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#1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Hi all,
Out to purchase a second car, we had our minds made up on a black Cruze SRi-V. Then I threw a spanner in the works by discovering that the new Focus is a huge improvement on the previous model, and booked a test drive. The dealer only had the Sport available for a drive, this model is an identical match (smooth & quiet is the priority) to the Cruze, handles pot holes and bumps identically. However, I've read many reviews that say that the Titanium's 18 inch wheels give the Focus a harsher ride than the 17's and also increases the turning circle. I'm contemplating ordering the Titanium with the Sport's 10x2 wheels instead, but just wanted to check with current owners what their view is on drive quality. A couple of things the Holden does better: 1) 7 inch Sat Nav is fantastic, compared to the Ford Bosch unit - anyone know whether Ford will be using the bigger screen from Europe? 2) Sound system not as clear at the upper levels (same when purchased Ghia Terri, but improved with use). 3) Full leather seats. 4) Turbo engine 5) Rear seat comfort 6) Rear window goes all the way down. Ford does better: 1) Climate control. 2) Electric driver seat. 3) Self dimming rear vision mirror. 4) Fuel economy 5) Sedan boot hinges. 6) Shape will age better.
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The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#2 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Canberra Region
Posts: 8,946
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Edit: no matter
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2016 FGX XR8 Sprint, 6speed manual, Kinetic Blue #170 2004 BA wagon RTV project. 1998 EL XR8, Auto, Hot Chilli Red 1993 ED XR6, 5speed, Polynesian Green. 1 of 329. Retired 1968 XT Falcon 500 wagon, 3 on the tree, 3.6L. Patina project. |
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#3 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#4 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Canberra Region
Posts: 8,946
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Quote:
I think the Thai built ones supposidly rectify the problem though, but obviously the ride wont improve.
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2016 FGX XR8 Sprint, 6speed manual, Kinetic Blue #170 2004 BA wagon RTV project. 1998 EL XR8, Auto, Hot Chilli Red 1993 ED XR6, 5speed, Polynesian Green. 1 of 329. Retired 1968 XT Falcon 500 wagon, 3 on the tree, 3.6L. Patina project. |
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#5 | ||
Barra Turbo > V8
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 25,806
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Wouldnt call the cruze engine better really.
I actually dont mind the look of the hatch but, well from the rear front is still awkward IMO.
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-2011 XR6 Turbo Ute - Lux Pack - M6 -2022 Hyundai Tucson Highlander Diesel N Line |
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#6 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
I was also keen to support local. The deal isn't done yet, I'm 75% closer to the Focus but....
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#7 | ||
Pity the fool
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Wait Awhile
Posts: 8,997
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I heard someone caning a Cruze past me the other day, and it sounded just like the Camiras of old sounded when you were giving them stick. Not surprising really as I think the Cruze uses an evolved Family II engine. Ugh.
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Fords I own or have owned: 1970 XW Falcon GT replica ![]() Proud to buy Australian and support Ford Australia through thick and thin |
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#8 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Why do Ford sales people try and talk potential buyers out of purchasing Black?
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#9 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,978
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What is the price difference between the two you are looking at buying? You also didn't mention the auto transmission. I don't think the Cruze has a dual clutch system, if it matters any, the Focus is currently built in Germany, the "Holden" in Korea.
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2021 Fiesta ST find me on instagram @adm.history for daily automotive historical Australian advertisements. |
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#10 | |||
PURSUIT 250
![]() Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: sydney
Posts: 5,787
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Quote:
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#11 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Hobart
Posts: 128
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Interesting that you are still even considering the cruze after driving it and the focus. Last review I read where Mazda 3, Honda civic, One of the Hyandis (can't remember the model) the Cruze and Focus were compared the reviewer said that if he only had the choice of the Cruze he would catch a bus instead.
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#12 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
The Focus quality is better, love the wat the doors close. The Cruze seats are firm but not a problem, drove it on highway & through Adelaide Hills. Got to go, more later :-)
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#13 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#14 | |||
Mad Scientist!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 2,840
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Quote:
Yes, ASSEMBLED at Holden's Elizabeth plant. sorry, just had to put in the IKEA part. |
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#15 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,481
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Quote:
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#16 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
Focus 'Auto' is really a self shifting manual transmission, whereas the Cruze is a fully automatic transmission. Both have advantages and disadvantages: FULL AUTO - better quality feel to up and down shifts, quieter, more controllable. Torque convertor soaks up power and fuel, heavy. ELECTRONIC MANUAL - minimal power loss due to direct clutch, increased efficiency, less weight. Shift quality is not as good as traditional auto, especially stop start city driving. Series 2 Cruze is built in Australia. Series 1 is Korean, but with Holden input. Focus is currently German built, sounds good but also means that we get the indicator stalk on the right side of column (hate that). Production will move to Thailand? mid year.
