Auto Trends

With the SVT…

and Roush Ford Focus hatchback out of the way,

… the Mazda 3 hatchbacks can sit back and pull in some of the residual consumers that have been cast out from Ford Motor company now that the coupe and sedan Focus is all they have to choose from for 2008.

But there are still quite a few used models of the performance oriented Focus available… and at the average cost of $10,000 to $15,000 less than the MazdaSpeed 3, they just might make a great way to get a great gas saving economy car at an even better economy price.

The Stage 1 Focus Roush package has all of the sporty looks, yet still maintains its 30-plus MPG capabilities. The Stage 1 package includes driving lights, mid-wing spoiler, side skirts, rear fascia, and exhaust system with chrome tip.

Using the optional 5-speed manual, the 2,800 lb focus has plenty of spirit to get you around using the stock 2.4 liter boasting around 130 horsepower. If you opt for the Stage 2 Roush of the (non-turbo) Ford Focus you’ll get the addition of suspension upgrades for the springs, struts, shocks, and a rear sway bar.

If you really have the need for speed, the SVT Ford Focus ups the ante to 170 horsepower and 145 lb-ft torque. Reviews show that the average driver probably won’t notice this horsepower increase much unless they really push it out on the open road.

The gears on the SVT are a bit too tall for inner city driving, but out on the highway they make a perfect fit. From 0-60 the SVT Focus can see numbers in the 7.7 second range, which is a good second and a half faster than the Stage 2 Roush’s 2.4 liter, which is approximately 9.3 seconds.

While the focus will never have the capability to beat the MazdaSpeed at a red light without the Roush turbo upgrade, it’s looks and handling are very comparable and the price is right for somebody looking for a fun compact in the $10,000 to $15,000 range.

With todays average sport compact costing upwards of $25,000 for even your most basic driver package, you really don’t need to spend big to save big and have a heck of a lot of fun going about it!

Roush or SVT… either way you can’t go wrong!