atvman Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 C&D did a major compact shootout with the following ranking: 1. Ford Focus 2. Mazda 3 3. Hyundai Elantra 4. Chevy Cruze 5. Volkswagen Jetta Who would have thought there would ever be a day when Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are all left out of a major compact shootout? Hasn't been posted on the website yet, I'll try to get the link published as soon as it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twmalonehunter Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 C&D did a major compact shootout with the following ranking: 1. Ford Focus 2. Mazda 3 3. Hyundai Elantra 4. Chevy Cruze 5. Volkswagen Jetta Who would have thought there would ever be a day when Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are all left out of a major compact shootout? Hasn't been posted on the website yet, I'll try to get the link published as soon as it is. Ford must have ponied up the most moolah....lol. I am assuming it was for newly released models or redesigns. Honda, Toyota and Nissan don't meet that criteria, correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atvman Posted March 29, 2011 Author Share Posted March 29, 2011 Ford must have ponied up the most moolah....lol. I am assuming it was for newly released models or redesigns. Honda, Toyota and Nissan don't meet that criteria, correct? Well, the Corolla was sort of kind of almost refreshed. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summer Cruiser Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Ford must have ponied up the most moolah....lol. I am assuming it was for newly released models or redesigns. Honda, Toyota and Nissan don't meet that criteria, correct? That was my thought too, the compacts that have been coming out lately are so good they probably did not want to include those older models. They also may not want to have been seen as Japanese car bashers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 The "new" 2012 Civic has been in production for several weeks at their IN plant... but they haven't offered any up for reviews that I can tell, nor did they get any into the auto show circuit. I'm wondering if it has to do with backlash from the anticipointment that followed the unveiling a few months ago. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 C&D did a major compact shootout with the following ranking: 1. Ford Focus 2. Mazda 3 3. Hyundai Elantra 4. Chevy Cruze 5. Volkswagen Jetta Who would have thought there would ever be a day when Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are all left out of a major compact shootout? Hasn't been posted on the website yet, I'll try to get the link published as soon as it is. C&D must have really liked the handling of the new Focus, because that is usually its number one priority in rating these vehicles....its fun to drive quotient. That is good news. Add in EB I4 and the Focus ST will be best pocket rocket out there. I still love the previous generation SVT Focus, and the new one promises to be so much better. Something like over 80% of the parts on N.A. Focus are same as European Focus. Good DNA where Europeans value handling over straight line performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grbeck Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) The "new" 2012 Civic has been in production for several weeks at their IN plant... but they haven't offered any up for reviews that I can tell, nor did they get any into the auto show circuit. I'm wondering if it has to do with backlash from the anticipointment that followed the unveiling a few months ago. It could be that all reviews have been embargoed...the car detailer at the dealer where I get my Accord services has told me that the car won't be offered for sale until the end of April at the earliest. He also said that Honda has brought new Civics to the dealers for sales representatives to examine. According to him, it looks bigger and more expensive than the current Civic. He wasn't too enthusiastic about the change, but he is about 20, so perhaps Honda is going after people who actually have money to buy a new vehicle. The real concern here is that the much-ballyhooed Cruze and Jetta are bringing up the rear. Edited March 29, 2011 by grbeck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 It could be that all reviews have been embargoed...the car detailer at the dealer where I get my Accord services has told me that the car won't be offered for sale until the end of April at the earliest. He also said that Honda has brought new Civics to the dealers for sales representatives to examine. According to him, it looks bigger and more expensive than the current Civic. He wasn't too enthusiastic about the change, but he is about 20, so perhaps Honda is going after people who actually have money to buy a new vehicle. The real concern here is that the much-ballyhooed Cruze and Jetta are bringing up the rear. It could be an embargo, good point. As to his impressions, besides the rear, it isn't all that different from the outgoing model: LINK - Autoblog Interior, too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 It could be an embargo, good point. As to his impressions, besides the rear, it isn't all that different from the outgoing model: LINK - Autoblog Interior, too... ZZZZZZZZZZ...Wake me up when it's light out. I can't believe Honda is still going with that double tiered instrument panel. Honda has truly lost its way. Take away its fine 4 cyl. engine technology, and it has nothing. And to think it's in big time racing, but doesn't make a vehicle for production that is fun at all. Get out of racing Honda as you have nothing that even symbolizes racing in your production portfolio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atvman Posted March 29, 2011 Author Share Posted