Drove a Focus Coupe Cabriolet.

WASP · 31-12-2007, 12:25 AM

For those that are interested I just took a drive in a Focus Coupe Cabriolet after trying a Mondeo TDCi a few days prior. To be honest I was very skeptical about the coupe in terms of value, but after seeing it in the flesh I am pleased to report it presented as a quality item that one could possibly justify the money for if having a small convertible coupe was your thing (it’s not mine personally).

The leather interior and finishes are excellent from what I could see in the fading light of the evening. The metal roof is extremely trick and takes approx 20 seconds to fold way/come out. At night the red back lit dash lighting looks great and much nicer then our Zetec’s green one. The 17”wheels look more like 18” due to their flat spoke design and has machined polished highlights which look fantastic.

The car really draws attention out on the road and has much more road appeal than I anticipated. On the road when the roof is down, due to the low slant of the roofline the windscreen really shields most of the wind if you are in the front seats. If you have the windows up there’s almost no wind at all in the cabin. In the back however it’s a different story and you get quite blown away.

Personally I like the styling of the rear especially when the roof was down although my wife was not totally convinced. The shape of the car really has a natural coupe shape to it rather than a converted 4 door look if that makes sense.

Things I didn’t like so much was the 5 speed manual box which we have our LS Zetec. I think for the money the XR5 6 speed box or 6 speed auto like that used in the diesel Mondeo would be much more appropriate. Power and engine refinement again was adequate but nothing special. I personally would have preferred a lighter coloured interior for hot days as the black leather when exposed in the sun with the roof down apparently becomes quite uncomfortable.

Apart from that criticism it is a very nice piece of kit and a worthy option for those that love this type of car.

Colville

fairmont1998 · 31-12-2007, 01:30 AM

Saw one myself on West Tce the other night. Personally I didn't think the curvy rear worked that well with the angular front of the Focus. Wouldn't mind having a better look in better light still....

Fast Eddie · 01-01-2008, 01:33 PM

So far, I've only seen one on the road and that was just as I was coming out from Darwin Airport the other day. The Territorians seem to like dark colours and this Focus CC was no exception. Nearly all of the Eurofords I spotted were dark colours.

BlackLS · 02-01-2008, 12:19 AM

I saw one at Eagle Vale shops with a family in it about 2-3 weeks back

Ives · 05-01-2008, 08:13 AM

IMO $45,490 RRP is just not worth it. Even if I have that kind of money laying around the house, I wouldnt get it. There's so much more you can get for $46,000 retail.

WASP · 05-01-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ives

IMO $45,490 RRP is just not worth it. Even if I have that kind of money laying around the house, I wouldnt get it. There's so much more you can get for $46,000 retail.

Granted, but I think you will find lovers of small convertable coupes will hand over the dosh. If you weren't seriously in the market for a small convertable coupe this car, and most of it's competitors would all seem like poor value. I know people that think handing over $65-$70k for a performance FPV Falcon is rediculous, but I didn't think twice about paying that for a GT.

melbzetec · 05-01-2008, 01:32 PM

I've had convertible sports cars in the past and I do miss them. For mine, I'd like the XR5 engine in the soft top. Now that would be worth a second look!!!

zetec · 08-01-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbzetec

I've had convertible sports cars in the past and I do miss them. For mine, I'd like the XR5 engine in the soft top. Now that would be worth a second look!!!

Time for another Steve? Midlife crisis looming and all...

Tj-zetec · 11-01-2008, 04:26 PM

I think they look pretty schmick with the top down, but in my opinion, there's something unnatural about the shape of the roof and how its lines incorporate in to the rest of the car when it's up.

It's too round, it looks more like a blister than a smooth flowing top. It could partly be due to the fact the car itself isn't long enough to accommodate the type of roof i see in my head.

The astra cabriolet on the other hand is a hot looking piece of machinery.

zetec · 11-01-2008, 10:05 PM

Yeah but the Astra has less kit, isn't as nice to drive and uses like 1.5 litres per 100km more fuel. That's loads! The boot's smaller and a lot flimsier too.