SA (2018) Ford Focus

kevino · 08-09-2018, 09:38 AM

I emailed Ford Customer Service recently to enquire whether the 2019 Focus will be available in a manual gearbox. I dont want an ST or RS -these are out of my price range.

I got a generic reply saying specs are not determined watch our web site. In the mean time car web sites such as caradvice have confirmed there will be no manual version in Trend/ST Line/Titanium specs.

After having 4 new manual FordFocus/Fiesta in the last 14 years I.m a bit ****ed off that I wont be able to buy the new model with a manual gearbox.

How many forum readers would buy a manual 2019 Focus.
Is there demand?

Can we change Fords view?

COmments please!!!

Ken_AUXR8 · 08-09-2018, 02:51 PM

Sign of the times really, it seems people just want basic transport with gizmos and nanny-aids. I bought an ST ex-demo to save some coin, and if your budget could stretch I believe it's worth it for all the other goodies that come with it, not only for the manual box. Cracker car IMO.

In my view a small 4 cyl (esp non-turbo) needs a manual to get the best from them, and that's what I would buy every time. But we're clearly in a minority and given the way things are in the US at the moment, I'm counting us lucky to be getting the new Focus at all.

Bossxr8 · 10-09-2018, 02:07 PM

Having an 8 speed auto they know demand for manuals would be tiny.

I guess they consider having a manual in the ST gives someone who really wants a manual a chance to have one.

Craig@AUDI · 10-09-2018, 03:55 PM

There's 4 showing Australia wide in the MY2016.75 as brand new cars.

Maybe grab one of those

NX74205 · 10-09-2018, 05:14 PM

If Ford offers a manual gearbox in the 2019 Focus ST Line or Titanium, I'd be very interested.

I miss driving a manual, but I'm not going to compromise on trim level. I don't want to have to get the poverty pack just to get a manual gearbox.

kevino · 10-09-2018, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig@CumberlandFord

There's 4 showing Australia wide in the MY2016.75 as brand new cars.

Maybe grab one of those

I already have a LZ (2015)manual.
Whats it like at your dealership Craig...no demand for manuals?

The manual LZ is terrific on fuel much much better than the LZ autos which I have clocked up kms on as a loan car.

stefcio007 · 10-09-2018, 08:39 PM

Hmm, I wonder how long until these will be available for lease. Would like to try one.

kevino · 12-09-2018, 08:17 AM

Ah well. Looks like no love or demand for a Focus Trnd/ST/titanium manual.

Time to look at autos, and Ford what have you got a 2019 3 cyl Focus with 8 speed will chew fuel.
Escape auto chews fuel.
What about a zb commodore 9 speed auto 2 litre 191kw and 350nm -it does make one think. 6-9litres per 100kms.

fiestaz · 12-09-2018, 12:30 PM

I think you’d find the focus still better on fuel than the commodore

Fast Eddie · 12-09-2018, 01:43 PM

Wheels September Issue has a feature on the MkIV for what it's worth. I wonder what the Sales & Marketing Office of Ford Aust. will do to market it. Maybe a start, would be TO ACTUALLY market it.

Smoke Pursuit · 12-09-2018, 03:47 PM

Buy a runout.

I had a MY19 on order but took a Mondeo Titanium diesel for a few grand more. Was a no brainer.

kevino · 12-09-2018, 07:28 PM

Yes Ford took away the diesel option for Focus.
Now they are taking the manual gearbox option away from buyers.
The Focus diesel was a ripper.
The 1.5 petrol with a manual gearbox is a ripper.
However Ford just deletes these options.

marg99 · 13-09-2018, 07:36 AM

thus it is when your strong opinion is not shared by enough people who actually buy the models. I loved my manual diesel focus

kevino · 13-09-2018, 06:49 PM

Yes my LT diesel manual was the best car I be ever owned.

allanv6gt · 25-10-2018, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I guess they consider having a manual in the ST gives someone who really wants a manual a chance to have one.

