Focus sedan I vs Lancer IX: which is better?
Ford Focus sedan I (1998–2005) vs Mitsubishi Lancer IX (2000–2010): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Focus sedan I
Mitsubishi Lancer IXSpecifications
| Ford Focus sedan I | Mitsubishi Lancer IX | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1998–2005 | 2000–2010 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Zetec | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 100 hp | 98 hp |
| Torque, up to | 145 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 362 mm | 4 535 mm |
| Width | 1 702 mm | 1 695 mm |
| Height | 1 430 mm | 1 440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 615 mm | 2 600 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Ford Focus sedan I
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost engine: Duratec suffers timing belt and ignition coil wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 2005, condition is everything
Engine (Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost): on Duratec — timing belt and ignition coil wear; on EcoBoost — overheating and coolant leaks on the 1.6.
Mitsubishi Lancer IX
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mitsubishi 4G6x/4G18: timing belt and balance shaft belt failure
Engine (Mitsubishi 4G6x/4G18): timing belt and balance shaft belt snapping; worn engine mounts.
Which one to choose
- Focus sedan I — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- Lancer IX — if you care more about: torque.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Focus sedan I or Lancer IX?
Focus sedan I: up to 100 hp, Lancer IX: up to 98 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Focus sedan I — about 13 675 ₸, Lancer IX — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.