Although the previous ST wasn't the sharpest handling car in its segment, it was hugely popular amongst fast Ford fans. Whatever unfavourable aspects it had, the Focus ST made up with its stonking straight line performance, a lovely aural soundtrack and a surprisingly comfortable ride.
But that wasn't enough. Ford went on to fine tune the ST, making it faster, more powerful and greener than its predecessor. The main recipe for this success was the reduction of a cylinder under the bonnet.
The ST that you see here loses its predecessor's turbocharged five-pot powerplant (CO2 targets have made sure of that) in place of a new Ecoboost four-pot turbo that offers both more horses and torque. As a result - as it's becoming more common these days - the car has a better fuel economy.
But of more interest to us and probably you is the fact that it's keenly priced when compared to it's direct rival, the Volkswagen GTI. Moreover, the blue oval hot hatch is considerably and impressively ahead of the GTI's power and torque figures, raising the focused brilliance that has made the ST this good.
While the Megane RS remains to be one hardcore dancer on the tarmac and the Peugeot 308 GTi failing to capture the hearts of those looking for sporty credentials, the Focus ST fills the gap perfectly in between. And it's no doubt familiar and fun.
Exterior
You can immediately tell the difference between the ST and the rest of the Focus family by its exterior treatment that spices up the look of the car. The large glossy black front grille drops hints of mischief, accompanied by the ST badge and stretched out headlamps.
But that wasn't enough. Ford went on to fine tune the ST, making it faster, more powerful and greener than its predecessor. The main recipe for this success was the reduction of a cylinder under the bonnet.
The ST that you see here loses its predecessor's turbocharged five-pot powerplant (CO2 targets have made sure of that) in place of a new Ecoboost four-pot turbo that offers both more horses and torque. As a result - as it's becoming more common these days - the car has a better fuel economy.
But of more interest to us and probably you is the fact that it's keenly priced when compared to it's direct rival, the Volkswagen GTI. Moreover, the blue oval hot hatch is considerably and impressively ahead of the GTI's power and torque figures, raising the focused brilliance that has made the ST this good.
While the Megane RS remains to be one hardcore dancer on the tarmac and the Peugeot 308 GTi failing to capture the hearts of those looking for sporty credentials, the Focus ST fills the gap perfectly in between. And it's no doubt familiar and fun.
Exterior
You can immediately tell the difference between the ST and the rest of the Focus family by its exterior treatment that spices up the look of the car. The large glossy black front grille drops hints of mischief, accompanied by the ST badge and stretched out headlamps.
There is also a roof spoiler and a sexy central hexagonal tailpipe that is done with elegance rather than boy racer brashness. And it's this deliberately subtle design that makes the Focus ST very understated, and charming nonetheless.
Not so understated, unfortunately, is the new snazzy colour on the car - Tangerine Scream. Unless you're the kind of driver who digs how people make comments about your car, we reckon a car like the ST will go well with, say, black colour.
The new ST sits lower than a regular Focus and on 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1s, which are fairly serious sneakers, it gives the car some form of aggression. While some may find the exterior of the Focus ST overdone, we can't deny that the car has excellent proportions. It hardly has a line out of place. More importantly, although the design really plays up the car's performance credentials,with bulked up bodywork and athletic stance, it's still clear that daily usability is there.
Not so understated, unfortunately, is the new snazzy colour on the car - Tangerine Scream. Unless you're the kind of driver who digs how people make comments about your car, we reckon a car like the ST will go well with, say, black colour.
The new ST sits lower than a regular Focus and on 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1s, which are fairly serious sneakers, it gives the car some form of aggression. While some may find the exterior of the Focus ST overdone, we can't deny that the car has excellent proportions. It hardly has a line out of place. More importantly, although the design really plays up the car's performance credentials,with bulked up bodywork and athletic stance, it's still clear that daily usability is there.
Interior
Inside, the cabin stands comparison with anything in its class, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI, whose interior in simple and bold and has a class leading fit and finish. But the Focus, we reckon, is more interesting.
To put it into perspective, it somehow straddles between the flamboyant cabin design of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the determined functionality of the Golf, but with more success and a higher perceived quality.
There are new bucket benches too. The Recaro items look vivid and from what we remember, they do let you sit lower than the previous ST. The multi-functional steering wheel that adjusts hugely for reach and rake is cosy and comfortable to hold, encouraging a light touch.
Inside, the cabin stands comparison with anything in its class, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI, whose interior in simple and bold and has a class leading fit and finish. But the Focus, we reckon, is more interesting.
To put it into perspective, it somehow straddles between the flamboyant cabin design of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the determined functionality of the Golf, but with more success and a higher perceived quality.
There are new bucket benches too. The Recaro items look vivid and from what we remember, they do let you sit lower than the previous ST. The multi-functional steering wheel that adjusts hugely for reach and rake is cosy and comfortable to hold, encouraging a light touch.
While it isn't as thick as the Golf GTI's, we could seriously get to like it a lot. There are also three additional dials for oil pressure, temperature and turbo boost, atop the dashboard, all angled towards the driver.
