Ford says that, thanks to the electric steering, drivers can firmly grip the steering wheel through tight turns, which maximizes control of the car. Where the Focus ST feels like a copy of a copy, the GTI is a living, breathing wild soul.īolted to the ‘Boost is a six-speed manual that offers crisp, confident shifts without much worry or fuss.īeneath that powerplant package is a variable ratio electronic steering rack that automatically lightens up on the straights and quickens up in the corners. Heck, it’s fast enough to send you to Federal prison here in the U.S. Good for 23 mpg city and 32 highway, the EcoBoost will bundle the ST to a top speed of 154 mph, which isn’t too bad. Under the hoodįord put the 252-horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque version of its 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine between the frame rails of the Focus ST. So let’s pop that puppy and see what it’s packing. You’ll spend the majority of your time behind the wheel looking out over the sloped hood. Let’s face facts, though, as the owner, you won’t spend much time looking at it. Image used with permission by copyright holder The bright color options that tell people you’re here to shout pair well with the brightly colored ST logo tucked low into the corner of the grille and in the back on the hatch lid. The gaping grille mouth in the front might appear carp-like, but it serves a cooling purpose. The little spoiler at the back tells onlookers that there’s something special going on under the skin. I don’t know how the Ford designers did it. It has sleek lines and looks both light and substantial at the same time. ExteriorĪt first glance, there’s no denying the visual charms of the ST. But can the American-built micro bruiser hold up to the Teutonic magnetism of the vee-dub? Let’s find out. Now that they’re here, though, the race is on.įor the first time ever, Ford has a car – the Focus ST – to answer the long-reining Volkswagen GTI. For many of us automotive nerds, hot hatches are the best of both worlds.Īlthough the hot hatch breed has been popular in Europe for decades, it wasn’t until recently that the cars caught on in America. In its other world, it’s a whiplash-inducing sports car perfectly primed for when you’re ready to have some fun. In one world, it’s an efficient five-door when you need to move some stuff or get to work. Almost every Focus features air conditioning, alloy wheels, a USB port and Bluetooth, with the most popular trim, Zetec, offering a DAB radio and a heated windscreen.Ford EV drivers can use 12,000 Tesla Superchargers starting in 2024įord recalls over half a million vehicles over safety issuesĢ022 Ford F-150 Lightning: America’s bestselling vehicle goes electric Studio, Econetic (a fuel-saving model equivalent to Volkswagen’s Bluemotion), Style and Zetec S models were added at various later stages, as well as an electric model. From launch, the Focus was available in Edge, Zetec, Titanium and top-spec Titanium X trim levels. There have also been a couple of high-performance Ford Focus ST models, offered with a 182bhp 2.0-litre diesel or 247bhp 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine, both linked to manual gearboxes, and a super-sporting and much-lauded four-wheel-drive 345bhp 2.3-litre RS version, which was launched in 2016. Among the diesel options, the 1.5 105 Econetic is remarkably economical, while the 118bhp 1.5 has more power and is a bit more efficient than the cheaper, older 1.6 diesel the 2.0 TDCi 150 meanwhile is a satisfyingly swift performer and offers a good combination of speed and economy.
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