Ford Focus ST

bazz26

Seen a 161 one of these pass me today and it has been looking at them again. Anyone here have one, it's the petrol model I'm talking about? What are they like to live with on a daily basis? Handling, performance, servicing and to a less extent mpg? I see them as a nice alternative to the Golf GTi and on paper and performance seems impressive for the money.

Any other general thoughts on them?

This one caught my eye:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/ST/200914526133766820/

Henry Ford III

bazz26 wrote: »

Seen a 161 one of these pass me today and it has been looking at them again. Anyone here have one, it's the petrol model I'm talking about? What are they like to live with on a daily basis? Handling, performance, servicing and to a less extent mpg? I see them as a nice alternative to the Golf GTi and on paper and performance seems impressive for the money.

Any other general thoughts on them?

This one caught my eye:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/ST/200914526133766820/

I test drove one recently. It's good. Performance will be better than a Golf GTI with c.250bhp on tap. Handling is great. New model is much less unruly than previous one.

Servicing and mpg will be better than you'd expect.

There's a deep discount on a new one currently, but it ends in a few days. Probably works out cheaper than that one you've linked to.

carsfan

Nice car and I'm sure it's a lovely drive but to me they just lack the class or classless vibe of the golf gti.
The interior is a bit of a mess to me also. Coming from a 5 series you might tire of ford quality/switchgear or maybe you'll love it from a driving point of view that you will overlook this?
Have you driven one?
If not go for a look to satisfy your curiosity.

Donnelly117

Savage looking car, I'd definitely have one over a gti just cause it's more rare and the golf is too subtle for a hot hatch IMO. ST has a lot more grunt too.
It's a comfy car and puts up miles will and goes like sh*t off a shiny shovel!
Huge discounts on these at the moment as you know, the discount won't be entirely gone after January according to the dealer I got the FiST from but it will be reduced. The one you've linked has that discount included obviously and there no waiting time. IIRC you're from Cork? CAB have one albeit a 142 if you wanted to drive one. He'll of a lot of car for that money with the current discount!

Supergurrier

Look and sound much better in person

VeVeX

For me the styling looks aftermarket. The Golf is subtle but it looks right.

bazz26

I would have a trade-in worth probably in the low twenties so it's very unlikely I'd benefit from the current discounting, also i'd like to have a few extras on the car. I'm actually in Limerick and Lyons have a 15 reg white one or at least they did so I might talk to them about getting a test drive and what sort of money it would be costing me. The 14 reg one in Cork is just crazy money though.

Regarding the GTi, I'm not entirely gone on the Golf and down these neck of the woods the scum take a liking to anything VW or Audi. The ST while has less subtle styling than the GTi would probably not grab the same level of unwanted attention.

BTW Henry, weren't you talking late last year about ordering one of these, how did that fair out?

JoeA3

Not mad on them either tbh. The styling is all over the place. The interior is much improved on the last model but it'd still drive me mad. My Dad has a high spec diesel Focus (same interior effectively) and some of the ergonomics are daft... the radio seems like it's on the other side of the dashboard...

I was also in a Ford dealers over the weekend along with my sister who's looking to trade her 132 Fiesta for something bigger. Ford aren't at the races at all. The PCP rates are up on 6.5 - 7%, with final balloon payment far too low... meaning very uncompetitive monthlies compared to VAG - the Ford salesman actually said to us - "That Kuga will cost you the same monthly repayment as an Audi A4"...

Not sure about those big cashback offers, they only seem to be of use if you've got a worthless trade in.

EDIT: Bazz, Motorpark in Galway have an ex demo 152 in the showroom. It looked tidy apart from 2 little parking dings on rear door which would come out with a dent guy.

bazz26

Thanks Joe, that one in Galway is a diesel though and the spec is fairly standard on it besides the painted brake calipers and reversing camera. It's the performance of the petrol ST that is most appealing to me though. I do just under 25k km per year so I'm confident the running costs of the petrol would be manageable for me.

I suppose another aspect is that resale value of the GTi would be alot better than the ST. The ST wouldn't have the same following so could prove harder to sell on.

JoeA3

bazz26 wrote: »

Thanks Joe, that one in Galway is a diesel though and the spec is fairly standard on it besides the painted brake calipers and reversing camera. It's the performance of the petrol ST that is most appealing to me though. I do just under 25k km per year so I'm confident the running costs of the petrol would be manageable for me.

