Ford Focus ST - I already know what it lacked

The previous generation Ford Focus ST was a really good hot hat. He was strong, fast and great. But then the Focus RS was created and the ST rumor disappeared. How will it be this time?

This is not true previous Ford Focus ST disappeared completely, but if someone was faced with a choice - a front-wheel drive hot hatch with a 250-horsepower engine, and a 350-horsepower all-wheel drive superhatch with a much more aggressive sound, and at a slightly higher (basic) price, it's about ST no one thought.

Moreover, unlike, for example, the stronger Leon Cupra and Golf Performance, there were no pebbles on the front axle, which could make the ride even more interesting. It also seems to me that if the front of the Ford Focus ST has recovered a lot after the facelift, then the rear with a black, wide stripe has become heavy.

Focus RS to make it faster, look better and sound better. What is it like Ford performance intends to take care of the brand"Focus ST" At that time?

New Ford Focus ST - no more central exhaust

New Ford Focus. looks dynamic already in cheaper versions, but ST puts on even more sports accessories. This is a large spoiler or bumper with large air intakes. The wheels couldn't be small, so we have forged 19s, markings to match, a special paint called "Orange Fury" and two exhaust pipes on the sides.

This can be Ford did not know how to save the central exhaust. Maybe he didn't want to because CT second generation the layout of the pipelines was similar. However, the main thing is not how they look, but how they sound!

Focus ST now he has become more "hooligan". In sport mode, every time we rev the engine and press the clutch, we hear loud - even very loud - gunshots. Similarly, when the engine does not rotate after the carburetor. He uses every opportunity to grunt or cough, which draws attention to himself, but also adds spice to his riding. Let's agree - turbo engines need such fountains to stand out with their sound.

Czy Focus RS would it look even more aggressive? Probably yes, but I don't think this ST will disappear into the RS like the previous ones.

The interiors will probably be similar, but new Focus ST it's modern, it has SYNC 3 with navigation, all the safety systems and so on, but most importantly, it has new Recaro bucket seats that hold up well in corners. The chairs are shiny. We find the position in them immediately, they fit snugly to the back along the entire length and are very comfortable. In addition, we sit on them lower than in previous sports tricks.

As for more mundane things, I like the concept of cup holders on the center console because their width can be adjusted to fit the shape and size of a cup, jar, phone or whatever we want to keep there.

W Focus ST We will also get upholstery in a combination of Alcantara and leather, which gives the impression of good quality. The interior is neat and intuitive. There is no real handbrake, it is only electric.

watch Ford Focus ST They do not look very interesting, they are almost completely flat. Some vehicle functions can be controlled directly from the small screen between the instruments. For example, with a speed preview, each time we stop, the Launch Control selection will only be one click on OK. Too much temptation, sometimes it's better to switch your eyes to fuel consumption.

There are two driving mode buttons on the steering wheel. One is to immediately select the Sport mode, the other is to change the mode - this is on a slippery surface. Significantly smoothes the operation of the gas pedal, it is normal, more aggressive, sporty and track, disables traction control.

In sport modes - and in slippery mode - there is also a rev-matching function that significantly smooths out gear changes. Interestingly, not only does it equalize the revs of the gearbox and the engine, but in sport mode, when we start releasing that stiff clutch - and before we hit the throttle - the revs of the engine are already up. Probably to move more smoothly and at the same time save traction.

RPM matching, Shift Light for shift point, Launch Control and a more direct steering system are all part of the 5000k Performance package. zloty. This package also includes... ambient lighting. I'm happy to ask someone at Ford what effect this has on "performance".

Disadvantages Ford Focus ST? It strains to change the driving mode while driving. There is no delay - the mode starts immediately. And so, when driving in competitive mode and switching to normal, we will meet "slippery" on the way. And on this slippery, the gas pedal works very differently, so we will feel the jerk caused by the deceleration. It's a bit strange.

Before I go any further, I must go back to the street and back. The trunk holds 375 liters, with the backs folded down 375 liters. There were four of us, we had two medium suitcases with a capacity of about 60-70 liters and two carry-on suitcases, i.e. with a capacity of about 30 liters. Everything is hard. Only about 200 liters, and although there was still room, the trunk was almost full.

However, what surprised me more was what I noticed later. Our Ford Focus ST it had an unevenly set sunroof. The gap on the left side was noticeably narrower than on the right. Something went wrong?

New Ford Focus ST - RS engine is here

As the saying goes, "displacement cannot be replaced by anything." And because Ford however, this is an American brand, also for the engine compartment ST put a 2,3-liter RS ​​unit, instead of a 2-liter.

So more power. Now the engine reaches 280 hp. at 5500 rpm. and 420 Nm in the range from 3000 to 4000 rpm. The maximum speed is 250 km/h.

Time from 0 to 100 km/h? 5,7 seconds and 5,8 seconds in the station wagon. Now it's pretty fast. And nearly 2 seconds faster than the 190bhp ST. Is it even worth calling such a diesel ST? I dont know.

From technical curiosities - v Focus ST an anti-lag system was used, i.e. maintenance of pressure in the turbocharger after gas discharge. Just like rally cars. There is also an eLSD, an electronically controlled front axle differential that greatly reduces understeer. This is not a mechanical "differential", but it is not an imitation of it with the help of a braking system. This decision is similar to the decision of the VAG group.

See you Ford Focus ST We only buy with a 6-speed manual, but a 7-speed automatic will be added to the offer soon. And if you are going to tour more, then I would advise you to wait for the car. Not even because of the driving experience, but because of the fuel economy. When we only have 6 gears, fuel consumption is different.

I drove from Warsaw to Krakow with a flow rate within 11 l / 100 km. Top gears were sorely lacking - both because of fuel consumption and because of the noise inside. Rear passengers complained that the exhaust sound was too loud. Perhaps they were right, because at 120-130 km / h the engine worked in the region of 3000 rpm. In any case, even I - a lover of this kind of sounds - acoustically got tired of this trip. You want a sports car, but in a hot hatch you expect it to be just a regular hat. Here you go to the end or you suffer. Or you are waiting for the car - and I probably would have done it personally, but judge for yourself by test drives.

The progressive steering system deserves a big plus. The gear ratio varies, but with one full turn in each direction, you almost never have to put your hands on the steering wheel. The torque of over 400 Nm also pleasantly massages the back and makes it Ford Focus ST "Pulls" at almost any speed.

The suspension is now equipped with variable shock absorbers, in addition, we also have a more accurate multi-link rear suspension, but you will agree that ST it's quite difficult. Not so much that you can ride it every day, but still.

It is very good!

Ford performance it's something like Renault Sport, or in the higher AMG and M grades. It's a brand in its own right, and when a new car is built under this flag, we know exactly what to expect. We know it will be good.

Ford doesn't test us. Focus ST it is much better than its predecessor. It seems that I'm not even waiting for a new PC - I could buy the same one as the proven one. Okay, maybe with a gun. And it would be nice to have all-wheel drive like the RS. But maybe I'll wait...

Ford Focus ST excellent, and prices start from 133 thousand PLN, but on the other hand… among the front-wheel drive hot hatches there is also a cheaper Hyundai i30 N, which can also do a lot. The choice is difficult, but definitely worth taking into account. Ford Focus ST!