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[Doctor Gollum]

An Astra or Focus the Metro is not

Or should that be a '5 seat front engined MGF' 

[Nick W]

It's like designers of the mk1 Focus reunited: lots of conflicting lines and finishes just because they could. Which is a pity because the rest of the car looks OK.

Remind me what it is you drive, Nick. 

When have I ever said anything good about the Focus? While styling criticism is entirely subjective, my real dislikes are based on thousands of miles in the things. I wouldn't spend your money on one.

[TheBoy]

Having had the misfortune to be the "proud" owner of a brand new Mk1 Focus, I can indeed confirm they are utter shite.  Particularly when it comes to handling.  But when you are stupid enough to use bushes that size, it is going to make handling unpredictable.  And the MK1's boot was far smaller than that of the Rover 25 that we owned at the same time, so it wasn't even practical - even the horrible Battlebus is practical, so has something going for it.

So, if it was between a Focus and an Astra, I'd take the Astra every single day of the week.  I care not about looks, remember I drive a modern XJ, which surely has one of the most hideous arses of any car....

[Nick W]

Having had the misfortune to be the "proud" owner of a brand new Mk1 Focus, I can indeed confirm they are utter shite.  Particularly when it comes to handling.  But when you are stupid enough to use bushes that size, it is going to make handling unpredictable.  And the MK1's boot was far smaller than that of the Rover 25 that we owned at the same time, so it wasn't even practical - even the horrible Battlebus is practical, so has something going for it.

So, if it was between a Focus and an Astra, I'd take the Astra every single day of the week.  I care not about looks, remember I drive a modern XJ, which surely has one of the most hideous arses of any car....

Using bushes to give a semblance of rear wheel steer was never going to end well. And rear-wheel steering is completely pointless on anything as short as a car. The ride is biased in favour of handling which is stupid in a family hatchback. The boot space is ridiculous; there's only room for one reasonable sized suitcase, as the suspension takes up the space.


The real problem with the styling is not that the exterior is hideous, but that they made the bits you can see when driving it match. Which they still do; the interiors of current Fords are just as brain meltingly ghastly.


The weird thing is that they got the mk5 Fiesta absolutely spot on: dialled back the design; losing the twitchiness and overly firm springs made the car a much better drive; it's only smaller than a Focus on the outside; improved the interior materials(although the leather trims are down to Ford's usual poor standards) and remembered that a car should be comfortable.
The XJ isn't hideous, but the transition between the rear pillar and the roof/quarter panel is very awkward, which has been a Jaguar characteristic for ever.

[Auto Addict]

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Fine looking brace of Vauxhall cars.

The last design triumph being the orgasmic Signum.

[TheBoy]

I'm now looking at the estates wheels, thinking, "that'll keep the kosos busy cleaning them"

[Auto Addict]

I'm now looking at the estates wheels, thinking, "that'll keep the kosos busy cleaning them"

Spray them with bi-carb mixed with water, then hose off.

[TheBoy]

Spray them with bi-carb mixed with water, then hose off.

Surely that's a Koso job?

[Sir Tigger KC]

Spray them with bi-carb mixed with water, then hose off.

Surely that's a Koso job?

What do the Koso's think about getting sprayed with bi-carb water?