Just back from our Estonia vacation, and thought I would post my thoughts on these 3 cars.
BTW, my favourite new euro vehicle (based on appearance) was the Peugeot 407, in both sedan and estate variants), this car is a real eye cathcer, much better in real life then pictures.
Ok 1st car was the Mondeo 3.0 V6 MY2005,
Performance
The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine is surprisingly strong feeling ,packs quite a punch,numbers quoted to me were 100km around 7.5secs. It sounds great, too.Yes I tested the manual tranny variant.
Ride & handling
Good chassis dynamics,the Mondeo is a big car but doesn't feel like it because its body movements are so well controlled and its steering is very solid feeling(Germanic).The suspension set-up as explained to me, is set up for highspeed,hence great on the highways, but the ride is rather firm around town due to the ST's large wheels and low-profile tires.
Refinement, cabin materials and touchy feely is almost on par with VW/Audi (no kidding).
The benchmark was the VW Passat and Ford has come close to matching it. The trim textures, panel fit and damped action of many of the Mondeo's features show Ford's(Europe) determination to match the best, but wind noise from the rear at moderate speed, (maybe a bad seal or something). Road and suspension disturbance is absent on all but the worst(washboard) roads, and Estonia has some bad roads.The engine noise is muted but audible rasp that adds a semi-sporting note, when you plant your right foot.
Conclusion-Wish it was sold in Canada.(say no more).
Focus 2.0 16v Titanium (wnated to test the 2.0TDCi, but none were available.
Performance
Nicely set up engine, and provides decent acceleration,they tell me the diesels are especially torquey. Gearing ,etc felt 10 times better then my North American ZX5.(Its an insult what Ford NA offers our market in comparison to euro car)
Ride & handling
The new Focus suspension set up is firmer then my 2002 eurowagon, but at the same time it felt more able to soak up the worst of those Estonia not so smooth highways and city streets.IMO at high speeds, the quality of the ride is excellent and the handling is super.Big time fun!!
Refinement
Engine noise is quiet and smooth, even when lead foot Luey's are driving. Wind and road noise are effectively sealed out. All of the controls work nicely with a good substance feeling.I was vey impressed with the solidness of the new Focus, much improved over my 2002 Eurowagon. The doors are heavy and close with almost a Volvo like clunk.The driving position is excellent, with a greater range of adjustment than in the old car. I thought with the sloping rear roofline that headoom for rear paxs would be limited,however, there’s good headroom and an airy feel to the rear of the cabin, and lots of trunk space.
Conclusion-Very surprised how nice the new Focus is in all aspects, if it was sold here, it would put the Mazda3 to shame. The wagon variant is stunning.
Renault Mégane Coupé Cabriolet 2.0T 16v
Performance
The 136bhp 2.0 feels weak and needs a downshift before climbing hills or passing. The diesel would have been better suited (again none available)
Ride & handling
Not much fun which was a big surpirse, soft ride, which is comfortable, hence body lean when you hit the bendy bits. The steering feel is null and void. With the roof down the Mégane shakes rattles and rolls over potholes and rough roads.
Refinement
Roof-up, the Mégane is a quiet place to be. The engines are quiet unless revved hard.Rear suspension thump on poor surfaces(hated that), while wind noise gets bad at speeds of 100km.
Conclusion-major disappointment, when I seen the car on the road, it looks fun, but its not.
I wanted to test drive a V50 2.0D, but again no diesels available.
One last note on which models or mfgs cars I seen the most.
1.VW
2.Opel
3.Ford/Mazda (Mazda6 wagons out numbered sedans 5-1)
4.Toyota (euro models put ours to shame)
5.Peugeot,Citroen (Puegeot 307 wagons, super nice car)
Most seen SUV's ,X-trail followed by Kia Sorrento, then Toyota Land Cruiser (which is a Lexus, don't know the #variant for here)BTW Infiniti is now sold in Europe, my friend has a FX35(very nice auto), and she said there are only 4 in all of Estonia,(she also has 1 of the 3, 300Z cars in Estonia as well,did some fun cruising in these 2 vehicles.
Not too many Honda Accords(TSX), but most spotted were wagon variants.
Lots of Audi's,BMW's,Volvo's and MB's, wagon variants again being prominent. BTW Volvo V50 out numbered the S40 as far as sightings 25-2.
Also Lexus is finally being considered a good car there.Saw a few new ones, sorry I do not know Lexus models numbers.