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The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#17 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
|
Quote:
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#18 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,097
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Seats in the Cruze are stupidly firm, not very comfortable on trips longer than 30 minutes and the interior is of low quality.
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#19 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 473
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I had the exact same dilemma as yourself.
However I originally went to ford and test drove the focus sports. I immediately fell in love with the car and put a deposit for it on the same day (although i did feel i rushed the purchase). So while waiting for the focus, I did want to see and test drive the SRi-V. I went for the test drive and knew that I made the right decision. I felt that the handling of the car felt artificial and didn't drive as nice as the focus did. The dealer was also desperate to sell the car. The car retailed for 35k. As I had already made my decision, I wanted to see what price I could get it for. I had pretended I still needed to test drive the Ford Focus and he immediately dropped the price to 30K and was willing to throw in a free iPad. Focus positives: - Really well put together interior - Exterior looks - Drive - technology Negatives: - MyFord offered in the US dosn't come out till later this year - Expensive for top model titanium - Exterior although new/contemporary, may age fast (think i45). Cruze positives: - Great value, especially room to negotiate - Large colour touch screen Negatives: - Steering feel/drive - Cheap plastic interior - Leather seats look/feel cheap - technology not up to spec as ford focus So finally I decided on a focus titanium hatch - petrol, and awaiting delievery end of this month/early feb. Happy times! |
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#20 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 46
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I had a look at the cruise
No diesel in the top spec model & Bluetooth was an add on so that was game over for me. Turning circle on the Titanium is a joke! I also have a Prado & that's better at doing u turns & easier to park in shopping centres. It's better at going over roundabouts too ![]() |
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#21 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,483
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Would not a 2 litre Ford non turbo engine be a better bet than a 1.4ITI what ever that means-guess turbo +?.
What is the donor of this 1.4 motor-is it a Fiat engine? |
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#22 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 223
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#23 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#24 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
They said that the bigger wheels destroyed the excellent ride quality of the Focus on all but the smoothest roads (Oz doesn't have too many of those), increased the turning circle dramatically due to the bigger wheels decreasing clearance and having to have the turn angle minimised to stop tyre scrub on inner guard, decreased boot capacity by having to increase the height of the floor to fit bigger wheel.
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#25 | ||
powered by Ford
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Brisneyland
Posts: 362
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Did you try the Cruze diesel?
120kW and 360Nm are pretty impressive specs and make the 1.4T seem a bit limp.
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Daily Driver: 06 BF Fairmont Family Wagon: 05 SY Territory TX AWD Sunday Driver: 83 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Racer: 72 Welsor-Ford Clubman Sports-1300 |
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#26 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
The Focus has us hooked with the extras; electric seat, Climate control, and you've got to compare shutting doors between the two vehicles. The Cruze has us with how quiet it is on the highway, the 7 inch Sat Nav and the excellent service from City Holden. Ford need address some minor issues with their salespeople.
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#27 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 46
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Here you go !!
Side by side |
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#28 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: W.A.
Posts: 1,713
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The Focus out-performs the Cruze in every comparo I've seen. Even the Holden-loving Cars Guide one narrowly gave the Focus the prize, despite it clearly being superior in most of their criteria.
http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...827-1jf6n.html The indicator stalk takes about two days to get used to. That said, it took about two months before I didn't get the wipers sweeping occasionally when about to change lanes or turn a corner... As for not winning an award because of the size of a turning circle, WTF??? The car that won the award is a half-a***d hybrid "sports" car that the Focus, amongst 90% of the cars on the road, will out-perform. I could understand something like the Kia Rio winning Drive's award, as its well-featured and good value for money, but the Honda CR-Z? Come on, Wheels! Anyway, good luck with whatever you pick. I'm sure they're both decent cars with their good and bad points.
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His: 2019 Ford Focus SA Trend with Driver Assist Pack: 1.5 Ecoboost 3-cylinder (yes, 3 cylinders!), 8-speed automatic in Ruby Red. ![]() Hers: 2020 Ford Puma JK: 1.0 Ecoboost 3-cylinder, 7-speed DCT in Frozen White. |
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#29 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S.A.
Posts: 4,611
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Quote:
__________________
The true danger only occurs when you take a potentially dangerous piece of machinery and place it in the hands of the most unpredictable species on the planet. Human behaviour, as history has catalogued, cannot account for what any persons actions may be, especially concerning their love of the motor vehicle. http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk ![]() |
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#30 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 223
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Quote:
I'm in the market for a Titanium TDCi Sedan with Sports Exec pack. I'm trying to hang out till production moves to Thailand in the hopes that: (a) they add the 8' touch screen, (b) they fix the turning circle (c) offer 17's instead of 18's and (d) swap the frigging indicator and windscreen wiper stalks around to where they should be! |
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