New Ford Focus ST review
Author: David Miles
Published: 11 August 2008
For people who want a new Ford Focus with a bit more brand value, a bit more image and considerably more performance, the ST three and five door hatchbacks are the answer.
These five-cylinder turbocharged petrol 225PS, 320Nm, higher performance models are currently the most sporty Focus models until the more muscular Focus RS 280PS front-wheel drive variant arrives next year. This forthcoming model uses the same 2.5-litre-turbocharged petrol engine as the current ST models but tuned for more power and 400Nm of torque.
Hot hatch market
The front-wheel drive Focus ST is no all-wheel drive Lancer Evolution X or Subaru WRX STI slayer it competes more happily with the Honda Civic Type-R and the VW Golf GTi. Where it scores over all of them is that for day to day driving over our congested and winding roads is the 320Nm torque output from 1,600 through to 4,000rpm that makes it extremely responsive and flexible to drive.
The Focus ST is priced at a competitive £18,545 to £21,145, plus options and whether the three or five door body style is chosen and if the car is an ST, ST-2 or an ST-3 for specification.
My sporty Focus test model was the ST-2 5-Door priced at £20,145 but fitted with numerous options, including the touchscreen navigation system, weighed in at £22,445. Like all Focus models the ST versions have Electronic Stability Control and in the case of the ST variants this incorporates traction control. All Focus models also have Ford’s award winning EasyFuel system.
Styling and interior
For a ‘hot’ performance car the Focus ST is a bit understated compared to most of the competition, only the electric orange paintwork model and WRC stripes versions make a visual ‘performance’ statement.Apart from the twin rear exhaust pipes, rear under bumper diffuser, semi-muscular body mouldings, mesh grille and big alloy wheels, suggest at a quick glance the ST is any different to a normal Focus Hatchback. Inside the car the Recaro front sports seats and metal finished pedals ‘glam-up’ the model.
Apart from the civilised performance and muscular looks the ST has 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and a sports suspension which thankfully is not so hard that it spoils the driving experience. ST-2 specification adds and upgraded Sony radio/CD audio system, Bi-xenon headlights with rear LED lights and a Quickclear windscreen. For those customers still wanting more, ST-3 adds a further Sony sound system upgrade and full leather for the Recaro seats.
Engine and performance
So we have a nice package of a high torque strong and responsive petrol engine which makes overtaking easy, a slick 6-speed close ratio gearbox, sporty styling, nicely ‘kitted out’ sports interior, room for four adult passengers, a sports suspension which actually delivers a comfortable ride and a family sports machine with at top speed of 150mph and 0-62mph takes 6.8 seconds.
Fuel economy is officially 30.4mpg overall and my test car returned 24.6mpg for day to day motoring which included visits to my local town, motorway trips and travelling along British A and B-class and passing slow moving holiday traffic.
Civilised performance at a good price sums the Focus ST up. It might not be an exciting Evo X or Scooby WRX STI beater for performance and grip but it is more driveable on today’s busy roads and far less pricey.
MILESTONES
Ford Focus ST-2 5-Door
Price: £20,145 (£22,445 as tested)
Engine/transmission: 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine, 225PS, 320Nm of torque from 1,600rpm, 6-speed close ratio gearbox and traction control
Performance: 150mph, 0-62mph 6.8 seconds, 30.4mpg (24.6mpg actual), CO2 224g/km, VED Band F £210 (£300 from April 2009) Insurance group: 17
For: Fast, comfortable, mid-range power and response, conservative sports styling, well priced, good body control
Against: Not exciting enough for some either in looks or outright performance, nose heavy handling during tight cornering
See Also:
Click here for more Ford stories
Click here for more Hot Hatch stories
Details, pictures, prices and review of all hot hatches in the UK.
The new Honda Civic S, Civic Type S and Civic Type S GT, will go on sale in the UK in January with prices ranging from £14,000 up to £19,800.
Tango orange has been the trump card in drawing the public’s attention to the advance selling programme Ford has been running for the new Focus ST hot hatch.
Ford announces the all-new all-performance Focus RS - for those who think the ST is for wimps.
Modest styling tweaks and dual-clutch gearbox bring Focus, Focus ST up to date.
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