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Handling
Performance
5
Usability
Feelgood factor
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Readers' rating
By Ben Pulman
First Drives
06 May 2008 16:00
The Ford Focus ST is back, and the good news is that alongside new looks inside and out, the excellent dynamics remain unchanged. Ford has spent the mid-life nip/tuck money freshening up the visuals and left the chassis and engine alone.
That means the Focus ST still comes with a characterful turbocharged 2.5-litre five-pot producing 222bhp. Think of the Ford Focus ST as a hot hatch with a broader breadth of ability than our current champ, the all-or-nothing Honda Civic Type-R.
And if 222bhp isn't enough for you Ford will show a 90 percent production-ready prototype Focus RS on 22nd July 2008 at the London motor show.
Dynamically no but that’s no reason to complain. We loved our old long-term ST for the simple fact it seemed perfectly suited to bumpy British B-roads. It was the consummate everyday hot hatch.
Start the Focus ST, via the new transmission tunnel-mounted ‘Ford Power’ button and you’re immediately met with a deep woofle. The downside of five turbocharged cylinders might be poor fuel consumption but as you burble along with a quiet whistle from under the bonnet when you put your foot, or an occasional pop from the exhaust when you lift, you just don’t care.
Click 'Next' below to read more of our Ford Focus ST drive
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Ford Focus ST (2008) CAR review
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RoccoNacho says
RE: Ford Focus ST CAR review
I have Focus ST3,blue 2006 only done 16000 and have air filter and had it chipped,about 280bhp,bought it for 9,500.I do drive it like I stole it and am very happy with it,I do think the new shape at front of the new st looks odd,esp as it has the same back as mine,almost like they cut the head off and put wrong front on,dough.But have to say I think the engine in focus st is great value,it gives super performance for reasonable price.Hope they have fixed only real problems I noticed,seat to high,fuel tanks to small,apart from that it's perfect,I could get another 30bhp out of it but without revo system thats in new RS be to much torque steer.
08 May 2009 18:13
Peter B says
RE: Ford Focus ST driven
This is one car I would like to let rip in and be an absolute and total hooligan. I think it rocks and I actually like the looks! I'd imagine the five pot engine is a stormer and probably sounds fantastic. I'm surprised they couldn't knock more than 222bhp from it though.
09 May 2008 15:29
NaBUru38 says
The Civic concept was also painted in a beautiful orange paint. I almost love the new Focus' front end, but the rear remains wrongly shaped. That's why it won't be featured in the next edition of my racing game, Autito (pictured in my avatar).
09 May 2008 02:42
lokinen says
Thought you had to go away to come back.So playing along with the game,why has it come back looking like a Fiesta ST? Thing is, Golfs are Red,civics are Black and the focus ST is Orange....its the law
07 May 2008 20:27
bfoulds says
I actually prefer the looks of the pre-facelift model - the shape was simpler, yet was complimented by the slightly chavvy bodykit. The new one is too fussy for me, especially at the front.
06 May 2008 22:03
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