Lesley: Miss. Yes, I know, it's a much better car than its predecessor. Far more elegant, devoid of the garish hip-hop bling that catapulted the original 300 into the limelight - this new sedan is aimed at grownups. Across the Chrysler lineup, interiors have improved so dramatically, they're approaching German luxury-car levels of quality – and the flagship 300 is no exception.
But it's boring. Where the original was so in-your-face as to be almost grotesque, you had to admire its attention-seeking audacity.
Mike: Miss. No doubt this is a very handsome car, but I think it is a backward or sideways step for the 300 nameplate. The first one was bold and distinctive. This one is more refined and smoother, and consequently less memorable. This is a consequence, no doubt, of the automaker looking to have more separation between Chrysler and Dodge — so Charger stays edgy and appeals to a younger crowd, and 300 grows up to attract older customers. Chrysler might be better off with this new strategy but I feel we might have lost something along the way. But I do like its new interior, and the exterior’s tasteful LED and chrome highlights.
2012 Ford Focus
Matt: Hit. Massive, epic, hit! I've already had the pleasure of taking the new Focus on a brief road trip through the hills of Southern California and I'm still smiling. Ford's new compact offering combines eye-catching styling, dynamic driving and wraps it all up in a hot sedan or hotter hatchback body. Quite honestly, I found only the 5-speed manual box to be not up to par with the remainder of the car. Otherwise, it's a fantastic car. Me, I wants an ST. This one will knock your and my socks off!
Lesley: Hit. Finally! At long last, we North Americans will be able to get our hands on the same Focus as the Europeans instead of settling for another watered-down, bland-handling econo-box. Thanks to Ford's new Global marketing policy - our Focus is identical to the car tested on the Nürburgring – and furthermore – is available as a hatchback. Bristling with technology aimed at the younger buyer, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and space practical… what's not to like?
Mike: Hit. It would be hard to imagine this car not being a hit. As a “totally global” car from Ford, the automaker is invested heavily, both emotionally and financially, in this project. Failure is not an option. The five-door hatch is particularly fetching, and combined with Euro-bred handling, and high-tech engines and transmissions, what’s not to like? Well, one thing maybe. Focus won’t achieve 40 mpg (US) in all configurations, as does the new Elantra. Still, a great new Ford.
But it's boring. Where the original was so in-your-face as to be almost grotesque, you had to admire its attention-seeking audacity.
Mike: Miss. No doubt this is a very handsome car, but I think it is a backward or sideways step for the 300 nameplate. The first one was bold and distinctive. This one is more refined and smoother, and consequently less memorable. This is a consequence, no doubt, of the automaker looking to have more separation between Chrysler and Dodge — so Charger stays edgy and appeals to a younger crowd, and 300 grows up to attract older customers. Chrysler might be better off with this new strategy but I feel we might have lost something along the way. But I do like its new interior, and the exterior’s tasteful LED and chrome highlights.
2012 Ford Focus
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| 2012 Ford Focus (Photo: Michael Wong) |
Matt: Hit. Massive, epic, hit! I've already had the pleasure of taking the new Focus on a brief road trip through the hills of Southern California and I'm still smiling. Ford's new compact offering combines eye-catching styling, dynamic driving and wraps it all up in a hot sedan or hotter hatchback body. Quite honestly, I found only the 5-speed manual box to be not up to par with the remainder of the car. Otherwise, it's a fantastic car. Me, I wants an ST. This one will knock your and my socks off!
Lesley: Hit. Finally! At long last, we North Americans will be able to get our hands on the same Focus as the Europeans instead of settling for another watered-down, bland-handling econo-box. Thanks to Ford's new Global marketing policy - our Focus is identical to the car tested on the Nürburgring – and furthermore – is available as a hatchback. Bristling with technology aimed at the younger buyer, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive and space practical… what's not to like?
Mike: Hit. It would be hard to imagine this car not being a hit. As a “totally global” car from Ford, the automaker is invested heavily, both emotionally and financially, in this project. Failure is not an option. The five-door hatch is particularly fetching, and combined with Euro-bred handling, and high-tech engines and transmissions, what’s not to like? Well, one thing maybe. Focus won’t achieve 40 mpg (US) in all configurations, as does the new Elantra. Still, a great new Ford.