Ford Focus 1.6 AT or Mazda3 1.6V?

[orly_andico]

These are the same car under the skin. Both have the all-important ABS and power features.

Focus
+ it's 40k cheaper (not a huge difference)
+ rear aircon vents
+ softer suspension and better NVH suppression (?)
+ rear sensors (3k only to add, supposedly)
+ remote control for the windows a la Peugeot (cool gimmick!)
+ auto up/down on all windows with anti-pinch a la BMW (another cool gimmick)

Mazda3
+ digital climate control
+ passenger airbag
+ better looking (?) depends on whether you like conservative or edgy
+ 16" wheels
+ 6-disc changer (vs 1-disc) and steering-wheel controls

In terms of interior quality, they feel about the same to me. I like the Focus dash more (softer to the touch) but prefer the cloth on the Mazda3. Both have amazing non-cloth headliners but turns out all non-midrange cars are like this.