There is a XV thread somewhere here. Basically it is a slightly lifted Impreza hatchback that doesn't even have a bigger boot. As a car, a Focus is probably better, safer and more affordable. If you need a mild offroader though or want that sitting position...

Is the focus a bigger vehicle than this XV? Also has the focus the 5 star NCAP rating that the XV have?

Can share how is the focus better? Price wise its cheaper youre right otherwise how 'better'?

Thanks for sharing more info

The Focus has 5 stars, and it comes in the spec that has actually achieved 5 stars. The XV only has 3 airbags (having a knee airbag, but no side and curtain airbags is a very odd choice). As such it would have no chance of achieving 5 stars due to a lack of protection from side impacts. Frontal impacts it will be fine. I'd expect the Proton CFE to do better in a side impact than the XV (though it only has 4 airbags, the CFE that is).
http://www.euroncap.com/results/ford/focus/2012/430.aspx
http://www.euroncap.com/results/subaru/xv/2012/470.aspx
The Focus clearly performed better than the XV... and the European XV has side and curtain airbags as standard, and thus was tested with them. Leave them away and it is nowhere near the Focus.

As for space I'm not sure. I've only seen the XV at a shopping center (that boot... wow). It does look quite nice and tough. My only expieriences with the Focus is with the wagon version of it, and those obviously have quite a lot of space. The Focus + is well speced (active city brakes... the car will stop if necessary to avoid an accident, HID (those aftermarket ones are usually not good and don't improve safety (probably making things worse), but factory installed HID is usually excellent and very useful, without blinding others), and the Titanium+ adds a system to warn you if there is something next to you that you can't see in the mirrors.

I'd say if you want/need AWD, the Subaru is a good choice. If not, I can think of few reasons (except for the ugly air intakes) that speak against the Focus and in favor of the Subaru. Safer, probably better handling and comfort, better equipped with useful features, ... and the Subaru SC according to the XV thread is rather expensive and bad.

This post has been edited by kadajawi: Apr 17 2013, 04:20 PM

Well written and commented. Thanks for the detailed sharing.

You made good points for the Focus. You must be an owner of one since you know so much of it. Unfortunately, it's a small car and one for those that have no kids. Great for those that are below 30s.

problem is only 3 years warranty, very very very small parts inventory meaning waiting 3-4 months for parts, extremely expensive parts once warranty over.

i'd avoid like a plauge

Nope, not an owner. I had a rental Focus for a day which had some damage (made a weird noise... wooo-wooo-wooo depending on how fast I drove), but which otherwise was a very fine car... prefered it over the Golfs I drove before (4 and 5+).

As usual my advice is: Get parts from Singapore, especially if you drive a conti (I have a Renault). Usually parts there are immediately available in stock and cost less (for Renault it's usually between 1/3 and 2/3). My SC will install these parts for me, and even gives me part numbers so I can acquire the parts. Not sure how Ford does it, and of course the further you are from Singapore the less attractive this may be.

Any car has problems, but I personally think the overall package from Ford is a good and appealing one. YMMV.

its a known fact SDAC doesn't do anything about the poor parts, i'll be damned if i have to travel to get my own parts, i'll just not buy your car period.

my money still on volvo 5 years warranty and long history of being in malaysia plus their assembly based has been moved here

Well, if the choice is between Volvo and Ford, yeah, the Volvo is quite tempting (but the servicing costs they listed on their website? wow.)

Anyway, I don't mind doing day trips to Singapore. Can go shopping, go for a walk, enjoy good food that you can't get in JB, ... and I think most brands spare parts will be cheaper there, plus you can get OEM parts.

I pity your wife. You are willing to splurge an Audi TT on yourself but you spend pittance on wife car, second hand 2011 Volvo S40?

Come on, man. Spend more, don't be a cheapskate. Give her at least a 3 series beemer.