I guess if your driving involves very frequent tackling of curves (on the road) and curbs (in a race track), then the Focus is the vehicle to get. It shares with Mazda3 and Volvo S40-the Ford C1 platform and coupled with those award winning control blade suspension, the Focus is a better performer in that kind of driving environment. In various comparison tests conducted in the US by major automobile publications, the Mazda3 consistently and constantly trumps the FD Civic. The Focus, being platform mates with the Mazda3, surely has the potential to outdo the FD Civic.

In terms, of overall aesthetics and practicality in vehicle maintenance and reliability, I might give the FD Civic the slight edge.