Focus ST (250hp MK3) - Any Good?
Discussion
So ive got one coming very soon, brand new. Ive not actually driven one (though have sat in one) and I was wondering what they are like? Is there anything totally s
te about them?
Hows the power delivery? is it done and dusted by 5500rpm or is there a reason to let it rev out. Handling I read is tail happy - fine by me.
If I get some feedback through the steering and the gearbox isnt turd Ill be happy I think.
Are they alright?
te about them? Hows the power delivery? is it done and dusted by 5500rpm or is there a reason to let it rev out. Handling I read is tail happy - fine by me.
If I get some feedback through the steering and the gearbox isnt turd Ill be happy I think.
Are they alright?
You seem to be taking a rather pessimistic view of the brand new car you are about to buy. 
Then again maybe you are not actually buying it.
Yes they are alright as it happens.
Putting 247 BHP through the front wheels with only electronics to control it can result in very noticeable torque steer.
You dont say which ST you are getting, but the full leather Recaros in the ST3 can take a bit of getting used to for some.
The Focus ST is a quick, practical and refined car.....but thats no guarantee you will like it.
Then again maybe you are not actually buying it.
Yes they are alright as it happens.
Putting 247 BHP through the front wheels with only electronics to control it can result in very noticeable torque steer.
You dont say which ST you are getting, but the full leather Recaros in the ST3 can take a bit of getting used to for some.
The Focus ST is a quick, practical and refined car.....but thats no guarantee you will like it.
Let me get this right you are buying a brand new car without even driving one?
Read very good things about them a lot better palce to sit than the Fiesta ST for example but not as fun to drive.
As mnetioned they have no mechanical Dif unlike some competitors but they do use a "Elecctronic Dif" that works very well, torque steer can be a problem but this is case with all highpowered FWD cars.
Read very good things about them a lot better palce to sit than the Fiesta ST for example but not as fun to drive.
As mnetioned they have no mechanical Dif unlike some competitors but they do use a "Elecctronic Dif" that works very well, torque steer can be a problem but this is case with all highpowered FWD cars.
I'm leasing - if that makes any difference. I got it because it was so cheap. Barely drive any more so hopefully this will be ideal and Im actually really looking forward to it. The recipe seems right.
ST3, Spirit Blue. Doesnt come with sat nav or cruise control which I am annoyed about but wth Ive only done 3000 miles this year in my last car so itll sit and rot most of the time..... if it sucks I dont have to drive it more than 10 miles a month if I don't want.
Some people say the torque steer is minimal (Usually owners). Others (usually in reviews or those who have never driven the car) say its awful. As for the seats they felt fine but then Im relatively slim and the driving position seemed fine.
ST3, Spirit Blue. Doesnt come with sat nav or cruise control which I am annoyed about but wth Ive only done 3000 miles this year in my last car so itll sit and rot most of the time..... if it sucks I dont have to drive it more than 10 miles a month if I don't want.
Some people say the torque steer is minimal (Usually owners). Others (usually in reviews or those who have never driven the car) say its awful. As for the seats they felt fine but then Im relatively slim and the driving position seemed fine.
I have an ST3 in Spirit Blue bought new 3 months ago.
I have no need for Sat Nav so didnt specify it, although the reversing camera that comes with it would have been nice, but i wasnt prepared to pay £750 for it.
Cruise Control and Privacy Glass was a must for me, and im also glad i specified the ST Style Pack.
I do not drive my car hard all the time.....just bursts of spirited acceleration for fun and to embarrass boy racers from time to time.
I have definitely noticed the torque steer and it did surprise me the first time it happened, but as said its to be expected in powerful front wheel drive cars. Its not a problem though, and overall i am very pleased with the car.
The artificial engine sound thats piped into the cabin can sometimes be a bit intrusive when you dont want to hear it, but thats about the worst i can say about the car.
This is my first car with Xenon lights, and have to say i am very impressed with them.....particularly the main beam which is awesome!
I have no need for Sat Nav so didnt specify it, although the reversing camera that comes with it would have been nice, but i wasnt prepared to pay £750 for it.
Cruise Control and Privacy Glass was a must for me, and im also glad i specified the ST Style Pack.
I do not drive my car hard all the time.....just bursts of spirited acceleration for fun and to embarrass boy racers from time to time.
I have definitely noticed the torque steer and it did surprise me the first time it happened, but as said its to be expected in powerful front wheel drive cars. Its not a problem though, and overall i am very pleased with the car.
The artificial engine sound thats piped into the cabin can sometimes be a bit intrusive when you dont want to hear it, but thats about the worst i can say about the car.