So when do we get the Focus 2.0lt ST Manual (not ST-line ) ??
It's time to replace my 2010 XR5 Mondeo.

stefcio007 · 25-10-2018, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

Wheels September Issue has a feature on the MkIV for what it's worth. I wonder what the Sales & Marketing Office of Ford Aust. will do to market it. Maybe a start, would be TO ACTUALLY market it.

Here we go https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/...d-focus-review

Bossxr8 · 26-10-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanv6gt

So when do we get the Focus 2.0lt ST Manual (not ST-line ) ??
It's time to replace my 2010 XR5 Mondeo.

Not sure. But the first uncovered prototypes have been spotted in Europe so i'd say it will be released late next year.

dannyhilton · 27-10-2018, 05:32 PM

Providing the Titanium looks good in the flesh and has nice leather, we’ll upgrade the Escape and get one in the New Year. Ford’s announced pricing is typical Ford, priced too high, however I’m sure once the cars been on the ground for a few months some sharper deals will come about. Disappointed the ST-Line can’t be had with the HUD, leather or B&O Sound System, but the Titanium should be a nice car!

stefcio007 · 27-11-2018, 08:42 PM

ST-Line wagon confirmed for Australia, by confirmed I mean I saw it in the flesh with VIC plates.

dannyhilton · 28-11-2018, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefcio007

ST-Line wagon confirmed for Australia, by confirmed I mean I saw it in the flesh with VIC plates.

I've been stalking the local Ford dealership like crazy to get a glimpse of this new Focus!

stefcio007 · 28-11-2018, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

I've been stalking the local Ford dealership like crazy to get a glimpse of this new Focus!

These were getting registered by VicRoads so they should be popping up at dealerships soon. It's basically the last step before they are sent out.

**DFB FGXR6** · 28-11-2018, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefcio007

These were getting registered by VicRoads so they should be popping up at dealerships soon. It's basically the last step before they are sent out.

Perhaps these were for press evaluation prior to the on-sale date?

stefcio007 · 28-11-2018, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Perhaps these were for press evaluation prior to the on-sale date?

Possibly, but we should be seeing some news soon.

**DFB FGXR6** · 28-11-2018, 08:12 PM

Looking forward to seeing a few on the roads. Having just viewed the new Mazda 3, the Focus has it all over its former partner.

stefcio007 · 28-11-2018, 10:22 PM

Did some more digging.
The ST-Line wagon comes up as 1.5L Dragon (175/180PS).
I assume Dragon is a codename for the engine? Anyone heard of it before?

I'm thinking there is a bit of mis-information on my part. I re-checked my photos and there is no ST-Line badge. The sedan also has the same engine config as the wagon.

175/180PS does seem a bit small for an ST-Line trim, right?

Colour codes are Moondust Silver and Orange Glow.

Bossxr8 · 29-11-2018, 11:10 AM

Yes Dragon is the engine code.

Vesper Martini · 30-11-2018, 02:01 PM

The new Dragon engine is an Ecoboost 1.5L 3 cylinder and will replace the 4 cylinder 1.5s
It will feature in base model Focus and in the fiesta ST

I'm pretty sure The focus ST get the 2.3L

dannyhilton · 30-11-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Looking forward to seeing a few on the roads. Having just viewed the new Mazda 3, the Focus has it all over its former partner.

Couldn’t agree more. The new 3 hatch looks a little odd, and the sedan a bit bland. The inside looks good, but I think comparing photos the Focus looks a lot nicer, plus the 3-Cylinder engine should give it some character.

stefcio007 · 07-12-2018, 08:55 PM

Some images of the wagon mentioned earlier for those interested.

Fast Eddie · 08-12-2018, 12:10 PM

Comparing Fuel Filler position between my MkI and the MkIV could pose a problem for me and it's not on the Driver's Side either.