Highlights
- Fun to drive
- Lots of standard equipment
- Decent sized cabin
- Safe and reliable
Introduction
The Ford Focus ST is one of the best hot hatches that money can buy and is a smart all-rounder that's also easy on the eye.
It's a great package with a lot of standard kit, and also boasts a sweet chassis that helps it to stand out from its competition as it handles superbly.
Engines and Performance
It has more power than its competition thanks to the 2.3-litre petrol engine, which produces 276bhp and stacks of torque.
That means it's good for 0 to 62mph in a blistering 5.7 seconds before going on to a top speed of 155mph.
The ST is fantastic to drive and handles brilliantly. The car came with a 6-speed manual box, and it allows you to make full use of the power that's available.
The steering is pin sharp and while the ride is firm, it's not uncomfortable.
The Focus ST corners as if it is on rails and there's plenty of grip even in very wet conditions.
John Murdoch
Design and Practicality
The ST offers dramatic sporting lines with side skirts, 19-inch spoke alloys, low profile tyres and rear spoiler. In other words, it looks the business.
It also comes in some loud colours if you want to stand out even more.
The sports theme continues inside with comfortable high backed black Ford performance sports seats, a chunky, flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and a large central touch screen which controls most features.
Equipment and Technology
You get a head-up display which helps you keep your eye on the road and all the necessary creature comforts like dual air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, heated steering wheel, reversing camera, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, power folding mirrors with puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, and a superb B&O sound system with 10 speakers and 675 watts.
The ST also comes with keyless entry and push button start/stop, alloy pedals as well as Ford’s brilliant Quickclear heated windscreen.
Other features include red brake calipers, a special grille, full body styling kit, ST badging, sports suspension, Ford SYNC and a driver assistance pack which includes traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beam.
As you'd expect, the ST is crammed with all the latest safety equipment and if you wish you can add a Ford Performance Pack which gives you an additional track driving mode, shift indicator, launch control, rev matching, and multicolour ambient lighting.
Summary
The Ford Focus ST is a very impressive performer with more than enough equipment and practicality for everyday use, with features that attract both thrill seekers and drivers who want a little bit extra from their everyday motor.
