Question on the 2008 models -- is this car based on a completely new platform, or is it simply a re-skinned version of the previous Focus platform?

I find it hard to believe Ford would create an all-new platform, when they're already talking about bringing the Euro-Focus to the US as early as 2011......???

 

I would be very suprised if it's an all new platform, but I've been wrong before.

It's only mildy changed from the previous generation.

 

It's reskinned. Europe gets the good focus.

 

what is the difference?

 

Well, it isn't "all new" as it kept the drivetrain and chasis, but the ENTIRE sheet metal AND the entire interior in every single way is 100% new. Unless you heard exactly what I said from someone who knew the technical differences, you would swear it was unrelated when you got in one.

The new Foci are VERY nice, in fact I think they are the nicest cars in the class...and the best deal at that. Sync is super cool, and easily had in the foci as well.

I have a 2006 focus Zx3 and I love this car. It is a blast to drive and gets class leading MPGs.

 

no what is the difference in the Europe focus and the us focus?

 

I wasn't answering your question, lol.

The difference is that the European "focus" is actually sold in a different segment. It is more expensive, a little bigger, and nicer. They also have totally different drive trains.

You can look them up on google or google images and see that they are designed quite a bit differently.

 

The Euro Focus is based on the CD1 platform, which the Mazda3 and Volvo S40 also share.

The US Focus from what I was told is just a redesign on the old flatform.

In Europe/Asia, small and premium are not oxymorons. With high fuel prices and taxes, small premium cars are the norm.

Ford has to compete with small premium cars from VW, SEAT, Opel, Renault, Peugeot, and Alfa.

That's why the Euro Focus had to be such a good car, because it has to compete against other good small cars, and the more expensive CD1 flatform was used along with better materials.

They used a cheaper flatform for the US because of cost, and the fact that small cars were not very popular here until recently.

 

Yeah -- I wish they would offer the current car in something more than just a 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe. I'd like to see the availability of the 5-door hatch that was offered on the last bodystyle.

 

My girlfriend has the 08 Focus Coupe and she loves it. I've driven it serveral times and I think that its a great car. She also has Sync installed and its a very nice feature.

 

Same platform since the year 2000. Re-skinned once in '05 and again in '08. I am hoping they bring the Euro Focus over FINALLY. I will probably get one if they do.

 

I think they kept the roof panel...

Grim

 

my family rented a 4 door focus in ireland last christmas. it was really nice. it wasnt the top of the line obviously cause it was a rental but it felt a whole lot more modern and sleek

 

Ford must be the worst managed company ever.
The Euro Focus is a league above the US version dynamically and has great quality. We even get a 200hp turbo version alongside diesels that do 60mpg.
I have never figured out why they don't sell this version in the US market. It's better than most of the Japanese cars, that's for sure.

With an upgraded intercooler and an Xcal2, this is a 300hp car

 

Cost. As others explained above, the US buyers have different wants and needs than Europe. Only recently have small cars become the "in" thing.