The Fast Ford formula is alive and well in the Focus ST: everyday usability meets serious performance at an affordable price. Replacing the notoriously thirsty five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo motor of its predecessor with a smaller 2.0-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine hasn’t just improved economy and emissions but given performance a useful shot in the arm as well. And in this facelifted car, those strengths still remain.
It finds full expression in a supple, sporty chassis that strikes a canny balance between handling acuity and ride comfort. It may not be as fast and entertaining as Renault’s hardcore RS Meganes but, with 247bhp and a top speed of 154mph, it has more than enough going for it to take the fight to the Volkswagen Golf GTIand Vauxhall Astra VXR. The much improved cabin is a still far from the best but, overall, the Focus ST delivers where it matters.
‘Ford has pulled off something of a masterstroke with its latest Focus ST. There are faster, sharper-handling rivals. Others, perhaps most notably the Golf GTI, have a high quality look and feel that eludes the Ford. But it’s the way the ST manages the fundamentals – performance, entertainment, everyday practicality and price – that makes it such an appealing proposition.’ David Vivian, Contributing Road Tester
Performance and 0-60 time > With 25bhp more power than its predecessor, the Focus ST sprints to 62mph in 6.5sec, matching the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Engine and gearbox > The new 2-litre turbocharged engine develops 247bhp at 5500rpm. That’s complemented by a healthy 265lb ft of torque at just 2000rpm
Ride and handling > The facelifted Focus car gets electric power-steering to sharpen its responses. For an electric system it really stands out, delivering superb feedback.
MPG and running costs > Expect 25mpg in the real world, not Ford’s official combined fuel economy figure of 39mpg.
Prices, specs and rivals > The ST starts from just £22,195 for the entry-level ST-1, rising to £26,525 for the trim-laden ST-3. There is a host of rivals in this competitive segment, not least the Renaultsport Mégane 265 and Vauxhall Astra VXR.
Interior and tech > The interior is brazenly sporting, with Recaro seats and carbonfibre trim. Ford offers a Driver Assistance pack that adds collision avoidance and lane keep assist.
Design > Ford’s facelift has tightened the Focus’s lines and done away with excess visual weight.
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