Ford Focus SVT
Written: Mar 22 '04 (Updated Mar 23 '04)
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Pros: Driveability - handling is terrific
Cons: Average engine performance
The Bottom Line: Buy it if you're looking for a reasonably-priced, terrific driving car.
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| lisatoy's Full Review: 2004 Ford Focus Hatchback |
Since my dalliance with the Mazdaspeed Protege, I haven't had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in any of these bargain rockets...until recently when I spent a couple of weeks at my parents' home in upstate NY. Rather than rent a car, (and since the family was out of town) I had the chance to spend a great deal of time driving my brother's 2004 Ford Focus SVT ('SVT' = Ford's 'Special Vehicle Team').
Given my life-long obsession with Volkswagen's GTI, and my newer facsination with the Protege, I was not prepared to be blown away by the Focus, and frankly, I wasn't. If I was in the market for one of these, I might still be tempted to go with the GTI, but the Focus gives it a serious run for its money.
Engine/Drivetrain
First the details:
Like most of the models in this category, the Focus SVT comes with a peppy inline-4. This one is a pumps out a relatively average 170 hp and 145 lb ft of torque. For comparison's sake: that's 10 fewer hp than the '04 GTI, the same as the '03 Mazdaspeed Protege, and has the lowest torque of the bunch.
The motor is married to a 6-speed Getrag manual shifter.
This presents a serviceable combination, and the car is small enought that it gets you going without being overpowering. You won't mistake it for the better power in either the older Protege or the GTI, but Ford's own website gives a glimpse of what they're going for here: "While some competitors are all about going fast in a straight line, the SVT Focus is a true driver's car that delivers world-class handling..."
Well, they're at least up front about engine performance. Given my experience with the GTI and Protege, I was a bit disappointed in the end-to-end power of the Ford offering. While they've tried to boost low-end power by using variable intake camshaft timing, the lack of power at the low end is still noticeable compared to competitors' models. Power at the mid- and upper-end is much more satisfying, and I have to say that I'm being a bit nit-picky... the engine is fine, it's just not as good as the GTI. It allowed me to merge into traffic with no problem, and just took a smidge more mashing on the pedal than I would have preferred to get it up to speed.
Suspension/Steering
The SVT team has paired brawny 17-inch wheels (larger than the GTI and equal to the Protege) with four-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension. The effect is very satisfying - since my parents' home is tucked off in a corner of a rural area, it takes about 15 miles of non-highway driving over some twisting roads to get there. The Focus handled them all. Even with its beefy suspension, the every-day highway & slow-speed city driving I had to do were perfectly comfortable, despite seats that I found a bit too soft. This is perhaps just my old VW prejudice surfacing, but I still prefer a somewhat more rigid seat. For what it's worth, though, other drivers (including my brother, who owns the car) claim the Focus seats are better.
Exterior Styling
I'm tempted to say that you'll either love it or you'll hate it, but I suppose that's true of any car, and therefore not all that helpful..
The Focus is a modern-looking compact hatchback, that comes either a two- or four-door body style. Styling is more rounded than the GTI and Protege, and while the Volkswagen look is admittedly getting a bit stale, I still prefer it to this 'pod' appearance embraced by Ford.
Ford does make available a European Appearance package, which includes a number of separately-available options (a Winter Package with heated seats, engine-block heater, traction control, an "Audiophile" sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD player, 8-inch sub-woofer, and sunroof) as well as Recaro leather-trimmed seats, Dark Argent alloy wheels, and some additional colors.
Interior Styling
The funny shape has an advantage - it's roomy inside ! I took a short drive with some friends, and there's plenty of space in the back for adults to sit...though as with all of the models in this class, don't fool yourself into thinking that a long trip will be comfortable.
The asymmetrical dashboard layout appears to be in vogue, and the SVT goes right along with the trend. While it's weird to look at, the controls are placed with ergonomic intent, and they're all easy to reach.
The SVT dresses up the base Focus with some nice-to-have details: leather wrapping on the steering wheel, shifter and emergency brake. I'm not a huge fan of the trend toward metallic pedals, but what the hell - that's where the market is today.
Conclusion
All in all, the Focus SVT is a model which stands up adequately the the well-established GTI, and to the Protege. Like many others, I might be tempted by the Mini, but this is a perfectly serviceable sport compact.
The average engine works really well with the sport-tuned suspension, making this a joy to drive over winding roads, and Ford has done its job by adding the details which buyers in the segment crave.
Will it surpass the GTI ? Not yet, in my opinion, but as the VW style ages, this is a close competitor, and I can see buyers turning away from the GTI as "out-dated."
In future models, I would look for Ford to beef up the engine a bit, and perhaps to tweak the styling a bit...aiming for a "racier" feel, perhaps.
One note of caution: there have been some reliabilty problems with the Focus in the past. While my brother has had no problems at all with his, this history is worth noting. Fingers are crossed that the problems have been solved.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 18800
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: SVT
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Epinions.com ID:
lisatoy
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Location: USA
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 2 members
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