Test: Ford Focus ST 2,3 EcoBoost (2020) // Downsizing Engine Doesn't Even Breathe
Content
Since its first appearance on the market since 2002, the Ford Focus ST has become synonymous with Ford sportiness in the compact sedan class. Most manufacturers are bound to have a representative of the automotive subclass, nicknamed the "hot hatchback". This is the class that at the end of the XNUMX's brought sportiness closer to those who used to sit in the rear seats., and I very much doubt that among the readers and visitors of our magazine and site there are many people who would have absolutely no experience with such cars. Of course, Ford was everywhere, too.
I first encountered hot hatches when I was a kid, admiring the RPM indicator, with my head positioned between the front seats and the back seat, which bounced and danced to the rhythm of my father’s leg on the dashboard of the powerful Ford Escort XR. That buying a top of the range car was the only reasonable thing said at the time by those who represented my automotive role models and teachers.
Looking from today's distance, I believe they were (almost) absolutely right. So I'm not really surprised that this particular class of niche car is one that manufacturers are especially concerned about. While they may not make a lot of money on it, these cars are a great testing ground for… well, let's say engineering power.
However, expectations in this class are significantly higher than they were today.. The Ford Focus ST is living proof that this is indeed the case. While the first generation was more than just a sports car, in fact, only slightly more powerful and better equipped than the standard model, the current fourth generation is very different.
Discreet, recognizable, stronger
There is nothing wrong with not noticing the many external differences between the regular Focus and the ST. In fact, they are not. Visual differences are subtle, not Baha'i at all, and are limited to moderately large and aggressive air vents, a slightly enlarged sunroof and a rear bumper with a cutout at both ends to complete the tailpipe.
I mean, it didn't take a lot of effort to turn a basically convincing machine into an athlete that the eye loves to look at. Plus, if you want the ST badge on the back of your Focus, you can also opt for a station wagon and even a diesel. But if you ask me, despite the possibilities mentioned, only one of them is the most real. Exactly like the test ST was.
Let me argue a little with my opinion. The Focus ST, with its 2,3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, has been brought to market to resolutely step out of the shadow of an almost racing RS. (which it allegedly won't have in the fourth generation) while at the same time debunking claims that the previous generation was more boring compared to some of the competition. I strongly affirm and support the fact that the ST is a "hot hatchback" that is fantastic and useful every day, ahead of the competition. He can be almost completely civilized, but can also be very funny and poignant.
The ST engine is very similar to its predecessor in terms of technology. By increasing the displacement, it received both power (12 percent) and torque (17 percent). With a specific 280 "horsepower" and 420 Nm of torque, it is able to satisfy the wishes of the driver, and the tsunami of torque is available at about 2.500 rpm.
The engine loves to spin too at more than 6.000 rpm, but this is not necessary. Those of you who already have experience with this type of car will be able to at least roughly imagine what such an engine is capable of. However, for those of you who haven't had that experience yet, imagine that in the time it takes you to read the last two sentences, you're accelerating out of town with the Focus to about 140 mph. So - more engine, more joy.
The chassis configuration differs from the standard Focus in the ST only marginally. ST is lower by 10 millimeters, springs are stronger than the standard version, the same stabilizer and shock absorbers (20 percent front and 13 percent rear), and by opting for the Performance Package, you also get DCC (Adjustable Shock Damping). The electric power steering mechanism is 15 percent more straightforward than the standard Focus, which is equally reflected in both responsiveness and sensitivity to steering wheel movements by the driver.
Ford Performance - an indispensable accessory
Today, I can't even imagine a modern hot hatch that doesn't even have a switch for choosing different settings. The ST, in combination with the Performance Package, therefore has four drive maps in which accelerator pedal response, engine sound, shock absorber damping, steering response and brake response differ depending on the program selected (Slippery, Normal, Sport and Race). In the Sport and Race programs, the automatic addition of intergas has been added to all of the above., flexible operation of computers with differential locks and interventions of safety systems (sliding drive wheels, ESP, ABS).
