To Ghia or not to Ghia

Conscript · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:26

I don't know about all Focii, but it would seem some are built like that just missing various components. I assume its more cost effective to simply build all the cars the same, and then fit the essential looms and switches only to certain models.

It's rather annoying...I can actually see the heating element in my screen (especially in direct sunlight), but I cant use it. I did read that if the car has the correct loom, it may simply be a case of fitting a new switch and fuse and off you go....I cant see it being that simple though.

Mark A · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:26

DannyW said:
so all foc's had a heated screen as std, they just fitted the button the higher end models ??

If you look closely on the ones that have the screen you can see like a mesh in the middle of the screen. Mine doesn't have this, its just a clear screen, but my instructors LX had the mesh in the screen.

DannyW · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:28

i know some lx's have the wiring loom in for the front fogs, just not the switch or the lights.

jamoor · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:28

car also has a towbar which will put me off

DannyW · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:30

jamoor said:
car also has a towbar which will put me off

same, i avoid cars with tow bars

also avoid cars that have odd tyres. make sure all 4 are the same.

Tom|Nbk · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:31

Just like most Focus < 2.0 have the cables for the Trip/MPG computer the only difference is the cables are taped up behind the dash and unused.

atpbx · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:45

Are there not two different power outputs of 2.0 engine in the focus?

Tom|Nbk · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:48

atpbx said:
Are there not two different power outputs of 2.0 engine in the focus?

Well there is the 2.0 in the ST170 which makes close to 170BHP and there is the normal 2.0 in the Zetec's/Ghia's which make 128BHP.

[TW]Fox · 9 Dec 2007 at 18:53

Tom|Nbk said:
Well there is the 2.0 in the ST170 which makes close to 170BHP and there is the normal 2.0 in the Zetec's/Ghia's which make 128BHP.

It's the same engine as the one in the Mondeo so its 135bhp.

Taking figures from Parkers is daft becuase I'm sure they make them all up.

Tom|Nbk · 9 Dec 2007 at 19:06

[TW]Fox;10653938 said:
It's the same engine as the one in the Mondeo so its 135bhp.

Taking figures from Parkers is daft becuase I'm sure they make them all up.

A quick Google seems to suggest that it is 128BHP and that the 2.0 Mondeo makes that much also.

[TW]Fox · 9 Dec 2007 at 19:09

Tom|Nbk said:
A quick Google seems to suggest that it is 128BHP and that the 2.0 Mondeo makes that much also.

Google might suggest that, this does not make it true. The published output of the Silvertop Mondeo Zetec was 136bhp. The changes made when the engine was revised to the Blacktop engine were not performance affecting changes, despite the fact Ford suddenly decided to round the power down to 130bhp.

Blacktop Zetec Mondeos on Rolling Roads since support this theory.

1ofaKind · 9 Dec 2007 at 21:23

The MK1 2.0ghia in 5 door form has global closing. As far as I know it was an option on the other engine sizes.

Pretty much the only options you could have were leather (not 100% sure but I think this gave cruise aswell as leather seats (electric height adjust on drivers)) and a sunroof.

ABS, traction, air-con, heated screens, computer etc all standard.

I agree the seats are not as good as the Zetec seats. Usually had a tape player with CD auto changer under the passenger seat.

My ex 2.0ghia had leather seats (charcoal) and the wood trim was a hell of a lot darker than my dads 2.0gha which has flint grey leather.

As fox states above I was always under the impression that the 2.0 is not the same engine as mondeo one and does have 128bhp.

Abyss · 10 Dec 2007 at 00:07

THe wood dash on the Ghia is a very dark grey/brown colour, so doesn't look to bad at all compared to the typical orangy brown walnut dash of most.

The 2.0L does feel a lot quicker than the 1.6, and is quite a step up. I can't comment on the difference between the Ghia and Zetec though as I have only driven Ghias.

[TW]Fox;10653639 said:
Only the post facelift models.

I can confidently say that the mk1.0 Ghia 2.0L has rear electric windows.

[TW]Fox · 10 Dec 2007 at 00:12

Abyss · 11 Dec 2007 at 23:41

pictures don't really mean a lot when I've owned a 2.0L mk1 5 door Ghia for over two years which most certainly has electric windows. Where are the pics from? It might be a case that early Ghias didn't.

[TW]Fox · 12 Dec 2007 at 00:03

Yours may have had them added as an option - certainly the only Mk1 Ghia I've really looked at in any detail - a 1999 S plate - had windup rear windows.

lordrobs · 12 Dec 2007 at 00:36

[TW]Fox;10650360 said:
Colour on that one is horrid. You seem to be rushing into this. Its a good idea in principle but I'd find a better 2.0.

I like that colour.

I don't like the fact its got a tow bar and I hate the interior. A sea of grey plastic inlayed with plasti-wood, nice. Also the Ghia alloys look crap compared to the Zetec ones, especially the 16" Zetec ones that I think the 2.0's came with.

lordrobs · 12 Dec 2007 at 00:40

DannyW said:
same, i avoid cars with tow bars

also avoid cars that have odd tyres. make sure all 4 are the same.

I agree about odd tyres but I think all 4 being the same is a little OTT.

Abyss · 12 Dec 2007 at 12:52

[TW]Fox;10669880 said:
Yours may have had them added as an option - certainly the only Mk1 Ghia I've really looked at in any detail - a 1999 S plate - had windup rear windows.

All of the ones I looked at when buying the car had electric rear windows. Could possibly be on the 2.0L engines only, as that's all I looked at.

Mark A · 12 Dec 2007 at 13:35

LOL, who cares about rear electric windows anyway?.