RE: Shed Of The Week: Ford Focus ST170
Discussion
didn't know they were that cheap, but I don't think I would buy one...they aren't as slow as people say either. Main problem was the gearing.. Cured on later cars, which clocked 100 MpH in about 21.5 secs, so not much slower than the 306 GTI-6 which had a little less power and less weight
yonex said:
s m said:
You're doing it wrong
You have to recoil in mock offense and say you want to claw your eyes out at the very thought of it
and that it makes the baby Jesus cry if he had to look at such an abomination
It's still a poor drive You have to recoil in mock offense and say you want to claw your eyes out at the very thought of it
and that it makes the baby Jesus cry if he had to look at such an abomination
A shame they ballsed this car up, I had a mk1 Zetec 1.6 which is still the best handling hatchback I've driven. These look great though, especially in that grey and lowered 20-30mm.
Actually that lap time board reminds me, one of these overtook me on the A93 through the Cairngorms last year, I fancied a bit of a play so kept pace behind. He was properly going for it, possibly a local but he only lost me when we met some traffic and overtakes were trickier. I was in a 1.8 Mx5 with I presume some of the 130 horses left the the stable in 21 years! Still most fun drive I had in a while.
Actually that lap time board reminds me, one of these overtook me on the A93 through the Cairngorms last year, I fancied a bit of a play so kept pace behind. He was properly going for it, possibly a local but he only lost me when we met some traffic and overtakes were trickier. I was in a 1.8 Mx5 with I presume some of the 130 horses left the the stable in 21 years! Still most fun drive I had in a while.
I had a quick drive when they were new (same colour as SOTW). It felt ok and the six speed box was a bit of a novelty.
I had a look at a used one about 5-6 years ago and I didn't even drive it as it was quite rough looking inside and out. It's then I noticed how high the seating was and the dashboard was a bit to plasticky for my liking. How times change
I had a look at a used one about 5-6 years ago and I didn't even drive it as it was quite rough looking inside and out. It's then I noticed how high the seating was and the dashboard was a bit to plasticky for my liking. How times change
Great Shed, a pity it is a bit far from me.
This is a 2 door model with less miles and in black (although they grey is quite nice)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
This is a 2 door model with less miles and in black (although they grey is quite nice)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...
After owning over 30 cars in the past 10 years, what started out as a cheap third car is currently my daily steed - a 2002 1.6 Focus, I think its a 'Chic' model.
In a nutshell, its bloody wonderful. I think its pretty, drives lovely and costs buttons to run. Its been leant out to friends and family members and everyone who's driven it has made a point about how nice it is to drive. My wife and I always end up tussling for the keys.
Wanting more of the same, the ST170 sounded perfect. I've looked at 5 examples ranging up to £2500, and every one was a bit of a dog. After driving a couple I have to say I prefer my 1.6! The gear ratios are frustratingly long, the engine didn't seem like +70bhp on the 1.6 the ride a bit too crashy, and the prospect of sub-30mpg didn't seem worth it. Oh and that gear change isn't a patch not the 5 speeder in the 1.6, not a patch.
The Mk1 and Mk1.5 Focus is a brilliant car, its just a shame the ST170 isn't better. Not sure how they messed it up to be honest.
In a nutshell, its bloody wonderful. I think its pretty, drives lovely and costs buttons to run. Its been leant out to friends and family members and everyone who's driven it has made a point about how nice it is to drive. My wife and I always end up tussling for the keys.
Wanting more of the same, the ST170 sounded perfect. I've looked at 5 examples ranging up to £2500, and every one was a bit of a dog. After driving a couple I have to say I prefer my 1.6! The gear ratios are frustratingly long, the engine didn't seem like +70bhp on the 1.6 the ride a bit too crashy, and the prospect of sub-30mpg didn't seem worth it. Oh and that gear change isn't a patch not the 5 speeder in the 1.6, not a patch.
The Mk1 and Mk1.5 Focus is a brilliant car, its just a shame the ST170 isn't better. Not sure how they messed it up to be honest.
vrsmxtb said:
Actually that lap time board reminds me, one of these overtook me on the A93 through the Cairngorms last year, I fancied a bit of a play so kept pace behind. He was properly going for it, possibly a local but he only lost me when we met some traffic and overtakes were trickier. I was in a 1.8 Mx5 with I presume some of the 130 horses left the the stable in 21 years! Still most fun drive I had in a while.
Here's the testing notes to go with the lap board
Good one...... I assume that is/was a joke.
Howard- said:
A friend of mine used to have one of these and I've driven it quite a bit.
You do have to drive it. Like.. properly drive it, but once you do, and once you realise that it's not MEANT to be ripyourfaceoff-fast, you can see where Ford are coming from. It has a wonderful chassis and whilst the gearbox has some, erm, interesting ratios, it's still a pleasure to use.
It looks really smart and almost timeless, too.
Very much this. I had one for a while. Fantastic car. Never went wrong, and can be hustled down a B-road with enough speed for it to be rather fun. Great motorway cruiser as well. We'll ignore the fuel economy.You do have to drive it. Like.. properly drive it, but once you do, and once you realise that it's not MEANT to be ripyourfaceoff-fast, you can see where Ford are coming from. It has a wonderful chassis and whilst the gearbox has some, erm, interesting ratios, it's still a pleasure to use.
It looks really smart and almost timeless, too.
I think most people just don't "get it." Coincidently, a lot who don't, haven't owned nor driven one
I'll have an ST170 over a 205GTi or MX5 thanks.Edited by Jazzy Jefferson on Sunday 31st May 13:32
GregorFuk said:
Pretty sure that despite what the rocker cover says these don't come with Duratec engines. I think they are the old Zetecs. Duratec cams are driven by a chain that runs on the right of the engine. This clearly has a belt to the left. The Duratec rocker cover was marketing at its best.
Yep, my missus Fiesta has got 'duratec' on the airbox but underneath on it on the rocker cover it says 'zetec'.
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