sedan or hatch

olds · 06-03-2010, 02:22 PM

Hi all I'm looking at buying a new focus lx for the wife but I cannot decide between sedan or hatch any opinions appreciated thanks

DragonMesh · 06-03-2010, 05:00 PM

Well i like sedans over hatchbacks however if you come to wanting to mod the appearance of the focus then the hatchback will be easier to source parts. Basically I think it will come down to which you like the look of more and what size objects is she going to be putting in the boot. Apart from that there isn't really anything else different imo.

mohit · 06-03-2010, 06:54 PM

If a rear wiper is a must then you'll have to go Hatch. Also with a Hatch i think you'll be better able to carry big loads by dropping the rear seats down. Not sure if the rear seats on a Sedan drop down too?

marg99 · 06-03-2010, 08:03 PM

You need the hatch if you want to carry things as its a huge area with the rear seats down. I managed to get a 50 inch LCD TV in its box in there with no trouble but it would not fit in the sedan we had (which did not have folding seats). But they are a bit more noisy than the sedans especially with those factory tyres.

#Russ#Es# · 06-03-2010, 08:32 PM

Rear seats definitely fold down in the sedan, and the boot area is bigger than a Falcon sedan.

The only aftermarket bits you miss out on with the sedan are the rear brake/indicator lights (LED/Lexus style, etc) and the reversing light. And the ST (XR5) or RS wing. Not a big loss.

Unsure of exact dB ratings, but I would imagine the sedan would also be slightly quieter given the boot is enclosed...but then again I may be a little biased.

At the end of the day, go with what YOU like. Maybe test drive both and see which you prefer.

Tj-zetec · 06-03-2010, 09:14 PM

IMO the hatch looks better. And the load space is very flexible. I've had:

A 5 piece drumkit including cymbal bag, pedal bag and stands bag
A guitar in a hard case
A bass in a hard case
Small combo guitar combo amp
Bass amp head in small suitcase
Pedals and leads case
An esky full of beer
An over night bag
Two people

.....all at the same time.

And I was all level with the bottom of the windows so there was nothing blocking my view.

Oh, and it was in my LR 3-door, not my LV! The XR is bigger still!

DragonMesh · 06-03-2010, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Rear seats definitely fold down in the sedan, and the boot area is bigger than a Falcon sedan.

The only aftermarket bits you miss out on with the sedan are the rear brake/indicator lights (LED/Lexus style, etc) and the reversing light. And the ST (XR5) or RS wing. Not a big loss.

Unsure of exact dB ratings, but I would imagine the sedan would also be slightly quieter given the boot is enclosed...but then again I may be a little biased.

At the end of the day, go with what YOU like. Maybe test drive both and see which you prefer.

I also found body kits hard to find (the back panel) but if i wanted one i would prob go with the Zetec one anyway. I agree and can confirm the huge boot. I've picked up many a lcd's and things like desks no problem

rand0mn00b · 07-03-2010, 01:51 PM

according to the specs, the sedan has quite a bit larger boot capacity than the hatch. can also confirm that the seats fold flat =)

the sedan is a few centimetres longer as a result and a few kilos heavier but IMHO is the nicer looking car.

leakey · 08-03-2010, 10:40 AM

Sedan boot area may be larger than hatch "boot" area with seats up, but no comparro'
with seats down. You also dont have a solid, unmovable parcel shelf. The whole hatch area and inside area can be used from floor to ceiling, not just up to the parcel shelf height.

Both great cars though! Cough [go the hatch] cough..

olds · 08-03-2010, 11:09 AM

Thanks for all the Info It was helpful to hear things that I hadn't thought of. Looks like the sedan gets the nod though (mainly from my 12 Y.O. son) He says they look better.