Given that the Performance package is largely responsible for the Focus ST being in fact the vehicle of (at least) two different characters, I highly recommend opting for this package. Especially if you are going to share your Focus with the rest of the family. Ms. and the kids will suspect that the Focus ST isn't exactly the most comfortable car, but in less sporty conditions, comfort will be borderline acceptable.but despite the 19-inch wheels, it is still bearable in everyday life. Well, if stiffness bothers you too much, you can obviously improve the situation by fitting homologated 18- or even 17-inch wheels and tires.
Given that the Focus ST is primarily designed for the driver, it goes without saying that his workplace is simply great. First, the driver (and passenger) sit in a pair of excellent Recar seats with a slightly higher seating position with pronounced side bolsters that make it easier to deal with lateral forces, but at the same time not too rigid or too hard. soft.
The ergonomics of the seats are perfectly adaptable and completely to my liking. The steering wheel is the right size, with great ergonomics, but with many different buttons. The position of the pedals and gear lever is exactly what you would like, but given the sporty tone of the entire car, I take the position that the classic hand brake is more than the electric one.
Among the best features of the ST, I also count the fact that it is a car that will satisfy both very experienced and average drivers from a driver's point of view. My point is that even those who don't have a lot of sports driving experience will be fast with the ST. Because a machine can do it... He knows how to forgive, he knows how to fix, and he knows how to foresee, so in principle perfect courage is enough. However, I think they can be even more satisfied with the more powerful version of the standard Focus or even the ST with a diesel engine.
On the road
Thus, the ST is a car that can and wants to impress, especially for those for whom fast, sporty and extremely dynamic driving is a pleasure, not a stress. While a high torque curve without a pronounced peak does not require too much knowledge in terms of operation and maximum engine efficiency, a little more knowledge and driving experience is required to reach the ST limits.
Those who know the basics of sporty driving will quickly find that there is little to no understeer and the rear shows a willingness to follow the front wheelset for a very long time. The steering gear is very communicative and instantly responds to every command from the driver, but if you want to really jump and turn into a turn, you'll need a very specific hint.
If you know how to play with throttle, mass transfer and desired axle load, you can easily adapt rear end behavior to suit your driving style. Driving around corners is a pleasure. The slope is very slight, the grip is always on the verge of probable and exceptional. An important role in this is also played by the effective locking differential, which, in combination with the turbocharging, pulls the front axle of the car incredibly well into the bends.
While the torque is fast enough and shifting too often isn't really necessary at all, a quick and precise shift lever with good shift feedback is tempting to shift (too) frequently. The gears overlap perfectly, but I - despite the abundance of torque - in long, fast corners in third or fourth gear, I felt that slowing down the throttle was not the most pleasant. If my revs were dropping too low, the engine would "pick up" the shadow too slowly.
The perfect synchronization of engine, transmission, steering and chassis is the reason why those with even a drop of gasoline in their blood are increasingly pursuing only one goal with every kilometer traveled - the search for extremes. This is further enhanced by a very loud soundstage that intertwines the deep noise of the intake system and the loud thud of the exhaust, supported by occasional loud crackles.
The taming of power, torque and, in the case of disabled safety systems, probably also the laws of physics becomes a kind of addiction that has to move from the road to a controlled environment. The more I got to know and drove the ST, the more I trusted it and at the same time more and more realized how powerful it really is.
ST - for every day
However, since everything in life doesn't revolve around rage and speed, Ford made sure the Focus was also a very decently equipped and comfortable car. It is well equipped.which includes LED headlights, active cruise control, parking assist, lane keep assist, navigation, phone screen mirroring, WI-FI, state-of-the-art B&O audio system, head-up display, heated steering wheel and seats. , heated windshield and even a quick start system. Well, try a second time and then you forget about it.