I suppose another aspect is that resale value of the GTi would be alot better than the ST. The ST wouldn't have the same following so could prove harder to sell on.

Oh yeah, I didn't realise it was diesel!
Yeah, the GTI brand does overcome the stigma that's otherwise attached to large petrols - the other marques can't seem to do it. Skoda sell very few if any petrol VRS's either.

Personally I don't think it helps when Ford (and Skoda) give the diesel and petrol versions identical badging and styling.

DaveHumphreys

I've had both the petrol and diesel versions and neither particularly impressed me, especially when compared to some of the other competition out there. The interior isn't anything special either while the Recaro seats are tight for anyone that's remotely above average weight.

Donnelly117

bazz26 wrote: »

I would have a trade-in worth probably in the low twenties so it's very unlikely I'd benefit from the current discounting, also i'd like to have a few extras on the car. I'm actually in Limerick and Lyons have a 15 reg white one or at least they did so I might talk to them about getting a test drive and what sort of money it would be costing me. The 14 reg one in Cork is just crazy money though.

Regarding the GTi, I'm not entirely gone on the Golf and down these neck of the woods the scum take a liking to anything VW or Audi. The ST while has less subtle styling than the GTi would probably not grab the same level of unwanted attention.

BTW Henry, weren't you talking late last year about ordering one of these, how did that fair out?

Yea that one in CAB was bought at a bad time, just before they discounted it, it's the same price for a 2 year old plate as a 161 effectively so they'll be stuck with it for life it lose a fortune on it! I imagine they'll just keep it as a demo or advertising etc...

Henry Ford III

bazz26 wrote: »

I would have a trade-in worth probably in the low twenties so it's very unlikely I'd benefit from the current discounting, also i'd like to have a few extras on the car. I'm actually in Limerick and Lyons have a 15 reg white one or at least they did so I might talk to them about getting a test drive and what sort of money it would be costing me. The 14 reg one in Cork is just crazy money though.


BTW Henry, weren't you talking late last year about ordering one of these, how did that fair out?

The white one was the car I drove. It's an ST2. Lyon's personal transport I think. I quite liked the styling and interior. It's purposeful for sure.

I didn't proceed with the Focus ST idea as the deep discounting of my existing car hurt it's value. I'll therefore probably sell it off privately.

p.s. The Recaro seats are great. I'm a solid build and the versions in my Fiesta ST are fine - the Focus versions wouldn't be any smaller for sure.

Colser

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Yea that one in CAB was bought at a bad time, just before they discounted it, it's the same price for a 2 year old plate as a 161 effectively so they'll be stuck with it for life it lose a fortune on it! I imagine they'll just keep it as a demo or advertising etc...

How much is it?

bazz26

Colser wrote: »

How much is it?

Here it is:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/ST-2/165814326590722880/

ION08

bazz26 wrote: »

Seen a 161 one of these pass me today and it has been looking at them again. Anyone here have one, it's the petrol model I'm talking about? What are they like to live with on a daily basis? Handling, performance, servicing and to a less extent mpg? I see them as a nice alternative to the Golf GTi and on paper and performance seems impressive for the money.

Any other general thoughts on them?

This one caught my eye:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/ST/200914526133766820/

Serious mileage on that considering we're only 27 days into the year!! :eek:

I really like the ST's and would probably choose one over a GTI but I remember hearing somewhere that the ST BHP is overestimated whereas the GTI is very conservative (as with a lot of German performance cars) ... so in real world terms the GTI actually feels faster than the ST.

Donnelly117

bazz26 wrote: »

Here it is:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/ST-2/165814326590722880/

I had a good look around it while waiting for someone to talk to, its certainly not without a few dings, for a low mileage car it wasnt exactly minded, took a few wallops of doors etc during its short life on the road...

High chance its been ragged too between test drives and a long career as a dealer car

GavRedKing

Theres a brand new unregistered Grey Focus ST down in CAB just seen on my break there. Not sure if its diesel or petrol though. On the website the colour looks terrible but in the flesh, its a lot nicer IMO.

Donnelly117

GavRedKing wrote: »

Theres a brand new unregistered Grey Focus ST down in CAB just seen on my break there. Not sure if its diesel or petrol though. On the website the colour looks terrible but in the flesh, its a lot nicer IMO.

