The Ford Focus will get an updated front end for the 2007 model year, but that’s it. Americans will not get the superior European model, as many enthusiasts had hoped. As evidenced by a recent spy photo taken by KGP Photography, the Focus will get a new grille (and possibly new headlights), but for the most part it will remain unchanged.
Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
03/22, 7:07 PM
posted by:
manny
OH. MY. GOD.
is ford DENSE?
unless, of course, this is just a restyling so they can sell more cars in the current focus’s final year… they restyled the neon a year or two before they killed it… but we need the euro focus NOW if ford wants to stay competitive… though theyre hardly competitive now…
This is odd, the Focus really is losing its grip on the market with so many new small cars on the market. Is it really that expensive to bring over the Euro Focus when its already in production?
I guess Ford’s research shows that the Focus’ target customers don’t care about having the newest and lastest like most of us leftlanenews readers.
03/22, 7:22 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
Please tell me they at least fixed the ultra-chintzy interior and the lack of sound insulation. It’s a fun car to drive as long as you don’t glance down at the interior or care about having a conversation over the road noise.
03/22, 8:24 PM
posted by:
Sean
I really don’t see why they cannot sell the Euro Focus here, especially since the Mazda 3 5-door is still hot right now. They ARE based off the same platform. IMHO, Euro focus is just as sexy, if not more. (I’ve seen Euro Focus in person)
03/22, 8:34 PM
posted by:
Heydn
“However, the European market Focus went up-market with its last redesign and Ford has already confirmed it will not be coming here due to cost related to using the C1 platform.”
God forbid Ford would raise the bar on the American Focus…
03/22, 9:41 PM
posted by:
John
I desperately want to like Ford, but this kind of thing just doesn’t help. Its like they just don’t care that their selling their homeland crap even though there is a better option.
03/22, 9:55 PM
posted by:
Jason
This car stays the same every year while other move on.
First it was a Focus.
Next gen, it’s a Ford Fivehundred company face complying Focus.
This one will most likely be a Ford Fusion fascia complying Focus.
Next, it will get a new face to comply with the Lincoln MKZ and MKS’s! And it will be badged as a Lincoln! Oh my word!
03/22, 10:09 PM
posted by:
lars ulrich
yeah i want to like ford too, it seems like theyve been trying hard getting back together and this disappoints me. id expected better from them at this point but they’re being their old selves
03/23, 12:55 AM
posted by:
Dave M.
I do hope when the time comes they’ll upgrade to the euro Focus. I think the major qualm they have is that Europeans WILL pay the price for a near-premium compact car, whereas us ‘mericans equate size with price.
Jason mentioned the 500 face – personally I find it understated and believe it will weather well. But the target market for Focus demands a more aggresive style. Remember when the Focus first came out? People didn’t think the ‘new edge’ design would work.
I’m someone who would love to move out of a mid-size SUV (Trooper) into a space-efficient, environmentally-responsible hauler. Right now the Passat wagon with TDI catches my fancy, but I love to buy American for the first time in 25 years…..
03/23, 3:43 AM
posted by:
Saud Qureshi
Ford’ gone daft or something. I live in the ME & we get the new focus in left hand drive & it’s awesome though it’s kinda weak since it only has the 1.6, 1.8.
03/23, 8:00 AM
posted by:
Nick
I guess Ford doesn’t want to cut into Mazda’s sales yet. Funny thing, the Mazda3 (my current car… love it!) is going through a makeover for 2007 as well which is causing the US Focus to fall further behind… BTW, Ford, just because you have a new style on one car, you don’t have to go ahead and throw it on EVERY car!
03/23, 10:25 AM
posted by:
DaveO
I live in Germany and have driven the euro Focus. Very good dynamics. Better than the last. The interior alone is amazing in quality and design, feels like a much more expensive car. And the outside is a good mix of stylish and subtle so it isn’t too poliarizing.
Sad part is as outdated as the US Spec Focus seems, it is still fresh and dynamic compared to the Cobalt.
03/23, 5:43 PM
posted by:
Michael Spadaro
Damn it Ford, give us the Euro Focus!
03/23, 5:44 PM
posted by:
gsh
hahah yah seriously, when compared to the old Focus, the brand new Cobalt looks just as old…
03/24, 1:05 AM
posted by:
one
If they are keeping the current platform, they should at least ditch the cheesy fender bulges (this is the real world, not a cartoon), outdated-looking roofline (smoothly sloping rooflines are the look, not a roof that suddenly nosedives), and hideous hatchbacks (they make me want to puke when I see them, replace with true 2-door coupe). This car needs a lot more than a restyled front end. Ford – you’re losing the compact car battle and this isn’t going to help.
03/24, 5:06 AM
posted by:
Charlie
Ford is just becoming more and more stupid! do they not get it! Most people I know who own and drive a Focus want more! I own one and love it but i hate the fact that it cant keep up with a CHevy Cobalt SS or a Neon SRT-4! it handles better ya, but it needs more power. I think they need to get with the times and TRY to compete with the other dealers. If ford keeps this up im going to have to switch to Chevy or Dodge.
