The Focus was a really great car...as long as it was equipped with a manual transmission. Years ago a neighbor had a bright yellow hatch with a blow-out, factory installed Sony (I think) audio system. The only thing close to a fun Focus today is perhaps the Honda Civic SI and the VW Jetta GLI.



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What a shame, the ST's +RS's were awesome and well regarded by enthusiasts and journalists alike.

 

I never understood why Ford and GM decided to just give an entire segment to Subaru. That bottom car with an all wheel drive drivetrain and a decent engine would have sold very well.

 

It's really too bad that they just threw in the towel and failed to compete. That wagon might have been pretty nice.

 

Remember that the pricing shown includes a UK "on the road (VAT) tax" of approximately 22%, so multiply your final price by 0.78 to get an accurate price.

You would want to divide by 1.22 to get an accurate price, not multiply by 0.78.

 

Subaru is an unusual phenomenon, I don't think anybody can really duplicate the quirky image they built over decades thanks to brilliant marketing and unique product that prioritized sensible and flexible utility over conventional trendy styling. Subaru is really only successful in the US, and perhaps Australia.

The Focus was largely dictated by the primary market in Europe, which ultimately limited their appeal in the US more quickly since we hit the SUV trend allot sooner. Subaru was always uniquely tailored to the US market, it makes all the difference. But Ford has things like Bronco, Sport, Maverick to create their own flexible utilitarian affordables. Even the Mach E is expanding its off-roading packages soon.

There is still room to grow when it comes to off-roading affordable however, but I don't think Ford is that eager to balloon its lineup. But I know a CE1 SUV (not crossover or Truck) is part of the equation. A Bronco Sport Hybrid would also help.

 

Some of the new Subarus have been beaten with an ugly stick