This is my first car with Xenon lights, and have to say i am very impressed with them.....particularly the main beam which is awesome!
Edited by Ron240 on Thursday 9th October 12:01
If cruise control can be retrofitted its probably more trouble than its worth so i wouldnt bother.
With your car being leased then retrofitting factory options will not be allowed.
When i was ordering my car there was plenty of stock models to choose from but none of them had cruise control, so as i wasnt willing to compromise on this i had to place a factory order.
With your car being leased then retrofitting factory options will not be allowed.
When i was ordering my car there was plenty of stock models to choose from but none of them had cruise control, so as i wasnt willing to compromise on this i had to place a factory order.
Just want to add to what i said about the seats in a previous post....
You said you have sat in the car but not driven it.....well its not until you are driving that you might find the seat a bit uncomfortable.
IMO these Recaros really need an adjustable lumbar support, and could also benefit from adjustable side bolsters - both of which Recaro offer on their seats but are not fitted by Ford.
I have driven around 1200 miles from new and at the start i was getting a pain at the base of my spine. I am not getting that anymore but still find the need to regularly move my back in the seat a bit to get comfortable after ive been driving for a few miles.
From what ive read online this issue with the seats is a common problem, but some people have no problems at all.
On the plus side, both front seats are 8 way power adjustable(exclusive to ST3)and heated.
You said you have sat in the car but not driven it.....well its not until you are driving that you might find the seat a bit uncomfortable.
IMO these Recaros really need an adjustable lumbar support, and could also benefit from adjustable side bolsters - both of which Recaro offer on their seats but are not fitted by Ford.
I have driven around 1200 miles from new and at the start i was getting a pain at the base of my spine. I am not getting that anymore but still find the need to regularly move my back in the seat a bit to get comfortable after ive been driving for a few miles.
From what ive read online this issue with the seats is a common problem, but some people have no problems at all.
On the plus side, both front seats are 8 way power adjustable(exclusive to ST3)and heated.
Edited by Ron240 on Friday 10th October 10:21
Uncomfortable seats? never had any issues with mine. Full leather Recaro's and I find them very comfortable.
Recommend:
1)Quick press of the ESP button turns on "sport mode" which turns of the horrible torque vectoring.
2)Get the Mountune short shift kit. Makes a big difference to the gear lever travel.
Recommend:
1)Quick press of the ESP button turns on "sport mode" which turns of the horrible torque vectoring.
2)Get the Mountune short shift kit. Makes a big difference to the gear lever travel.
Scottish Greg said:
Uncomfortable seats? never had any issues with mine. Full leather Recaro's and I find them very comfortable.
Like i said....some people have no problems at all, but its not an uncommon problem.Oh and full leather Recaros are standard in ST3, which is the car we all have.
Was going to ask what the ESP off 'Sport Mode' button did.
My god how terrible is it on fuel?!?! Its not important to me but I can burn through about £30 of Vpower in no time atall which is quite shocking.... I cant help but rinse the thing but it seems to consume fuel at an alarming rate no matter how I drive it. Please tell me once its got a few miles on it I can drive gently without it using so much?
Is it the bottom half of the tank playing tricks on me or is it because the car is new? 2 short blasts up and down the a317 St Peters way lost me 1/4 a tank....
Me: I want to have a bit of fun here please..
Car: Thatll be £5 please sir....
Yeah so only complaints are the fuel consumption (which isnt a big deal really..) and the turning circle which when my GF drove it yesterday round a mini roundabout nearly cost me an alloy wheel and is embarrassing when youre in a multi story car park. Seats are snug but no complaints yet.
Still Im thrilled to bits with it and ive not enjoyed driving a car this much for about 2 years. Such a competent car. I got it based on some PM's I exchanged with a forum user as well!
My god how terrible is it on fuel?!?! Its not important to me but I can burn through about £30 of Vpower in no time atall which is quite shocking.... I cant help but rinse the thing but it seems to consume fuel at an alarming rate no matter how I drive it. Please tell me once its got a few miles on it I can drive gently without it using so much?
Is it the bottom half of the tank playing tricks on me or is it because the car is new? 2 short blasts up and down the a317 St Peters way lost me 1/4 a tank....
Me: I want to have a bit of fun here please..
Car: Thatll be £5 please sir....
Yeah so only complaints are the fuel consumption (which isnt a big deal really..) and the turning circle which when my GF drove it yesterday round a mini roundabout nearly cost me an alloy wheel and is embarrassing when youre in a multi story car park. Seats are snug but no complaints yet.
