Ford Focus ST Review

After many years in the hot hatch market, Ford’s all-new Focus ST has hit the local market and promises exciting performance for an unbeatable price.

Ford Focus ST heritage and practicality

The old Ford Focus ST was still one of my favourite hot hatches. Not only was it quick, but happened to look damn good – something I think some car companies have shied away from. For me a hot hatchback is about being quick, looking quick, yet still retaining elements of practicality. There are few things worse than trying to squeeze a month’s worth of groceries into a hopelessly inadequate boot, the result of which is an earful from the ladyfriend.

The old ST’s engine was a peach too. Shared by Volvo in the C30 T5, this 2.5 5-cylinder sounded magnificent and went like stink. Tuners also loved the way the block accepted extra boost and reworked engine management without any fuss. Basically, the old ST is a legend and the new one has to make a serious mark if it wants a similar reputation.

Ford Focus ST’s all-new engine and looks

Looks-wise the 2013 Ford Focus ST is the business. My particular test unit was clad in a violent shade of orange called ‘Tangerine Scream’, which was loved by all who set eyes upon her. The ST gains daytime running lights, a huge gaping bumper with an ST badge, big rear wing, centred exhaust, while the eye-catching five star-style wheels have been retained.

Like most petrolheads, I was saddened when news broke that the five cylinder engine was no more. Thanks to emissions and economy regulations, that motor just wasn’t green enough. The good news is the all-new 2.0-litre EcoBoost is a suitable upgrade. While it may lack the distinct aircraft rumble of the old one, power and torque are up to 184 kW and 360 Nm – serious figures for a family Focus. Ford has also fitted the Focus ST with an overboost function, which makes for effortless acceleration. Is it fast? Without any real effort, you can be on the wrong side of 120km/h very quickly…

Ford Focus ST handling and dynamics

How’s it like to drive? In a word: terrific. At low revs the ST trundles along like its non-racing siblings without any hint of serious performance. Put your foot flat and the cabin fills with a deep induction roar as air. The engine reaches around the 2500rpm mark and the car picks up momentum. Unlike some turbocharged cars which experience a little power drop off at the top of the rev range, the ST goes full tilt right to the rev limit. However, it doesn’t like uneven road surfaces especially if you’ve got a heavy right foot and said road surface was in the middle of a corner. It doesn’t grip as well as track-focused RenaultSport Megane, but I don’t care. If you have your wits about you, the Focus ST provides plenty of fast fun.

Ford Focus ST features and spec levels

It may be fast, but the Ford Focus ST is still a spacious family vehicle. There’s ample space for four adults, and the boot is deep and practical. The driver and passenger sit comfortably on some tasty heated Recaro leather bucket seats. I was in the ST3 derivative, which gives you nice things like auto wipers, keyless entry/start, halogen headlamps, climate control, a comprehensive trip computer, and a very sweet Sony radio which has both USB and aux inputs. The only downside to the interior was the sheer array of buttons. There are far too many in the Focus ST’s cabin and the steering wheel is also littered with a button for everything. If you own this car, then you’ll get used to which button does what.

The car also features a rather smart system called Sync. It’s essentially a hands-free voice command that works with your mobile phone. You’re able to push the button and tell your phone to dial people and the system will even read out your text messages. You can also tell Sync what music you want to listen to and it will play the selected mp3s off of your device. The downside of this smart system is that it takes a while to figure out and set up. In fact, I broke my record of sitting in a car with the engine turned off, with the handbook in my lap and playing around by an hour. It’s finicky and daunting initially, but once Sync is set up it’ll change your life!

Ford Focus ST verdict and conclusion

Thanks to some smart pricing from Ford (R309 530 for ST1, R353 700 for higher-spec ST3), the Focus ST is an outstanding package. Sure, it may have lost two doors and the terrific 5-pot sound, but in its place is a more mature and grown up product. It offers strong performance as well as being able to transport four adults in style and comfort. It’s these attributes that make the Focus ST a strong contender of hot hatch benchmark until the next Volkswagen GTI comes along.

Ford Focus ST prices in South Africa

ST1 R309 530
ST3 R353 700

We like:
·         Relentless power
·         Looks like a hooligan
·         Decent specification
·         Five-door practicality
·         Brilliant pricing

We don’t like:
·         Can be a bit of a hooligan when driven fast
·         Infotainment system a little complicated
·         Aimed at a younger target market

Ford Focus ST specifications

Engine:                2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power:                 184 kW @ 5 500 rpm
Torque:                360 N.m @ 2 000 rpm
Transmission:      six-speed manual
Wheels:                18-inch
0-100 km/h:        6.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy:   7.2l/100km (claimed combined cycle)

Also consider:
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Opel Astra OPC
Renault Megane RS265
BMW 135i