Hey fanch and partyboy!
I wish I could consider the Focus RS or the Alfa 147GTA but those vehicles are not offered in the US. Ford only sells the Focus in the US to keep its overall fleet gas mileage down. It counters all those SUVs they sell. It is not a priority for Ford here in the US because the US does not like hatchbacks. They are considered cheap and are therefore not prestigious. That is a shame for I envy my Europeans friends...all those awesome hot hatches!!! And it will get even better for you! New Golf and A3 coming soon! Check out the press release for the new A3:
http://www.germancarfans.com/News.cfm?NewsID=2030204.001Me like!!! Unfortunately, it is going to be much more expensive than the R32. The hatchback is making a comeback here and I hope the R32 creates a revolution! We want more hot hatches!!
Alfa will be back in the US though. But that is still a good two or so years away. I always have found Italian styling sexy!!
No offense partyboy on the R32 remarks. I know it may not be the best choice and there may be more higher performance American choices but I have always wanted a four wheel drive super hatch! Ever since the old S3 came out I have been itching to get one. I have a Ford Mustang Cobra and it will run with the best of them. I have clocked 0-60 in about 5 seconds flat with out really abusing it. Now that is fast but throw a corner at the car and it just plows and if you hit the gas in the middle of the corner all I can say is hold on! Snap oversteer. I am tired of driving white knuckled all the time. It is dangerous especially in wet weather which is abundant here. I am also tired of the cheap build quality. Just about ever body panel in the car sings a tune depending on road surface quality. I want the R32 plain and simple. It is perfect for me. It may understeer but the limits are still high enough to have fun with the car. Top Gear (Jeremy Clarkson) said the car may understeer on the limit but those limits are very high and the car just grips and grips. And it is also a value thing for me as well. In the US, for the price, the Golf R32 offers standard equipment and performance that you will not find on other similarly priced vehicles here in the US. Konig sports seats, Rain Sensor, power everything, sunroof, Automatic Climate Control, heated seats, 8 speaker stereo w/ 6 CD Changer, 18 inch wheels, all wheel drive, sport suspension, big brakes, unique but understated styling, leather and aluminum interior, great engine sound, and Xenon lights!! WOW! And all for just $28,800 USD!!! That is incredible!
Anyway, check out that press release on the Carrera GT! That is great news!!! I can not wait to see the real thing! Finally!!!!