Auto Express from the UK, reviews the freshened Mazda 3 and I was interested to read how they compare it to the Euro Focus which sells 10:1 against the 3. "It’s never been very popular with UK buyers – Ford’s Focus outsold it 10 to one last year – but will this round of updates improve sales for the Japanese maker? Auto Express tested a 1.6-litre diesel to find out. "
" So do the changes transform the Mazda 3? Not really. Our diesel was just as punchy – but also as noisy – as the previous car. Around corners it also feels similar to its predecessor, with a comfortable ride and good agility, but lacking the sharpness of the Focus."Now when was the last time you read something like that in a US car review about the Focus or any Ford? I drive a 3 on a daily basis, and if the Euro Focus is "sharper" I want it now!
I agree. Though I find the U.S. versions a bit dated in design, they're not shabby, either. And I've rented a Mazda3 and found it sweet.
ReplyDeleteFord, do us all a favor and bring over your Euro cars!
The "US" version? Isn't the 3 the same globally? It looks like the same car to me, if you look at pictures and specs. I don't think the Mazda suffers the "US Focus" syndrome.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving my 3, have owned it now for 2 months and it's a real joy to drive and almost everything feels of quality, that should cost more.
The Euro Focus Mk II, as attested to by numerous UK publications like Autocar, definitely drives better than a 3. It's ride is comfortable AND handles better than the 3. Of course the 3 is a highly competent drive albeit on the stiff side, but go drive a Euro Focus to see the difference.
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