New car: 2012 Focus or 2012 Mazda3

[grippymonkey]

I actually quite like the new Focus.

[Kershaw]

im a total mazda guy, im sure all of you know that.

but im going to go with the focus. it's essentially the same car, but better. ford spent more time and money on the interior and it shows.

[Pantless Spency]

what about a subi hatch?
i like the older mazda speed 3's those are sweet.

[Holland]

I would vote focus, and I don't see why you couldn't special order a loaded model with a manual.

[CorvallisBMW]

I'm in the market for a new car. I drive 45 miles a day on 100% highway to work and back, and 23mpg on premium in the e34 is getting old. Time to move on. This has to be a practical, fun, efficient, good looking car. I've narrowed my search down to two new hatchback cars. Against my better judgement, I'm going to ask the opinion of r3v...

2012 Focus Titanium

Pros:
-Great styling, fantastic interior (seriously... it's incredible), perfect blend of ride + handling
-Great value for money, comes with stuff like WiFi hotspotting and MyFord Touch
-Super-fast DCT trans, new dual-variable-valve-timing engine with direct injection, 38mpg

Cons:
-No manual available except on stripped-down models :(
-Doesn't hold it's resale value quite as well as imports
-Initial quality/reliability issues with the DCT trans and MFT system



2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv GrandTouring

Pros:
-New SkyActiv engine and hybrid DCT/Auto trans get 40+mpg
-Best handling compact car in it's segment
-SICK bi-xenon, self-leveling, turn-following headlights (yeah, they're that good)

Cons:
-Again, No manual available except on stripped-down models :(
-Dated interior with small screens, not nearly as nice as the Ford
-Short on advanced features like MMI given the price