http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/bmw-wan...hicle-platform/

Oooh, I like. Don't like iDrive? Change it. For free.

Speaking of electronics, I was surprised to hear that Honda uses Microsoft. I knew Ford did, but not Honda. I associate Honda with reliable electronic gizmos, and I don't associate Microsoft with reliable ANYTHING.

Wasn't that Microsoft Sync thing one of the most popular options in the universe? I remember reading something about it on Autoblog (I know...not the most reliable) about it single handedly driving sales of the New Focus.

Though that might have to do less with how great Sync is and more with how the new Focus has no other redeeming qualities that would drive its sales

The US-market Focus is still closely to the 1st-gen Focus, which means it's still a more competent steer than most of its rivals.

Ya, but it looks worse than a Billybob Thorton, Rosanne love child.

And oddly doesn't have rear head rests, which apparently is illegal.

Edmunds (I think) says that they numbed the steering for the 2008 Focus. I've read that elsewhere as well.

I think this is an awesome idea, and has serious potential to change in car entertainment for good! However, I'm a little unsure how actual vehicle systems such as safety/emergency warnings, service intervals, etc could be integrated into a platform like this.

I posted a comparo between the old Focus and this. Whereas the old model could contend for class honors with the 3, Rabbit, etc...this isn't quite there. It's still a really good compact though. Certainly better than anything domestic or Korean...maybe some Japanese metal as well.