AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

From the Cars-we-can't-buy File
Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Titanium

This fall brought a redo of the 8 year old Ford Focus. The automotive press writers almost uniformly panned the new car, not because it’s bad per se, but because it’s not as good as the European Focus. Ford says that the US market would not pay the additional cost that is built into the European model. Nevertheless, Mazda sells its platform mate of the European Focus, the Mazda3, built in high-wage Hiroshima, Japan for at or around its sticker price, usually a couple grand more than the Ford Focus. Ford’s Volvo brand sells its version, the C-30, built in Sweeden, for $25,000 to $30,000 here in the States.

What’s so great about the European Focus? It handles and rides great. There is a diverse range of engine options, including two diesels, with displacements of 1.8 liter and a 2.0 liter respectively. The modern 2.0 liter turbo diesel in the TDCi Titanium Version, the model tested by Britain’s Car magazine, is rated at 134 bhp and 251 lb./ft torque. It goes from 0-62 mph (0-100 km) in 9.3 seconds while returning 40-50 MPG. This compares to 28 MPG in 2.0 liter US version, a car with similar acceleration when fitted with a manual transmission. The model Car tested was dressed to the nines, with a fancy navigation system, deluxe wheels, yada yada yada. It looks more like an Audi A3 than a VW Golf.

How much for all this European goodness, only £18,345. According to Google’s currency converter, that’s $37,812 US dollars. For 30% more (or a year and a half more payments), you could buy the Mercedes E320 Bluetec, which will cradle you in luxury and give you close to 40 MPG along the way. Maybe Ford was right about the price.