MKIII Focus On Sale early 2011

[BRZX3R]

I was under the impression that we will be getting a hatchback. It was the first question I asked.

[rpvitiello]

i don't see why we would not, pretty much every major car maker now offers at least 1 hatchback C segment car. Toyota/scion, GM, Chrysler, Subaru, Mitsu, Hyndai/Kia, etc... all have C segment hatches. I think ford made a bad mistake dropping the hatch focus right when the hatch was getting more popular and I don't see why they would not correct that error now that they have the chance.

[BRZX3R]

From the sources I talked to, it sounded pretty much a for sure concerning the hatch. The nice thing about the Focus coming out soon is that the Jetters can b*tch about how expensive the Focus is and leave the Fiesta alone. hehe.

From what I have been picking up, the next Focus is going to be outstanding in many catagories. I expect the price tag to be higher, which will make everyone here cry and complain. The next Focus won't be a rental car anymore, it will be a real car. I am very excited to see it!

[rpvitiello]

well based on the pricing of the new Taurus and the new fiesta, I thin the focus will move up in price as well, and When they "merge" the Mondeo and US fusion into the same car that will move upmarket a bit as well to sit between the focus and Taurus.

it seams like the fiesta will be in the $14-23k price range, the focus will be in the $19-29k price range, the fusion/mondeo will be in the $26-35k range, and the taurus will be in the $28-$45k price range. You will have a few $1,000 in overlap between the top model of the lower model, and the price of a higher model you seem to be paying a $3-5k price premium to get a similar equipped car each time you go up a size to pay for the bigger car and bigger engines etc...

So I wonder if ford will come out with a car under the fiesta in the US since a few companies have plans to come out with smaller cars now as a bottom end car. Maybe they will bring some ka like car here for the $10-17k price range like smart car fills (but maybe with a different formula for its design)

[f2focus]

Yes the price tag will be higher for sure...that is one thing I noticed with the details and specs...if I remember the starting price will be in the $18-19K.

Like I said all I saw was the sedan version and it looked really good and aggressive...2.0L 6-speed auto was what they had there....and there sure were a lot of buttons everywhere in the interior....

[focaljet-1]

Originally Posted by BRZX3R

From somebody who saw the car this morning, he says it looks "Visually Expensive"

I think a lot of people are going to be surprised by this car.

[MrBirdman330]

Here's an pretty interesting concept version which highly resembles the Fiesta. Link

[CTZX3]

funny i posted teh engine specs weeks ago.

if it starts at 19k, i think ill get a kia soul i been looking at

[focaljet-1]

Originally Posted by CTZX3

funny i posted teh engine specs weeks ago.

You might have posted a guess, but the production engine info has not been announced.

[rpvitiello]

From how things are shaping up, I think the new focus is going to be at least 1 class higher in quality that it ever has been in the US. If they follow through with all there plans I'm expecting ford pricing to be more inline with subaru, VW, or volvo (before they went more luxury and stopped offering base models in the US)

The only thing shocking here is ford seams to really be following through with what they said they were going to do, truly offering the same car, at the same quality globally with just a few differences in how the options packages are put together and minor adjustments for regional preferences.

So far it seams to be working for them, and despite making the cars more $$$ they are increasing there volume and market shares, and making more money per car. This is a VERY good thing and means as a company they will be relatively healthy.

There goal is to eliminate the saying the "big 3" as a reference to GM, Chrysler, and Ford. They really want it to be Ford, VW, and Toyota. When people ANYWHERE in the world say "the big 3."

[wilko]

Originally Posted by rpvitiello

There goal is to eliminate the saying the "big 3" as a reference to GM, Chrysler, and Ford. They really want it to be Ford, VW, and Toyota. When people ANYWHERE in the world say "the big 3."

Ford's true goal has been revieled. The Bigger 3.

[NHFocus]

Ford's 'goal' is to produce high quality cars at prices that can compete with every other automaker in the world. They are well on their way to doing so, and the improvements in both the design, and manufacture of Ford's new lineup is very evident.

Ford is going to offer something for everyone. From a cheaply priced (but quality) Fiesta to a higher end luxury sedan with tons of power and AWD (ala Taurus SHO). The Mustang is being brought back into real competition by putting some serious engines in them, not to mention beautiful design. The Fusion is a great option for your typical middle class family- offers great gas mileage or a sporty 265hp, along with a very pretty design, and a great platform.

All I can say is Ford has finally figured it out, and I look forward to hearing what they are going to do next. Every update I hear seems to be GOOD news for once, rather than bad.