus. The Golf has a numb chassis, its slow to change direction and the steering feel is nearly non existent. The Saxo is twitchy and has a very poor bouncy ride which causes the car to be upset by mid corner bumps.
The Focus responds quickly and faithfully to any driver input, the steering feel is an absolute joy its better than a Scoob. Bumps are soaked up easily but he chassis still feels taught especially in Zetec trim.
I traded in a 2.0 Zetec ESP (16" wheels, 205/50 tyres, sports suspension) for my Scoob back in 2000 and my first thoughts on the Scoob was that it didn't turn in as well or have as much feedback as the Focus. In every other area the Scoob destroyed it though.
Lee
It's your own opinion mate but I can't see how you can rate the handling of a Golf or Saxo higher than a Focus. The Golf has a numb chassis, its slow to change direction and the steering feel is nearly non existent. The Saxo is twitchy and has a very poor bouncy ride which causes the car to be upset by mid corner bumps.
The Focus responds quickly and faithfully to any driver input, the steering feel is an absolute joy its better than a Scoob. Bumps are soaked up easily but he chassis still feels taught especially in Zetec trim.
I traded in a 2.0 Zetec ESP (16" wheels, 205/50 tyres, sports suspension) for my Scoob back in 2000 and my first thoughts on the Scoob was that it didn't turn in as well or have as much feedback as the Focus. In every other area the Scoob destroyed it though.
Lee
11 August 2003, 08:20 AM
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As I pointed out in my ealrier post the FOCUS did have charisma- when it first came out by dint of its weird looks, rarity (for a few months at least) and radical nature for a FORD. It's just that they are so common these days we've forgotton all about that.
BTW to answer the question posed at the top of the thread a hotted up French supermini doesn't have any charisma either.
Like saying "Who has the most Charisma? Robin Cook or Ian Duncan Smith?" the answer is simple -both have none.
BTW to answer the question posed at the top of the thread a hotted up French supermini doesn't have any charisma either.
Like saying "Who has the most Charisma? Robin Cook or Ian Duncan Smith?" the answer is simple -both have none.
11 August 2003, 10:31 AM
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Dunno if it's countrywide, but round my way all the Focuses (Focii) have a badge on the right hand side of the boot in the same font as the Focus badge the other side, saying what colour it is.
Is that because Focus drivers are too stupid to know themselves? Or are they all colourblind? "Focus Silver" - i ask you!!
Is that because Focus drivers are too stupid to know themselves? Or are they all colourblind? "Focus Silver" - i ask you!!
11 August 2003, 02:46 PM
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They made a series of limited editions; Focus Black (leather trim and Ghia spec etc for almost LX/Zetec money), Silver (not sure what this had), MP3 (MP3 sound system, alloys and some other bits) and now silly "girly" models like Elle that are aimed at the female buyers (you should see the brochures!).
I think it's stupid that Ford have started to put 1.6, 1.8 etc on the back of the cars (not sure if they do it on their other cars). However, you can ask for the cars to be debadged as a no cost option I think.
And to go back to Freak's comment about the handling, I have to say that when the Focus came out in, 1998?, I went and got a test drive to compare with my Escort (albeit Cosworth!).
I got a 1.6 and took it to a retail park so I could mess around with it (I knew the salesman from having bought my RS2000 earlier). Even he hadn't really ragged it about and we were impressed at the cornering - for a bog standard "bread and butter" car. I later hired a 1.4 CL when I needed a car for economy, not performance, and that was a revelation too.
Not fast 0-60 but responsive, fuel efficient and sufficient to pull a pretty heavy car. The gearing also prevented me from going deaf when doing 70-80mph on the motorway - plus it had air con, Quickclear etc.
I knew then that if Ford ever made a performance model, I'd probably have a reason to change from the Escort - and that's exactly what happened!
[Edited by jonmorris - 8/11/2003 4:38:38 PM]
I think it's stupid that Ford have started to put 1.6, 1.8 etc on the back of the cars (not sure if they do it on their other cars). However, you can ask for the cars to be debadged as a no cost option I think.
And to go back to Freak's comment about the handling, I have to say that when the Focus came out in, 1998?, I went and got a test drive to compare with my Escort (albeit Cosworth!).
I got a 1.6 and took it to a retail park so I could mess around with it (I knew the salesman from having bought my RS2000 earlier). Even he hadn't really ragged it about and we were impressed at the cornering - for a bog standard "bread and butter" car. I later hired a 1.4 CL when I needed a car for economy, not performance, and that was a revelation too.
Not fast 0-60 but responsive, fuel efficient and sufficient to pull a pretty heavy car. The gearing also prevented me from going deaf when doing 70-80mph on the motorway - plus it had air con, Quickclear etc.
I knew then that if Ford ever made a performance model, I'd probably have a reason to change from the Escort - and that's exactly what happened!
[Edited by jonmorris - 8/11/2003 4:38:38 PM]