I agree completely. I would love a Diesel focus with the 6 speed manual transmission. For Ford though, I think they are just looking at what sells. Americans don't like manual transmissions, diesel engines, or forced induction (unless it's on a sports car).
I'm the opposite. I think the small, forced induction engine is a brilliant solution in an economy car, I think a manual transmission is the way to go and I cannot fathom for the life of me why we are so glued to the less-thermally-efficient, more-refined gasoline over Diesel fuel?
But as it is, I had to special order my focus just to get the 5 speed manual, as nobody had them in stock. As my salesman told me "It'd sit on the lot for months. Nobody buys them with a stick anymore". So people routinely pay $2,000 (which is what the auto costs on a Focus) for a less reliable transmission? Insane! I prefer a manual anyway though I suppose I'm biased.
Chevy is finally bringing the Diesel to the cruze. But apparently, their marketing Gurus have decided that the ultra-efficient engine isn't for people looking to save on transportation costs; it's only for people who want the top trim level with navigation and leather seats. Now, I'm sure that's because it makes the Diesel engine look less expensive. But I'm sure there are some who would like a mid trim level car with a Diesel!
Kind of like the MT on the Focus. There were a couple of base models (steel wheels with hubcaps, crank windows, etc.) with a MT at another dealer. I guess they figure they better have some in stock at 'starting price'. But when you want an SE Sport, a middle trim level (not even at the top!) people look at your like you're sick when you tell them but you still want the manual transmission, lol.
Oh I could go on. And it's not just Ford. Want white tape stripes with your red paint? Sure, but you can't have the black interior anymore. Why? Dunno. Because the computer said so. Want climate control on your new Focus? Why, yes, yes I do! Okay, but for Climate Control to work you first have to add MyFord Touch, leather seats, an appearance package; oh, and you can't have those rims you picked out AND Climate Control (true story), and it'll be $3,800 in addition to the $795 option you picked. Agh! Why can't I just pick what I want when I'm special ordering a car? (And no, that wasn't going up a trim level, it literally was a requirement to have the SE Appearance package, which had different wheels, and another package that included leather seats, AND the MyFord Touch package, BEFORE you could have climate control).
