Ford Focus ST quick spin review

[Express]

Ford Focus ST quick spin review


Blue oval's turbocharged pocket rocket takes aim at the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R.


Toby Hagon
2 December, 2015


See the link below for video



Vitals: $38,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs); 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol; 184kW/345Nm; 6-speed manual; 7.3L/100km; front-wheel drive



2015 Ford Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. Photo: Supplied


Why we're driving it

Along with the rest of the Focus range the ST was recently updated with notable styling updates, particularly around the nose. The interior, too, has been cleaned up and some more equipment thrown in for good measure. Unlike the rest of the range, though, the engine in the ST is unchanged – still a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (basic models swap the previous non-turbo 2.0-litre for a 1.5-litre with a turbo).

What is it?

One of the fastest cars Ford makes – and by far its fastest hatchback. The ST is the performance icing on the Focus cake. It uses the same five-door hatchback body as the Focus but gets a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (it's the same basic engine used in various Land Rovers, Jaguars and even the Ford Falcon).

What isn't it?

Unassuming. Even the car-unaware would notice there's something a little special about the ST. The fantastic-looking 18-inch alloy wheels and big exhaust outlets also give the game away. And once you stab the accelerator there's no mistaking it for everyday small car fare.

What does it say about me?

You've done your research. The Focus isn't a great selling small car and you don't see as many STs around as you do, say, a Golf GTI. So it's not the sort of thing you stumble across. Yet for those lucky enough to drive one they soon figure out it's a cracking hot hatch.

What colours does it come in?

White, red and "Stealth" (a mid-grey) are the only standard colours, with the other four (blue, black, yellow and silver) adding $450. Depending on the exterior colour there are also four different seat highlight colours – red, blue, yellow and grey. Yellow is the pick if you want to stand out, but the blue (which is unique to the ST) really suits the car.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

Robert Downey Jr. Feisty and occasionally off the rails, yet versatile. Like the Iron Man and Avengers actor the ST is not always top of mind.

Why would I buy it?

For one of the most engaging hot hatch experiences going. It's also the only Focus currently made in Germany (the rest come out of Thailand).

Best bits?

The hugely flexible engine; it's the heart of the ST and is one of the best of any hot hatch. The Recaro front seats are also fantastic, with great adjustability and even better lateral support (they look cool, too). Plus there's the look, especially the twin-centre exhausts, the aggressive grille and those great wheels (with red brake calipers within). This latest update has cleaned up the interior considerably; there's still some of the cleverness (adjustable cupholders up front and storage binnacles either side of the rear seat) and the main infotainment controls are far more intuitive.

Worst bits?

Some of the gauges – especially the three on top of the dash, one of which is the turbo boost gauge – use a font that looks like it was designed for the latest Lego set, rather than a high performance car. Those wanting to relax may not like the fact it isn't available as an auto. At 12.0m the turning circle is fairly large (1m bigger than the regular Focus), which can make a three-point turn a five-pointer.

Does it cost too much?

No way. It's certainly in the hunt with other hot hatches and undercuts many. Not lacking in standard equipment, too, so it's great value when compared with some. Plus there's an optional Technology Pack ($2000) that brings auto emergency braking (up to 50km/h), auto high beams, lane keep assist and lane departure warning.

Will I get a deal?

Maybe a grand or two, more likely on a car in stock or a dealer demo. But don't go thinking you'll trouser thousands.

Will it get me noticed?

Only to those who matter. The great looking 18-inch wheels, body kit and ST badges are enough to alert the astute enthusiast that that it's not your average Focus. Others might recognise the colours unique to the ST (yellow and "Performance Blue", for example). But to the average punter they'll probably mistake it for a garden variety Focus, which is good and bad…

Does it go?

Yep, nicely. In first gear it's difficult to convince the 18-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres not to wheelspin. Blame that on the 345Nm of torque (or 360Nm for up to 15 seconds at a time) that kicks in from just 2000rpm. The 184kW of power doesn't hurt, either, and ensures this is one feisty Ford.

Does it like corners?

It loves the bends, but be careful when you're applying the power – and make sure you've got both hands on the wheel. There's so much grunt going through the front wheels that it generates a fair amount of "torque steer", whereby the steering tends to take off in the direction you're turning it more than you expect. Thankfully there's plenty of grip and the ST is obedient once it's given up arguing with you on which direction it'd prefer to go.

What about bumps?

The suspension is taut and ensures you'll feel every ripple. But it doesn't jar and deals with speed humps pretty well, so it copes well with the cut and thrust of suburban life.

How's the sound system?

Pretty naff. It's a Sony system (how 1980s…) although you no longer get the Sony logo splashed across the dash; now it's only on the speaker grilles. It's got reasonable bass but sounds thin in the mid-range and lacks clarity with the high notes. At least digital radio is part of the deal, as well as the usual Bluetooth streaming now commonplace.

What about service stations?

Claimed consumption is 7.3 litres per 100km and it prefers the premium unleaded brew. Yet its real world performance isn't bad, hovering around 10 or 11L/100km. The recent addition of stop-start – whereby the engine automatically cuts out temporarily when stationary – keeps fuel use down slightly in traffic. Plus if you use its torque more than its top-end power it can be surprisingly frugal – for a performance car.

Would you buy one?

I'd absolutely be tempted, mainly for that engine.

What else should I consider?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI lacks some of the ST's mongrel but is a better bet as a daily driver. The Renault Megane RS is also a fun machine, although it misses out on rear doors.

The spin

"Reach 200bpm in under 2 seconds."

The translation

Better hold on - this could be a wild ride.

http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-revi...02-gld6zs.html