[OAC_Sparky]

(02-04-2011, 10:41 PM)ZTWsquared Wrote: True Mat about the sedan / hatch thing ... but OTH the hatch starts at the SE trim level whereas the sedan starts at S - and that's most of the price differential. Here the SE sedan is only a grand less than the hatch.

The point I was trying to make is that you compared the UK price differential between the bottom trim level and the RS trim level to arrive at your "160%" number. But in NA there is an "extra low"** trim level that skews that number. If we're looking at the differential as a function of "trim upgrade levels" then you have to start at the equivaent trim level here.
**Unfortunately for us "enthusiasts" this counts against us. While we look at the RS and salivate, the general public still looks at the car and says (a) "it's just a Ford" and (b) "it's just a Focus" and can't justify a near $40,000 pricetag.

Quote:Perhaps comparing to Mexico is better (and also serves to weaken my point LOL) but in Mexico at today's exchange rate a 2011 Focus RS costs 36K (not sure if that includes taxes and delivery tho) ... which is about 180% of the cost of the base 5-door hatch.

This would not surprise me.

I hope it does come, but the only way it will be feasible is if they do keep it truly global so they can use economy of scale.