Is that the stealth grey one? I think based on the pics its looks a bit like primer but im sure its nicer looking in the metal!
Might have a look when I go to pick up the FiST How are you finding yours? Ever miss the astra?

GavRedKing

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Is that the stealth grey one? I think based on the pics its looks a bit like primer but im sure its nicer looking in the metal!
Might have a look when I go to pick up the FiST How are you finding yours? Ever miss the astra?

The website made the grey look dull alright but in the flesh it looks pretty brilliant, theres an ST stand inside but theyve still got the older ST on it after they moved my Fiesta off it, surprised the didnt move the grey one inside unless its getting collected soon.

Its a great little car, got a protection detail done off D&D detailing last weekend Id recommend them or similar for your one, car looked freshly painted when they were done. Ive actually seen my old Astra in Grange in a garage 2 weeks back. Brought back some good memories but so far I'm loving the fiesta.

Ron Burgundy II

GavRedKing wrote: »

Its a great little car, got a protection detail done off D&D detailing last weekend Id recommend them or similar for your one, car looked freshly painted when they were done. Ive actually seen my old Astra in Grange in a garage 2 weeks back. Brought back some good memories but so far I'm loving the fiesta.

They have some photos up of your car on Facebook, well its under some snow

Donnelly117

GavRedKing wrote: »

The website made the grey look dull alright but in the flesh it looks pretty brilliant, theres an ST stand inside but theyve still got the older ST on it after they moved my Fiesta off it, surprised the didnt move the grey one inside unless its getting collected soon.

Its a great little car, got a protection detail done off D&D detailing last weekend Id recommend them or similar for your one, car looked freshly painted when they were done. Ive actually seen my old Astra in Grange in a garage 2 weeks back. Brought back some good memories but so far I'm loving the fiesta.

Id say the grey one isnt there long, I was in there about a week and a half ago and did a lap of the yard to check out the mustangs and there was a blue unregd ST there.

Thats good news! Car is in on Friday so i might go for a look if I have time, Im away for the weekend then, but it wont be ready for collection till later next week. I wonder if they have a test drive lined up for it or something? Or maybe there is a queue of cars to be prepared...

Muct have a look for taht detailing crowd so!

bazz26

ION08 wrote: »

Serious mileage on that considering we're only 27 days into the year!! :eek:

It's either a demo and/or staff car. Just checked there on the motor tax site and it's transferred to an individual on 12/01.

GavRedKing

Donnelly117 wrote: »

Id say the grey one isnt there long, I was in there about a week and a half ago and did a lap of the yard to check out the mustangs and there was a blue unregd ST there.

Thats good news! Car is in on Friday so i might go for a look if I have time, Im away for the weekend then, but it wont be ready for collection till later next week. I wonder if they have a test drive lined up for it or something? Or maybe there is a queue of cars to be prepared...

Muct have a look for taht detailing crowd so!

AFAIK the Grey Focus is only there about 2 days, there was car transporters down there all day Monday rolling off new Mondeos, Fiestas and Focus too so its probably there since then, its out by the front gate so its easy to spot.

No hope they'll be giving yours out for test drives, if its ordered and ready to go it wont be, or at least it shouldnt be touched until you pick it up.

Any questions PM me anyway, dont wanna be dragging this too far off topic.

carsfan

Does the ST come with xenons?
Car like that defo should have them.

MuppetCheck

carsfan wrote: »

Does the ST come with xenons?
Car like that defo should have them.

Nope, to be honest compared to the competition its not that well specced. You're talking 4k+ to spec it up to the level of a GTI/RS 230 for example and then it doesn't look like such a big bargain.

GavRedKing

I think the ST3's in the UK get Xenons but we only get the ST2 spec here.

If it was an option here, I'd have picked up an ST3 Fiesta anyway.

J.pilkington

The body styling is acceptable in the petrol with its 250bhp but the diesel ST with identical bodywork looks very chav considering its 70bhp down. Almost looks like someone bought a diesel and tried to pass it off as the petrol. I suppose that's why the GTD will always outsell it in multiples

OldMrBrennan83

This post has been deleted.

J.pilkington

Patww79 wrote: »

I don't know how much the new models have improved but the old ST2 absolutely blew the Mk5 GTI out of the water when it came to driving.

