Alex In Wonderland

Why Fix It If It Isn't Broke?

I have a lot to do with cars at the moment. Not the greatest thing in the world to have to deal with, but it is a necessary evil. Cars do not interest me in the way that they interest most men. I know what I like, sure, and can admire asthetics as much as the next Harvey, but engine performance, etc really is not that much of an issues. I let Sally choose things like colours, number of doors, Gollum restraints, etc. So long as it is not pink and underpowered that is fine my me.

Ford have redesigned their Focus (the European version). Ford in the UK had a not too good reputation for their cars. Workmanlike, a little unreliable, not popular with mechanics (the result of mass production is they are built for Ford's convenience and not for after sales care). With the Focus they really got it right - it looked good, drove well, was reliable, had minor cosmetic alterations during its production.

Then they changed it.

Now, asthetically, it looks like my mom designed it. They started with the front, did an OK job of that, the profile, well not too bad, but then you get to the back and it is OH MY GOD WHY DID YOU NOT FINISH IT!!! The back just... ends. It is SO ugly! Whenever I see one I look at it and (as Mr T so eloquently put it) I pity the fool who drives this car, I pity him! Who makes these decisions in Ford? Did some executive come along and go "Well, the Focus. It's getting on a bit now so here is a picture of a car my 5 year old son did so copy that. No if's or but's, just get on with it."

Underneath it is still an old Focus. The engine, transmission, electrics are all the same - these worked and they didn't change them. Some subtle alterations on the body might not have gone amiss, but they have missed the point. It is just ugly and embarassing.

Posted by AlexC at August 30, 2005 04:02 PM