The whole reason why the Focus sold well and was universally lauded when it first came out was because it was designed in Europe! Ford NA does not seem to understand this!
03/26, 11:52 PM
posted by:
dave
Ford, letting another fine product rot on the vine. New headlights does not make a better car.
03/27, 7:22 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Hi.
I live in the UK and you guys are missing out… the Euro Focus looks have grown on me and sometimes I prefer them to the old original one!
The RS of the Mk 1 Focus was awesome looking and a mad track car, and the new Focus ST in the UK (2.5 litre 5 cylinder straight with a turbo!) is pretty nice too – a very capable car with 236 ft lbs torque at only 1,600rpm! I wish Ford would give these cars to the US so that they could appreciate Ford’s genius when it comes to the european cars they make… Have you seen the Iosis concept?
It’s stunning!
04/24, 6:56 AM
posted by:
David Sullivan
Yes, it’s just more evidence that 2 of the Detroit Big-3 have given up. They’re not really interested in bringing the best products to the US market. Don’t worry, before too long Ford and GM will be broke and bankrupt. They’ve lost touch with the Customer, and they don’t even care! Thier market share just keeps falling while Toyota and Honda just keep growing. It doesn’t take a Harvard MBA to figure this out, it’s basic economics.
P.S. I don’t even have an MBA
05/03, 11:56 AM
posted by:
Brent
I actually work at the Ford plant that makes the Focus FN transmission. We have one of the Euro models here on site for testing purposes an it is GORGEOUS! Personally I would buy one of the European models today if it was available, but I wont buy the current US version due to its platform age. Hello Bill. Are you listening??
05/21, 7:00 PM
posted by:
elizabeth
I have the 2002 ford focus ZTS mach4 and I love it. I understand all the jerks that say, “so what its still a ford�. Remember the Focus was not designed by us (united states) it was designed by Germany for the European roads not ours. So when you drive a Focus it may say Ford but really its made by the Germans like the Volvo and the Benz. It’s an excellent car!!!!!!!!
You need to log in with your user name and password before you can leave comments.
Don't have a user name yet? Simply fill in the form below and click the link provided in the confirmation email. You must supply a valid email address to complete the registration process.
Please note that you need to log in with your user name and password before you can leave comments.
Forgot your Password?
Don't have a user name yet? Click here to register now.
Simply fill in the form below and click the link provided in the confirmation email. You must supply a valid email address to complete the registration process.
Leftlane is the leading source for automotive industry and vehicle news, new car research, future vehicle information, and reviews. Read by car shoppers, driving enthusiasts, autoworkers, executives, and investors, the website is updated throughout the day with the very latest auto news - as it happens.
Leftlane also provides consumers with accurate and media-rich information on every car currently on the market. In-market shoppers can review specs, read overviews, view high-resolution images, watch videos, and estimate pricing. No other automotive publication brings together the same degree of timeliness, thoroughness and accuracy as Leftlane.
03/22, 7:07 PM
posted by:
manny
OH. MY. GOD.
is ford DENSE?
unless, of course, this is just a restyling so they can sell more cars in the current focus’s final year… they restyled the neon a year or two before they killed it… but we need the euro focus NOW if ford wants to stay competitive… though theyre hardly competitive now…
03/22, 7:21 PM
posted by:
JSP
Wow, they REALLY don’t want to do well.
03/22, 7:22 PM
posted by:
XPsionic
This is odd, the Focus really is losing its grip on the market with so many new small cars on the market. Is it really that expensive to bring over the Euro Focus when its already in production?
I guess Ford’s research shows that the Focus’ target customers don’t care about having the newest and lastest like most of us leftlanenews readers.
03/22, 7:22 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
Please tell me they at least fixed the ultra-chintzy interior and the lack of sound insulation. It’s a fun car to drive as long as you don’t glance down at the interior or care about having a conversation over the road noise.
03/22, 8:24 PM
posted by:
Sean
I really don’t see why they cannot sell the Euro Focus here, especially since the Mazda 3 5-door is still hot right now. They ARE based off the same platform. IMHO, Euro focus is just as sexy, if not more. (I’ve seen Euro Focus in person)
03/22, 8:34 PM
posted by:
Heydn
“However, the European market Focus went up-market with its last redesign and Ford has already confirmed it will not be coming here due to cost related to using the C1 platform.”
God forbid Ford would raise the bar on the American Focus…
03/22, 9:41 PM
posted by:
John
I desperately want to like Ford, but this kind of thing just doesn’t help. Its like they just don’t care that their selling their homeland crap even though there is a better option.
03/22, 9:55 PM
posted by:
Jason
This car stays the same every year while other move on.
First it was a Focus.
Next gen, it’s a Ford Fivehundred company face complying Focus.
This one will most likely be a Ford Fusion fascia complying Focus.
Next, it will get a new face to comply with the Lincoln MKZ and MKS’s! And it will be badged as a Lincoln! Oh my word!