Space wise, occupants should have no complains. With its bigger dimensions and wheelbase comparing to the Golf GTI, the Focus ST will easily haul three adults at the back with sufficient shoulder room and ample leg and headroom. Boot space, as you can see from the picture here, is also commendable.
Space wise, occupants should have no complains. With its bigger dimensions and wheelbase comparing to the Golf GTI, the Focus ST will easily haul three adults at the back with sufficient shoulder room and ample leg and headroom. Boot space, as you can see from the picture here, is also commendable.
Drivetrain
Start her up and you'll be greeted by a promising, if muted, burble. The Focus ST may have lost a cylinder compared to the previous model but it sounds no less impressive. Ford has been tweaking the ST's soundtrack heavily in an effort to make it sound more theatrically satisfying and it has worked. There's a genuine grunt that can pull off as a five-pot growl.
Alongside the noise is the throttle response. The new engine always feels turbocharged, with a performance that makes it a challenge to modulate the throttle pedal at a constant speed. Still, it certainly doesn't fail to deliver the raw performance expected from a fast Ford. With a maximum of 250 horses and 345Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the ST is now a peachy drivetrain.
On the tarmac, the 2.0-litre powerplant is always willing to explore the upper reaches of the tachometer but it's the mid range that remains to be the most effective and progressive. For all of the Golf GTI's linearity and positiveness from its dual clutch, it somehow lacks the ST's charm.
But where the ST gets marked differently from any other cars in its segment is the meaty clutch, slick gearbox and its steering response. They go hand in hand in such a seamless and mechanical manner that we are convinced they are the defining characteristics of the car. The electric steering is also the answer for overcoming torque steer. In theory, it filters in a load that's equal and opposite to the torque steer, kind of a bit like how noise cancelling on headphones work.
Start her up and you'll be greeted by a promising, if muted, burble. The Focus ST may have lost a cylinder compared to the previous model but it sounds no less impressive. Ford has been tweaking the ST's soundtrack heavily in an effort to make it sound more theatrically satisfying and it has worked. There's a genuine grunt that can pull off as a five-pot growl.
Alongside the noise is the throttle response. The new engine always feels turbocharged, with a performance that makes it a challenge to modulate the throttle pedal at a constant speed. Still, it certainly doesn't fail to deliver the raw performance expected from a fast Ford. With a maximum of 250 horses and 345Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, the ST is now a peachy drivetrain.
On the tarmac, the 2.0-litre powerplant is always willing to explore the upper reaches of the tachometer but it's the mid range that remains to be the most effective and progressive. For all of the Golf GTI's linearity and positiveness from its dual clutch, it somehow lacks the ST's charm.
But where the ST gets marked differently from any other cars in its segment is the meaty clutch, slick gearbox and its steering response. They go hand in hand in such a seamless and mechanical manner that we are convinced they are the defining characteristics of the car. The electric steering is also the answer for overcoming torque steer. In theory, it filters in a load that's equal and opposite to the torque steer, kind of a bit like how noise cancelling on headphones work.
Chuck the ST round corners and it very rapidly and eagerly tucks in. It is accurate and full of feel and with that much torque on tap, the engine is practically ready to answer the call of your right foot at almost any revs. The fact that the ST feels like it's making the maximum use of every single one of its horses helps in this respect, too.
More notably, it has a connection with the driver and feel that makes you want to drive harder and faster every time you hit a bend. There is still some torque steer but it adds character to the car and it's nothing you won't be able to handle. And despite its firmer suspension set up, the ride feels settled and composed over uneven surfaces.
Conclusion
Efficiency and power do not make great engines. However, Ford engineers have succeeded in overcoming inherent losses by the move away from a five-pot powerplant to a four-pot and has proven that downsized engines can still be characterful.
The Focus ST has always been regarded as the softer version of the quick and preposterous RS. But the latest ST you see here is no shrinking violet. It just forces you to ponder if there is an even more bonkers RS to come.
The car has evolved into a bolder and more sophisticated hatchback. It is equally at home pottering around town as it is on a challenging stretch of empty road. It's sort of like an every man's hatch, a daily driver that will get you from point to point in a comfortable manner. But, of course, it can also be pedalled pretty darn fast.
More notably, it has a connection with the driver and feel that makes you want to drive harder and faster every time you hit a bend. There is still some torque steer but it adds character to the car and it's nothing you won't be able to handle. And despite its firmer suspension set up, the ride feels settled and composed over uneven surfaces.
Conclusion
Efficiency and power do not make great engines. However, Ford engineers have succeeded in overcoming inherent losses by the move away from a five-pot powerplant to a four-pot and has proven that downsized engines can still be characterful.
The Focus ST has always been regarded as the softer version of the quick and preposterous RS. But the latest ST you see here is no shrinking violet. It just forces you to ponder if there is an even more bonkers RS to come.
The car has evolved into a bolder and more sophisticated hatchback. It is equally at home pottering around town as it is on a challenging stretch of empty road. It's sort of like an every man's hatch, a daily driver that will get you from point to point in a comfortable manner. But, of course, it can also be pedalled pretty darn fast.
