Well, the best car I've ever had (prior to yesterday) is up for sale because I've just bought the best car I've ever had.
Only done 80 miles or so in it but here are some first thoughts:
It feels bigger, but not as big as I'd feared. Can throw it about a bit but not as much as the Clio. Steering feel of the Clio is much better - not as light.
Seats are identical, driving position is a bit lower but the Clio's steering wheel is much nicer (thicker rim)
Clutch pedal is too high, maybe I'm just used to the Clio one but my leg was getting cramp after a while.
Build quality is about the same. Both are better than the respective brand's offerings from years back, but neither are going to win any awards. Still, that's not the reason for buying either of theses. Clio's stereo has better sound quality, but the Focus (Lux 2 with Sat Nav) will go louder without distorting. Clio will play iPhone/iPod through USB cable no problem, Focus needs an audio cable as well, or Ford specific Y cable.
Engine sound - the Clio is pretty quiet, even with the standard exhaust the Focus has a fantastic sound - the five pot warble and the occasional pop and bang. I think I'm definitely going to get an aftermarket system for this.
To conclude I love it, but it's quite a different beast to the Clio. They cost twice what a 200 of the same age does and I really don't think they are twice as good. Just shows how much of a bargain the 197/200 is. I'm so glad I experienced the 200 for a couple of years, but I've had turbo'd cars in the past and the urge for boost was too much to resist.
Just needs lowering now, then an exhaust, torque mount, quick shift...
