by "Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
Published 04/13/2017 at 15:03
by "Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
Published 04/13/2017 at 15:03
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STARS: 0
It was late in September when a deer came out of the woods and attempted to occupy the same moment in space and time as my Mazda3. My physics professor once told us that this was an impossibility, so, as you can imagine, this didn’t go as well as either I or the deer hoped. While the Mazda3 was being repaired, I was given a Ford Focus to drive around for a little while. This came to be after Hertz and I came to the realization the Kia Rio I had been given initially was not equipped with cruise control despite that being one of my only requests.
When I picked up the symphony in silver 2016 Ford Focus it had already traveled 17,213 miles. When I returned it 19 days later, a rather coincidental 2,222 miles had passed and it was nearly due for it’s next oil change. For those of you who dislike math things, that works out to 116.9 miles per day. While most of that was due to my commute, I did also add a few extra trips in, such as Caffeine and Carburetors in New Haven, Connecticut. My wife and I also became fond of the phrase “may as well put the miles on the rental” any time we went somewhere. I wonder how Doug Demuro’s one year, unlimited mileage, bumper to bumper warranty would have fared if I had possession of his Aston for more than about 5 minutes of ice drifting ?
To be honest, other than this car and the Mazda3, it’s been awhile since I’ve really driven any of the other small hatchbacks. With that in mind, I will compare this to what I know. I will compare the 2016 Focus SE to the 2016 Mazda3 i Touring.
Let’s start with something simple: Styling. On the outside, the Mazda3 is clearly more stylish. The long hood along with the lines, creases, and curves along its flanks give it a slightly aggressive stance while a light touch of chrome and the right amount of flair give it a slightly premium appearance. The Focus is not an ugly car, but, it is less stylish. Sure, from the front, the kind of person that has to squint to read stop signs may mistake it for an Aston Martin. Along the sides there are curved creases similar to the Mazda but instead of flowing all the way through the doors, the are interrupted by a horizontal line that detracts from the look of the car. The rear area, specifically the rear quarter panel and taillights are awkwardly designed. I hadn’t noticed this until after I had turned the car in, and you will not be able to un-see it, but, when viewed from the side, the taillights appear to be extending the finger of disapproval.
On the inside, these cars are MUCH different. The Mazda has a large screen that sits atop a low dashtop which is paired to a set of controls in the center console to cater to all of your infotainment and personalization needs. The rest of the dash in the Mazda houses a very clean, simple and intuitive design. The controls of the Ford are highly stylized and much busier. There are buttons and knobs everywhere that make it harder to find what you’re looking for when you want to find it quickly. And while the tiny screen may display much of the same information as the Mazda, it’s set back in the dash like watching one of those TV’s from the 1950’s where you have a 3” screen encased in a 4 square foot box. Speaking of stylized, why do I need to have such chunky needles in the instrument cluster? And why do my steering column stalks need to look like they came from a Stormtroopers helmet? Score 1 for the Mazda.
What about equipment? The car I rented is an SE model, which, while not the top of the line, is still above the typical penalty-box rental-spec. It had cruise control, alloy wheels, bluetooth and USB connectivity, a backup camera, auto on/off headlights, and a trip computer display in the instrument cluster. The Mazda3 i Touring (which sits one above the entry-level, just like the SE trim of the Focus) comes with all of those things except that the trip computer is less informative and the screen for the camera/bluetooth/etc is much larger. However, if you were cross shopping these two cars, the Mazda would also add a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, fog lights, advanced keyless entry, push-button start, and rain-sensing wipers. Score: Mazda 2, Ford 0.
Maybe we need to talk about practicality? Storage in the front is about the same. Room for people in the front is about the same. Room for people in the back is about the same. Storage in the rear is different. There is more usable space in the back of the 3 and the rear seats fold nearly flat, making it much more user friendly! Now the Mazda is up to three points while the Ford has three fewer than that. Moving on.
Performance! We should talk about performance! The Mazda3’s 2.0L 4-cylinder engine makes 155hp and propels the car to 60mph in a little under 8 seconds while the more powerful 160hp 2.0L 4-cylinder powering the Ford helps it get to the same speed in about 8.5 seconds. In the real world, half a second isn’t much of a difference and the engine in the ford does actually feel slightly more eager than that of the Mazda. Fuel economy figures in the real world are pretty similar. I averaged about 40mpg with the Focus and the longer trips I’ve taken with 2.0L Mazda3’s have produced similar numbers. Let’s call that a draw. But, since they’re both positive, we’ll add a point so that the Ford can finally have one on the board. 4 to 1. Next.