Still Im thrilled to bits with it and ive not enjoyed driving a car this much for about 2 years. Such a competent car. I got it based on some PM's I exchanged with a forum user as well!
My weekly commute to work consists of a 16 mile daily round trip where i leave my house then virtually straight onto a dual carriageway.
I take it fairly easy, and by the time i complete my journey the oil temperature gauge has only just started to move.
Its not ideal conditions, but my weekly average for this is around 30mpg.
I have driven a longer journey a few times with a fully warm engine - 50 mile round trip on open out of town roads and my average was 39-40mpg, again taking it fairly easy.
For comparison my previous Focus was a 1.6 Ecoboost 182PS, and under the exact same conditions my average for the above 2 journeys was 39mpg and 52mpg. I thought that engine was fantastic on fuel and was definitely no slouch on speed, but this highlights where the higher performance ST has to be paid for.
Drive the ST hard and you will drop into the mid 20's on average, but the Ecoboost engine is definitely more economical(and more powerful) than the previous 2.5 5 cylinder, although it doesnt sound as nice.
Yes turning circle is poor, but you get used to it. It is as you say a great car to enjoy driving.
I take it fairly easy, and by the time i complete my journey the oil temperature gauge has only just started to move.
Its not ideal conditions, but my weekly average for this is around 30mpg.
I have driven a longer journey a few times with a fully warm engine - 50 mile round trip on open out of town roads and my average was 39-40mpg, again taking it fairly easy.
For comparison my previous Focus was a 1.6 Ecoboost 182PS, and under the exact same conditions my average for the above 2 journeys was 39mpg and 52mpg. I thought that engine was fantastic on fuel and was definitely no slouch on speed, but this highlights where the higher performance ST has to be paid for.
Drive the ST hard and you will drop into the mid 20's on average, but the Ecoboost engine is definitely more economical(and more powerful) than the previous 2.5 5 cylinder, although it doesnt sound as nice.
Yes turning circle is poor, but you get used to it. It is as you say a great car to enjoy driving.
Edited by Ron240 on Sunday 12th October 10:00
Got the exact same car on lease, Spirit Blue, ST-3, style pack etc.
My commute is about 60miles round trip, some b raods and a roads and i average about 32mpg. Go through a tank in 5/6 days so yes fuel economy isn't the best. The seats i find great for my build but i think if your a 'bigger' lad it would get pretty uncomfy on longer trips.
A question i have is, does the car have auto stop-start? If so in the 2 weeks of ownership it has never kicked in for me even with A/C turned off. So unsure if it does or not!
All round though great car and once your used to the torque steer it's alot of fun!!
My commute is about 60miles round trip, some b raods and a roads and i average about 32mpg. Go through a tank in 5/6 days so yes fuel economy isn't the best. The seats i find great for my build but i think if your a 'bigger' lad it would get pretty uncomfy on longer trips.
A question i have is, does the car have auto stop-start? If so in the 2 weeks of ownership it has never kicked in for me even with A/C turned off. So unsure if it does or not!
All round though great car and once your used to the torque steer it's alot of fun!!
AbzST64 said:
does the car have auto stop-start?
No the current ST does not have this, but the forthcoming facelift model will.I had it on my previous Focus and although i didnt like it at first and always turned it off, i eventually got to appreciate it.
Now that i dont have it i kind of miss it. Typical eh.
Edited by Ron240 on Monday 13th October 16:06
Ron240 said:
o the current ST does not have this, but the forthcoming facelift model will.
I had it on my previous Focus and although i didnt like it at first and always turned it off, i eventually got to appreciate it.
Now that i dont have it i kind of miss it. Typical eh.
Haha it's one of those things when you have it, it annoys you but when you don't have it you think oh...that would actually be handy I had it on my previous Focus and although i didnt like it at first and always turned it off, i eventually got to appreciate it.
Now that i dont have it i kind of miss it. Typical eh.
Edited by Ron240 on Monday 13th October 16:06
I think it may be on the american mk3 STs but not european possibly?! Oh well no fuel saving there! haha!I was wondering that yesterday.
Still cant figure out the DAB and I swear the radio signal is terrible.
What a car though. So much fun - I know its not without its problems (like the eye watering fuel consumption when driving hard - this will not be a problem when I stop looking for an exuse to drive it) but its brilliant as an every day car.
Still cant figure out the DAB and I swear the radio signal is terrible.
What a car though. So much fun - I know its not without its problems (like the eye watering fuel consumption when driving hard - this will not be a problem when I stop looking for an exuse to drive it) but its brilliant as an every day car.
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