03/22, 10:09 PM
posted by:
lars ulrich
yeah i want to like ford too, it seems like theyve been trying hard getting back together and this disappoints me. id expected better from them at this point but they’re being their old selves
03/23, 12:55 AM
posted by:
Dave M.
I do hope when the time comes they’ll upgrade to the euro Focus. I think the major qualm they have is that Europeans WILL pay the price for a near-premium compact car, whereas us ‘mericans equate size with price.
Jason mentioned the 500 face – personally I find it understated and believe it will weather well. But the target market for Focus demands a more aggresive style. Remember when the Focus first came out? People didn’t think the ‘new edge’ design would work.
I’m someone who would love to move out of a mid-size SUV (Trooper) into a space-efficient, environmentally-responsible hauler. Right now the Passat wagon with TDI catches my fancy, but I love to buy American for the first time in 25 years…..
03/23, 3:43 AM
posted by:
Saud Qureshi
Ford’ gone daft or something. I live in the ME & we get the new focus in left hand drive & it’s awesome though it’s kinda weak since it only has the 1.6, 1.8.
03/23, 8:00 AM
posted by:
Nick
I guess Ford doesn’t want to cut into Mazda’s sales yet. Funny thing, the Mazda3 (my current car… love it!) is going through a makeover for 2007 as well which is causing the US Focus to fall further behind… BTW, Ford, just because you have a new style on one car, you don’t have to go ahead and throw it on EVERY car!
03/23, 10:25 AM
posted by:
DaveO
I live in Germany and have driven the euro Focus. Very good dynamics. Better than the last. The interior alone is amazing in quality and design, feels like a much more expensive car. And the outside is a good mix of stylish and subtle so it isn’t too poliarizing.
Sad part is as outdated as the US Spec Focus seems, it is still fresh and dynamic compared to the Cobalt.
03/23, 5:43 PM
posted by:
Michael Spadaro
Damn it Ford, give us the Euro Focus!
03/23, 5:44 PM
posted by:
gsh
hahah yah seriously, when compared to the old Focus, the brand new Cobalt looks just as old…
03/24, 1:05 AM
posted by:
one
If they are keeping the current platform, they should at least ditch the cheesy fender bulges (this is the real world, not a cartoon), outdated-looking roofline (smoothly sloping rooflines are the look, not a roof that suddenly nosedives), and hideous hatchbacks (they make me want to puke when I see them, replace with true 2-door coupe). This car needs a lot more than a restyled front end. Ford – you’re losing the compact car battle and this isn’t going to help.
03/24, 5:06 AM
posted by:
Charlie
Ford is just becoming more and more stupid! do they not get it! Most people I know who own and drive a Focus want more! I own one and love it but i hate the fact that it cant keep up with a CHevy Cobalt SS or a Neon SRT-4! it handles better ya, but it needs more power. I think they need to get with the times and TRY to compete with the other dealers. If ford keeps this up im going to have to switch to Chevy or Dodge.
03/25, 7:38 PM
posted by:
John
Saw this from http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=79321
One word for Ford of North America “Gay”
03/25, 10:26 PM
posted by:
Chris G
The whole reason why the Focus sold well and was universally lauded when it first came out was because it was designed in Europe! Ford NA does not seem to understand this!
03/26, 11:52 PM
posted by:
dave
Ford, letting another fine product rot on the vine. New headlights does not make a better car.
03/27, 7:22 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Hi.
I live in the UK and you guys are missing out… the Euro Focus looks have grown on me and sometimes I prefer them to the old original one!
The RS of the Mk 1 Focus was awesome looking and a mad track car, and the new Focus ST in the UK (2.5 litre 5 cylinder straight with a turbo!) is pretty nice too – a very capable car with 236 ft lbs torque at only 1,600rpm! I wish Ford would give these cars to the US so that they could appreciate Ford’s genius when it comes to the european cars they make… Have you seen the Iosis concept?
It’s stunning!
04/24, 6:56 AM
posted by:
David Sullivan
Yes, it’s just more evidence that 2 of the Detroit Big-3 have given up. They’re not really interested in bringing the best products to the US market. Don’t worry, before too long Ford and GM will be broke and bankrupt. They’ve lost touch with the Customer, and they don’t even care! Thier market share just keeps falling while Toyota and Honda just keep growing. It doesn’t take a Harvard MBA to figure this out, it’s basic economics.
P.S. I don’t even have an MBA
05/03, 11:56 AM
posted by:
Brent
I actually work at the Ford plant that makes the Focus FN transmission. We have one of the Euro models here on site for testing purposes an it is GORGEOUS! Personally I would buy one of the European models today if it was available, but I wont buy the current US version due to its platform age. Hello Bill. Are you listening??
05/21, 7:00 PM
posted by:
elizabeth
I have the 2002 ford focus ZTS mach4 and I love it. I understand all the jerks that say, “so what its still a ford�. Remember the Focus was not designed by us (united states) it was designed by Germany for the European roads not ours. So when you drive a Focus it may say Ford but really its made by the Germans like the Volvo and the Benz. It’s an excellent car!!!!!!!!