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Xplan ford focus st8/3/2023 ![]() In some ways, my week with the Type R has made me appreciate the Focus ST more. But switching the drive modes on the Honda in particular unearths Jekyll and Hyde levels of transformation. Get it right, and the Focus ST seems to slide, constantly skating around the moment of lift-off oversteer.īoth cars can be sedated on request in Comfort mode, either car can do a decent impression of the practical family hatchbacks they’re based on, and to a large extent still are. The Ford, however, requires stronger, more frequent inputs to the wheel – and softer use of the throttle and brakes. Heavy steering in +R mode makes it feel like you’re scoring the road, and although the Civic’s brakes are powerful and fun to modulate, you find yourself using them less and less on entry. On the Focus ST, you sit on the chassis, while in the Honda you’re part of it.įind some challenging roads, and the Honda has seemingly endless grip. The Type R’s low, sporty seats plug you directly into its highly capable chassis, and it makes my Ford’s driving position feel like an MPV’s. The first big difference comes as soon as you get in. I’ve just driven a current version – it’s still great – to compare it with my Ford Focus ST. When I first joined CAR I was handed the keys to a Civic Type R, and it’s still one of my favourite hot hatches three and a bit years on. Month 10 living with a Ford Focus ST: performance for all Performance 2261cc turbocharged four-cylinder, 276bhp, 5.7sec 0-62mph, 155mphĮfficiency 35.8mpg (official), 28.2mpg (tested), 179g/km CO2 Would I buy one? Probably not.īy Curtis Moldrich Logbook: Ford Focus ST So, would I recommend one? After 6000 miles, the answer is a resounding yes. The Focus ST does everything right, but it never gave me that feeling of excitement I got when approaching my Type R, the old Focus RS – or a new Fiesta ST for that matter. The drama and gimmicks of the Renault Megane RS, the focus of Type R and the sheer silliness of the Hyundai i30N all leave more of an impression – despite all of them being less-rounded cars. My car also had an additional HUD, adaptive cruise, wireless charging and a B&O sound system.īut while the Focus ST performs well in all areas, it doesn’t seem to excel in any – and in a market that’s so congested and full of character, the Ford’s conservative looks and all-round goodness seem to leave it in the shadows. Ford’s Sync 3 system is bulletproof in operation with clear sat-nav instructions, and there’s an easy process for pairing your phone. It doesn’t have the tech of more expensive competitors such as the MBUX-enabled Mercedes-AMG A45 S, nor the BTCC-spaceship vibes of the Honda Civic Type R, but it’s intuitive and useful. ![]() Treat the right pedal more tentatively, and it’s comfortable and refined – and easy to mistake for a standard Focus. It’s got all the pop and fizz of a Fiesta ST – just at a higher speed.įireworks are always optional, though, as the Focus ST can be driven much like the standard car when it needs to be. It’s like pulling an elastic band back and waiting for the ping. It’s highly communicative too put it in Sport and it’s easy to get an idea of just how much you can push.Įven better is the Ford’s always-on turbo boost, which pushes the car forward in a way that feels much faster than its 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds suggests. On B-roads and greasy tarmac, it skates on the limit of grip – but feels constantly adjustable thanks to its traditionally quick rack and taut chassis. ![]()
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