The interior is decorated in German style and matches the design style of the house. Those who swear by the looks of the Christmas tree and the huge screens, unfortunately, won't get their money back in Focus. In addition, the exterior of the cabin, with the exception of the exterior and seat upholstery, is not quite sporty hot hatch style. The dashboard isn't quilted with leather, and there aren't many aluminum and carbon accessories in the cabin. Personally, I can easily overlook this, as I find it more important that Ford spends money on what really matters.
Ford Focus ST 2,3 EcoBoost (2020)
Basic data
| Sales: | Summit motors ljubljana |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 42.230 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 35.150 € |
| Test model price discount: | 39.530 € |
| Power: | 206kW (280 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 5,7 with |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 8,9l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | General warranty 2 years unlimited mileage, extended warranty up to 5 years unlimited mileage, unlimited mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years rust warranty. |
| Systematic review | 20.000 km / 12 |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.642 XNUMX € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 8.900 XNUMX € |
| Tires (1) | 1.525 XNUMX € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 1.525 XNUMX € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 5.495 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 8.930 XNUMX ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | in € (cost per km: 0,54 €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - turbocharged petrol - front mounted transversely - displacement 2.261 cm3 - maximum power 206 kW (280 Nm) at 5.500 rpm - maximum torque 420 at 3.000-4.000 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (chain) - 4 valves per cylinder - direct fuel injection. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - 8,0 J × 19 wheels - 235/35 R 19 tires. |
| Capacity: | top speed 250 km/h – 0-100 km/h acceleration 5,7 s – average fuel consumption (NEDC) 8,2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 188 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors - 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, coil springs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear single suspension, coil springs, stabilizer - brakes front disc (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, electric parking brake rear wheels (switch between seats) - steering wheel with a gear rack, electric power steering, 2,0 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.433 kg - Permissible total weight 2.000 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.600 kg, without brake: 750 kg - Permissible roof load: np |
| External dimensions: | length 4.388 mm - width 1.848 mm, with mirrors 1.979 mm - height 1.493 mm - wheelbase 2.700 mm - front track 1.567 - rear 1.556 - ground clearance 11,3 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | longitudinal front 870-1.110 mm, rear 710-960 - front width 1.470 mm, rear 1.440 mm - head height front 995-950 mm, rear 950 mm - front seat length 535 mm, rear seat 495 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm – fuel tank 52 l. |
| Box: | 375-1.354 l |
Our measurements
| T = 21 ° C / p = 1.063 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / Tires: Continental Sport Contact 6/235 R 35 / Odometer status: 19 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 7,3s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 14,1 years ( 155 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 250km / h |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 8,9 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 54,5m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 33,5m |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 65dB |
Overall rating (521/600)
While the result does not support this, the Focus ST deserves a high five when it comes to feelings. Not only because of the driving performance and performance that we would expect from such a car anyway (Ford knows how to handle this), but above all because of the fact that despite its sporty character, it can also be completely everyday. a car. There are others, but in this area the Focus is ahead of everyone else.
Comfort (102
/ 115)Focus ST is designed primarily for driver convenience, but lacks prestige.
Transmission (77
/ 80)The consistency of engine and chassis performance is top notch, so while not all specifications are best in class, it is commendable.
Driving performance (105
/ 100)The Focus lost the most in comfort, but that's to be expected from this type of car.
Security (103/115)
We welcome the fact that the safety systems are responding to the character of the vehicle and the chosen driving program.
Economy and environment (64
/ 80)At 206 kilowatts, the ST may not be economical, but even with this power, less than ten liters of consumption can be driven.
Driving pleasure: 5/5
It is undoubtedly a vehicle that sets standards in its class. Sharp and precise, fun to drive when you want it, forgiving and everyday (still) rewarding when taking a child to kindergarten or a woman to a movie.
We praise and reproach
motor, power torque
gearbox, gear ratios
appearance
rolling stock
fuel tank size
electric parking brake
everything that worries us is rented (it's just ST)
rumors about the uncertain future of the ST version
