Personally I would take the XR5 over the 3MPS. THe focus has a bit more pedigree (i.e. the WRC), and I think it generally is more appealing to the eye.

The Mazda 3 MPS is a 2.3 vs the XR5 being a 2.5. However the MPS is quoted as making 190kw/380nm and the Focus only 166kw/320nm with the wieght of each being almost exactly the same (1408 vs 1403). The new shape MPS hasnt been released yet though and that gets a 2.5. Having said all this as phizzle has said in above post there are a few options for the XR5 to get a bit more oomph.

Even with the differences in output, I personally would still have the Focus...

Compare them here...

[URL=http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/details.aspx?R=450977&__Qpb=true&Cr=8&__Ns=p_Make_String|0||p_ClassificationType_String|0||p_Family_String|0||p_Year_String|1||p_SequenceNum_Int32|0&silo=1300&__N=2994%202952%204294953017%204294843236%204294848214&__Nne=15&seot=0&acv=SJBmTkbQzcM.&trecs=16&gmid=2815261&__sid=11FD67A9B3CE]Mazda 3MPS Sports[/URL]

[URL=http://www.redbook.com.au/new-cars/details.aspx?R=459982&Cr=0&__Ns=p_Make_String|0||p_ClassificationType_String|0||p_Family_String|0||p_Year_String|1||p_SequenceNum_Int32|0&__N=2994%202951%204294961316%204294843565%204294848214&silo=1301&seot=0&__Nne=15&trecs=15&__sid=11FD67A9B3CE]Ford Focus XR5[/URL]

I was set on an XR5 but I couldnt find a dealer that would play ball on pricing so walked away and got my WRX instead.

I love my WRX but the engine noise and the interior fit, finish and comfort are way beyond anything Subaru has done! I'll just mention that engine noise again...OMFG! Get a nice exhaust system and they really sound special especially when you get a nice series of pops and crackles on the over-run...sounds VERY Audi Quattro rally car.

I wouldnt worry about the power down / torque steer thing. Every car takes a different driving style and a high power FWD car can not be driven like a WRX. I.E. You cant just stomp on the go pedal!!

Something I found with them: It seems to take a good 30,000KM for the engine to really loosen up and for the gearbox to feel really good. I test drove a few examples and the demo or brand new cars with under 5,000KM and the cars babied as a commuting car quite frankly felt 'flat' with a rubbery gear change.
I also test drove a couple of higher KM cars that had very obviously been 'well loved' and they felt great with instant engine response.

TXTC v2

haha off to the dealers tonight and see what they can offer

also have my eye on a few minis

no more txtc - shit was cursed

Did Zane get onto you Adz??

I am so glad you brought back those twin cannons^^^

hahaha, glad to see the general consensus agrees with my taste!!

i wouldn't touch 3MPS, face lifted version is coming in couple of months more info in this months wheels magazine [url]http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/In_the_Magazine/June+2009.html[/url]

[QUOTE=MY REXTC]Did Zane get onto you Adz??[/QUOTE]

Nope

Test drove a mini tonite and a demo model @ lynford

Got given a great price on both..

Couldnt believe the asking price on the focus tho - was in electric orange with leather.. $45k driveway!!

After some bargaining got a much better price.. still undecided between the two.

The new focus tho: VERY impressive, plenty of power, feels VERY solid. Still got out with a bigger smile when i jumped outta the mini tho!

Decision time

I'll call him in the morning, he ws prob busy. Hold off coz there's a very good chance he'll do better. He emailed me back so he knows about it, I'll kick him into gear in the morn buddy.