OP is looking at the new model

kodirl

Would the ST have better residuals than a GTI seeing as they are rarer on these shores?

Donnelly117

kodirl wrote: »

Would the ST have better residuals than a GTI seeing as they are rarer on these shores?

I'd think so, not worse then a gti anyway, there seems to be a rake of mk7 GTIs around these days so the ford will be in a minority in the hot hatch market. I've only ever seen one ST outside a forecourt

bazz26

I'm not so sure to be honest, the current discounting by Ford doesn't help resale values at all. Just like the 142 one for sale in Cork, why would you buy a 2 year old one for that sort of money when you can nearly buy a brand new discounted one for similar money? The 2 year old one has to be significantly cheaper to tempt someone.

Also the ST doesn't have the same following as the GTi, the GTi is common because there is demand for it. The GTi kind of holds the king of hot hatch title and while cars like the Focus ST, Astra OPC, etc offer similar packages they just don't retain the same popularity.

ianobrien

I reckon Ford dropped the price of the ST for two reasons. First it was massivly more expensive than the opposition (Golf GTi/GTD, vRS, Leon Cupra/FR) and second is the new Focus RS. The problem is that the ST is seen as a GTi/vRS competitor rather than a Golf R/Cupra competitor, but was priced as one.

I would be interested in the Diesel (due to my mileage) but the (imo) daft dashboard and interior. I was in a few ordinary Focus's and I felt the dash robbed a load of space, poorly laid out and made the front seats too narrow. Myself and the father could not fit comfortably in the front.

The handling was another bugbearer. I drove a normal 1.6 diesel down a typical Irish country road and had to slow down from 60 kph. The reason was the suspension was too hard, meaning the car was bouncing around the road. Driving the same road in the 39 year old Escort at 50mph was more comfortable. Driving the road fairly flat out (far above legal speeds) in the Focus, the suspension then worked.

ianobrien

I reckon Ford dropped the price of the ST for two reasons. First it was massivly more expensive than the opposition (Golf GTi/GTD, vRS, Leon Cupra/FR) and second is the new Focus RS. The problem is that the ST is seen as a GTi/vRS competitor rather than a Golf R/Cupra competitor, but was priced as one.

I would be interested in the Diesel (due to my mileage) but the (imo) daft dashboard and interior. I was in a few ordinary Focus's and I felt the dash robbed a load of space, poorly laid out and made the front seats too narrow. Myself and the father could not fit comfortably in the front.

The handling was another bugbearer. I drove a normal 1.6 diesel down a typical Irish country road and had to slow down from 60 kph. The reason was the suspension was too hard, meaning the car was bouncing around the road. Driving the same road in the 39 year old Escort at 50mph was more comfortable. Driving the road fairly flat out (far above legal speeds) in the Focus, the suspension then worked.

carsfan

I'm biased as drive a gti PP but it is a great all rounder.
They are common because they're good, just like a BMW 520d is common for the same reason.
The golf gti is a known commodity. My car gets admired by the local teenagers and by 50 plus men (and women strangely enough) as they know what it is .
Don't think the ST is as well known or would hold its value the same.

Donnelly117

bazz26 wrote: »

I'm not so sure to be honest, the current discounting by Ford doesn't help resale values at all. Just like the 142 one for sale in Cork, why would you buy a 2 year old one for that sort of money when you can nearly buy a brand new discounted one for similar money? The 2 year old one has to be significantly cheaper to tempt someone.

Also the ST doesn't have the same following as the GTi, the GTi is common because there is demand for it. The GTi kind of holds the king of hot hatch title and while cars like the Focus ST, Astra OPC, etc offer similar packages they just don't retain the same popularity.

I guess there will always be the minority who will go for the more obscure option in every class, such as myself. A GTI, while no doubt a very capable car due to the number of them you see, wouldn't be high on my list of hot hatches... Id take an OPC, ST, RS265, MCS over a GTI just because they all look more like my idea of a hot hatch. So there will always be a market for it and I wouldn't seeing it losing that much more then a GTI based on rarity alone. Easier to sell an ST to a small minority then advertise i the sea of GTIs to a larger market...

dar83

The ST will be worth less than a GTI when it comes to resale time, even Ford know this as the GFV they offer on them is about 1500-2k lower than VW have on a GTI. I was in the market for either when I upgraded last September. I was coming from a Mk2 ST and honestly I was more firmly in the ST camp going into things (seeing a particular one for sale is what got me thinking about moving on in the first place).

