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First Drives

Ford Focus ST driven

By Ben Pulman

First drive

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.


Hang fire. The Ford Focus ST isn’t any different from before?

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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Need to know

CAR's rating

rating is 4

Handling

rating is 4

Performance

rating is 5

Usability

rating is 5

Feelgood factor

rating is 3

Readers' rating

rating is 4

Statistics

How much? £20,850
Engine: 2522cc 20v 5-cyl turbo petrol, 222bhp @ 6000rpm, 236lb ft @1600-4000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Performance: 6.8secs 0-62mph, 150mph, 30.4mpg, 224g/km CO2
How heavy / made of? 1437kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4357/1839/1497

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Peter B

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

NaBUru38 says

RE: Ford Focus ST driven

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

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lokinen says

RE: Ford Focus ST driven

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

bfoulds says

RE: Ford Focus ST driven

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

joedodgy

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joedodgy says

RE: Ford Focus ST driven

Subtle, a black golf GTI is what I would call subtle for a hothatch

06 May 2008 17:03

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