Transmission: I’ll try not to rant on too long on this topic. The Mazda uses a 6-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly, smoothly and while it may be programmed for eco-mode, is happy to play in a moments notice. A quick flick to the left from the “D” position gives you the manual mode to allow you to tell the car when you want it to shift. On the other side of the pond, this is the worst part of the Focus. Ford decided to use a dual-clutch automated manual transmission. For a list of other cars that use dual-clutch transmissions, see: Porsche PDK, anything in the current McLaren line-up, anything in the Ferrari line-up, the 1000-1200hp monster Bugatti Veyron, and, well, you get the picture. Why do they use these transmissions? Well, it’s not for low maintenance. It’s for performance. While one clutch is engaged the other clutch has the next gear ready to go so that when you pull the lever, there’s no hesitation, no wait, just “Bam! Next gear.” Clearly the technology to make a great dual-clutch transmission exists….Ford just didn’t use it. To start, when you take off at partial throttle, the whole car shudders as the clutch engages. It’s annoying enough when this happens when you drive a manual. It’s disconcerting when an automatic does it too. It’s slow, dim-witted and is rarely in the gear you want it to be in. Which brings me to my other gripe - why no manual mode?? It’s a DCT for fucks sake, let me play with it! Nope. You get “L” for low gear (like you got in the 70’s) and a “hill descent” button that will downshift when you’re going downhill...most of the time. I think we have to award this point to the Mazda.
But what about driveability, Bill? Can we talk about that? Yes, we can. When you ignore the previous paragraph and focus on the rest of the driving experience, the Ford can finally stand up a little straighter. It’s definitely quieter on the highway and while it’s motions are less controlled, it’s still a decent handler. It doesn’t provoke me like the Mazda products do, but, if you coax it into playing ball, it can hold it’s own. The stock stereo has decent sound and this lite version of the sync system seems to work well enough once you’re past the learning curve. Steering is light and the visibility is reasonable. The seats were supportive and comfortable - my brother and I made a day trip to Connecticut’s answer to Cars and Coffee: Caffeine and Carburetors and back without either of us complaining about our back. The Mazda is more engaging to drive and comfortable as well, but, I’m a nice guy so let’s give the Ford another point here. I think that makes 2.
Last - let’s talk about price. The Focus had less stuff and a lower quality look/feel. On the plus side, that’s reflected in the price by about $2,000. When you add to that the fact that this is a typical American manufacturer who throws large sums of cash at cars to increase the chances of selling them, it becomes easier to see why it feels cheaper. It is cheaper. So, if you are in search of the deal and can get passed the transmission (or, better yet, if you can drive a stick), it should probably be in the running. Point for the Ford.
For me, however, the more cohesive styling, the simple to use but stylish interior, and the superior driving dynamics would make the Mazda3 the winner in my book. The math above would seem to support that as well.
…..For the record, I would’ve come to this conclusion even if I wasn’t an employee at a Mazda dealer...
*all photos courtesy of me - except where indicated in the photo tags. Also, I should note that while the Mazda3 I described would’ve been a 2016 Touring - the car pictured is actually a 2017 Sport - but not much difference visually from where I took my pictures.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
04/13/2017 at 15:19, STARS: 1
Those transmissions are garbage. Every single time I’ve had a Focus rental, the transmission has been a herky jerky clutch slipping mess. Also, the shifter is very easy to pull past D and end up in L. My wife had a Focus rental not too long ago and complained about that to me, then I drove it and even after she pointed it out to me I managed to do the same.
I had a BMW 135is with a DCT and that transmission was one of the reasons I bought that car. They can certainly be good.
"Captain Brotatohead" (brotatobrotato)
04/13/2017 at 15:54, STARS: 0
As an owner of a FoST and previously a gen 1 Mazda3 hatch, I find your assement of rear space ergonomics and usable space to be accurate. The Focus does a pretty crappy job, you can flip up the rear seat bench to make it food flat, but then you eat up the extra footwell space. It’s actually one of the reasons I’ve chosen not to pursue the RS - just don’t want to keep the same user experience (my seats are almost always folded down and I frequently carry multiple bikes and gear in the hatch). Mazda was and still is way ahead of Ford when it comes to ergonomics.
"t0ast" (t0ast217)
04/13/2017 at 16:19, STARS: 1
They still haven’t improved the transmission? Wow. I got to experience that same jerky-off-the-line mess myself not too long ago in a rental that was a few model years older. I knew about the transmission’s poor reputation beforehand, but was still shocked at how bad and frequent it was. I just figured they would have done something about it by now.
"Wagon Guy drives a Boostang" (gimmeboost)
04/13/2017 at 21:40, STARS: 1
I drove a 2014 Focus SE hatch for two years, and just had a 2016 Focus SE hatch last week as a rental myself while my boostang was in the shop. I agree on all points about your rental. the only way I was able to stand the 2014 as long as I did was that I bought a manual version with the sport pack giving it better interior, suspension, brakes, and tires. In the hatchback version of the Focus, the SE actually is the bottom of the line. You can only get the lower S trim in the Focus sedan.
"Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
04/14/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 0
Ohh, I agree, they can be! I have driven a 2013 BMW 135 - and that was fantastic....and I’ve ridden in a 12C...which was unbelievable. I mean, VW can manage a decent setup in their normal cars, why can’t ford make one that works properly!?
"Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
04/14/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
Yeah - the manual transmission would solve about 75% of the issues I had with this car.
Also, huh, I thought I had seen an “S” hatch on the website, but, it wouldn’t be the first time I was wrong, so I’ll take your word for it! Although, if I compare that with the Sport Mazda3 instead of the Touring, that puts a pretty big ding in my “price” argument for the Focus!
"Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
04/14/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
Amazing, isn’t it!?
"Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
04/14/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 0
Huh, I tried to flip the seat base - perhaps I just wasn’t smart enough to operate it!
Do you still have the FoST? How has the ownership experience been? Over how many miles? (We may be taking one in trade and I’m considering buying it to have fun with for a couple months....)
"Captain Brotatohead" (brotatobrotato)
04/14/2017 at 17:07, STARS: 0
I pre-ordered the ST3 (HIDs, Nav, Leather) and took delivery in October of 2012. I’m at roughly 54,000 miles. Mechanically I’ve had no problems, but they have issued a few TSBs and Recalls that were repaired during routine maintenance visits. The sync system is mostly fine, but it occasionally loses its place and resets, a minor annoyance. I love the seats, but I know some people aren’t a fan of them, definitely try em out before committing to one of the higher trims. Although, I’d say fit an finish of the ST2 or ST3 trim is noticeably nicer than the base trim (we had an SE sedan in the family, it was junk comparatively). I get between 31-29 mph on my 11 mile one way rolling country commute, basically 45-55 mph with a few stops signs. Highway gas mileage is closer to 27 mpg, but that’s because I sit at 75-80 most of the time. There are a few squeaks and rattles coming from the rear hatch which I use basically 2-4x per day. (I ride bicycles, a lot. I often have to transport my bikes, because races and group rides) Saw my first RS at a race, lots bicyclists actually like cars, be nice to us.
"Green Mountain Car Guy" (williamleedy)
04/17/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 0
Thank you for all of the info - good to know they seem to be mechanically sound! I’m excited to hopefully take it for a drive when it gets traded in and perhaps to spend a couple months with it!
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
05/23/2017 at 13:18, STARS: 0
You have to pull up on the rear side of the seat base pretty firmly to get them to release. They’re a pretty strong clip and probably had never been flipped up before.
That said, my wife’s first-gen Mazda 3 hatch actually has more usable room in the back both when the seats are up and when they’re down. Of course, I have an ST3, so some space is consumed by the thick front seats. I also have a higher floor in the hatch area and it doesn’t line up with the seat backs when they’re down, making the cargo area even less useful...
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
05/23/2017 at 13:27, STARS: 0
I was going to argue that he was comparing apples and oranges as the mid-range Mazda 3 HB is actually more comparable to an SEL or Titanium Focus HB.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
05/23/2017 at 14:16, STARS: 0
Yeah, you have them mismatched and I was going to respond telling you that. The Focus comes in 4 trim levels in each body style in the US:
Sedan: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium.
Hatchback: SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST.
In the North American market, hatchback compacts are considered a distinct step up from a sedan, so they don’t come in base trims. Ford’s marketing and trim packages strongly reflect this. The S is decontented for a low starting MSRP and they really don’t expect people to buy them; their MSRP is imaginary, as they usually go for $11-12k, if you can even find one. The infotainment system in your SE HB, for example, is the base one they put in the S Sedan.
You were comparing a mid-range Mazda 3 HB to the rental-spec (automatic) base-model Focus HB. A based Mazda 3 HB would actually be a more reasonable comparison, or a well-optioned SEL HB would be closer to your mid-range Mazda 3. Ford has aggressive incentives on their vehicles most of the time, so expect another $2-5k off in those alone. However, Ford also adjusts them heavily to the US market, which has lower expectations. These same cars in Europe are much, much nicer with a lot more features.
Another thing of note is that the DCT is pretty terrible, but the same DCT is used in the Euro-spec ones and they don’t have the problems the US ones do. There’s something wrong with the ones that are built for the North American market.
I was actually hunting for Focus articles to see if anyone had come up with an idea that dawned on me after reading a recent article about them...
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
05/23/2017 at 14:19, STARS: 0
German-made DCTs used by Ford are also quite good and reliable. The only problem ones are sold in the Americas, especially North America where automatic transmission penetration is very nearly 100%. You don’t see this as much in Mexico and further south, as the vast majority of vehicles are purchased with manual transmissions.