There was a couple of things that swung it for me towards the GTI PP in the end (aside from the numbers game). Firstly the standard spec on the GTI knocked the ST out of the water, so speccing up a similar car in the ST was Golf R money! Secondly the ST while looking more aggressive and having the more unique styling of the two, was now just a regular 4 pot with a turbo bolted on, same as any hot hatch now. This definitely lost marks for me and it took away what the MK2 had that no other hot hatch of that era had and what made it that extra bit special compared to the rest. Finally residuals also played a part, as they have to when you're buying new. The reality is that a Ford (RS aside) just won't hold it's value the same as a VW, especially when you're talking in hot hatch terms. There won't be too much in it, but you'll still be talking a couple or a few thousand most likely and that does make a difference.

dar83

<Boards gremlins at work and double posting>

GavRedKing

Theres now a black unregistered focus ST next to the grey one in CAB.

Im assuming both are sold, no price up on either at the moment anyway.

maddness

Part of the reason why a lot more people buy a Golf GTi compared to all another hot hatches is that the GTi just looks that bit more sensible and can be driven by a middle aged bloke without him looking like a twat.
Regardless of how exciting the likes of the new Civic Type R is I'd feel stupid driving one as I'm in my 40's now and the Focus is in the same boat. I also think the interior just looks that bit tacky to me. I know style is subjective but very few people in their 20's in Ireland can afford hot hatches so they are driven by older men/women and therefore the Golf GTi/R and the BMW 135i type of hot hatch just suits that bit better.
I think another reason is that there is really very little car culture in Ireland and the vast majority just want a Qashqai or Tucson and couldn't be bothered with interesting cars.

carsfan

I'm a middle aged bloke and my kids still think I look like a twat in my golf gti.😒

Donnelly117

maddness wrote: »

Part of the reason why a lot more people buy a Golf GTi compared to all another hot hatches is that the GTi just looks that bit more sensible and can be driven by a middle aged bloke without him looking like a twat.
Regardless of how exciting the likes of the new Civic Type R is I'd feel stupid driving one as I'm in my 40's now and the Focus is in the same boat. I also think the interior just looks that bit tacky to me. I know style is subjective but very few people in their 20's in Ireland can afford hot hatches so they are driven by older men/women and therefore the Golf GTi/R and the BMW 135i type of hot hatch just suits that bit better.
I think another reason is that there is really very little car culture in Ireland and the vast majority just want a Qashqai or Tucson and couldn't be bothered with interesting cars.

I wouldn't quite put the ST in the same class as the Civic but I see your point... Would a 40 year old really feel ridiculous driving a hot hatch (aside from a VW)

maddness

Donnelly117 wrote: »

I wouldn't quite put the ST in the same class as the Civic but I see your point... Would a 40 year old really feel ridiculous driving a hot hatch (aside from a VW)

I probably wouldn't but I reckon most people just settle for the sensible Audi/BMW saloon. If you drive a GTi the majority just see a golf but the more aggressive looking hot hatches stand out more.
In fairness the Focus ST is pretty cool looking but just wouldn't be for me.

bazz26

I'm 42 lads and currently drive a sensible BMW saloon, it's even sensible grey in colour. So maybe this is the start of my mid life crisis.

Anyway I'm gone a bit cold on the idea of the ST now. My cousin has a standard Focus and I don't think I could live with the interior even in the ST, especially coming from a 5 Series. Yes the performance would be a gem but you spend all your time inside it so that is important.

GTi is ruled out too as they just grab too much attention down here from scumbags looking for parts for their felt spec VWs or to sell on dungdeal, I'd just have no comfort owning such a car.

MuppetCheck

RS230 worth a look? A few small options and you'd have a cracking car.

kodirl

MuppetCheck wrote: »

RS230 worth a look? A few small options and you'd have a cracking car.

It was a strong contender against the PP GTI for me when ordering towards the end of last yr. However the Golf won as I only require a 3dr and don't have the need for 5drs. I just don't like the rear end of the RS230 in the saloon. However the estate version in red is a thing of beauty though and the options are very reasonable when speccing the Skoda.