March 29, 2011 C&D must have really liked the handling of the new Focus, because that is usually its number one priority in rating these vehicles....its fun to drive quotient. That is good news. Add in EB I4 and the Focus ST will be best pocket rocket out there. I still love the previous generation SVT Focus, and the new one promises to be so much better. Something like over 80% of the parts on N.A. Focus are same as European Focus. Good DNA where Europeans value handling over straight line performance. We'll see what kind of fuel economy the Focus ST gets. If it can manage 25/35, then I'll be interested in a CPO to rack up miles on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 C&D never caves to $$ from Motown, so this is rare. Also, in past, they would compare new imports to 'old, dated' domestic competitors so they could show 'how backwards Detorit is'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmm55 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) The Hon/Toy fans will says it's the 2nd string contenders, and the reason theirs weren't tested is it was no contest! lol It was smart of Honda not to include the Civic if it wasn't ready, as we've seen how a pre-production Explorer made a bad impression at MT. Edited March 29, 2011 by timmm55 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) C&D did a major compact shootout with the following ranking: 1. Ford Focus 2. Mazda 3 3. Hyundai Elantra 4. Chevy Cruze 5. Volkswagen Jetta Who would have thought there would ever be a day when Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are all left out of a major compact shootout? Hasn't been posted on the website yet, I'll try to get the link published as soon as it is. I think this test reaffirms observed conventional wisdom: 1. Mazda3 is the sportiest compact car 2. Elantra is great value but insipid to drive, poor handling 3. Cruze has good bones (chassis) but let down by some minor detail and so-so handling 4. Jetta is cheap cheap cheap and has big trunk 5. Focus seems to hit the sweet spot between good driving characteristic and good ride. Also, offers the most bang for the buck in terms of amenities. Edited March 29, 2011 by bzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Best fuel economy and only 0.2 seconds behind the leader in 0-60...great work Ford! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) Focus scores a 10 in features/amenities and no other one even hit higher than 5? Wow! Also, when the heck was the last time any Ford engine was given best marks for NVH characteristics?? Oh, and how did the Jetta beat the Cruze and Elantra in its handling score when its skidpad and lane change speed were both worst of the bunch? Edited March 29, 2011 by NickF1011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMSA-XJR9 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 What kind of 400 Mile Trip did they selected to achieve 21mpg?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) What kind of 400 Mile Trip did they selected to achieve 21mpg?! The same one Motor Trend used to induce dramatic torque steer in the Explorer: 0-60, 60-0, 0-60, 60-0 for 400 miles. Heck, my Edge is averaging over 20 MPG! Edited March 29, 2011 by NickF1011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millertime Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 (edited) Good to hear about the good reviews. The Focus looks like it is going to be a very important car for Ford. If they would have launched with the eco boost in there I probably would have already bought one. Edited March 29, 2011 by Millertime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timinac Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 What was the issue with the transmission - the transmission itself, the shift programming, or the buttons on the shifter instead of paddles or a shift gate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenCaylor Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 And the Focus they tested has the least sporty suspension setup. Correct me if I'm wrong. Stage 1: S, SE without sport package, SEL Stage 2: SE with sport package, Titanium Stage 3: Titanium Handling Package Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chester Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 What was the issue with the transmission - the transmission itself, the shift programming, or the buttons on the shifter instead of paddles or a shift gate? I see these rags knock Fords for not having paddle shifters. That's one thing I hate on my wife's Honda. I'd much prefer a button on the gear selector if I was driving a auto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Well, the Corolla was sort of kind of almost refreshed. Yeah....new gas pedal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SVTCobra Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 The Top-Gear roll on tests are really impressive for the Focus. I am guessing the DCT responds better?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atvman Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 And the Focus they tested has the least sporty suspension setup. Correct me if I'm wrong. Stage 1: S, SE without sport package, SEL Stage 2: SE with sport package, Titanium Stage 3: Titanium Handling Package You're pretty much right. This is as "bad" as the handling gets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I see these rags knock Fords for not having paddle shifters. That's one thing I hate on my wife's Honda. I'd much prefer a button on the gear selector if I was driving a auto. Before they complained that Ford didn't have anything, now they put at least the push button type and then complain that it doesn't have the paddle shifters. They can't win LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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