New Focus ST

[Rythmic slapping]

Morning Everyone.

Currently have a 11 plate ford fiesta titanium with all the toys - its coming up to decision time - to get a new car, or keep this one.

Tried a Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf and thought it was better than reviews suggested - however many people have had issues. Having had 2 Alfa's in the past that wouldn’t bother me too much.

However, I cannot fault my fiesta other than the lack of power (0-60 in around 10 secs); so I was thinking of another blue oval.

I have a test drive booked on Saturday at my local dealer (who sold me my last car) with the new Focus ST3 (hatchback). I know some people are put off by the styling, but what it drives like and what’s it is like to live with are my only questions.

So have any of you guys got the new ST in either hatchback or estate? what’s your thoughts?

Any issues so far?

Thanks

[liquidfox]

There's currently an ongoing issue which a new steering rack sorts. It's not certain batches, and it seems to be random dates. It appears when driving for prolonged periods at motorway speeds, the symptom is not being able to make minor corrections (as in staying in lane), and results in a bit more effort needed to turn the wheel from straight.

There's probably about 4-5 people on FocusSTOC.com with the issue so far.

Another one is the engine hitting off the bulkhead when changing gear hard from 2nd into 3rd at high revs.

[Rythmic slapping]

Thanks for that!

Test drove the hatchback and the estate. Went for a ST3 estate in white, with privacy glass, door protectors, cruise control and the style pack.

I was very impressed with the car - only slight bit of wind noise from the drives door seal and a iffy turning circle.

You have also answered my next question about dedicated forums! - Will head over and have a look.

[Justin S]

It seems a grower on the looks department. Have the brochures at home and Mrs likes the panther black and graphite alloys, so may go for a test drive to confirm what I am thinking. Waiting on Mountune to release their magic at the moment too.

[Rythmic slapping]

Agree on the looks - tested a Giulietta Cloverleaf before the ST and it was stunning, but let down in other areas.

When I saw the hatchback parked next to the estate - I had to have the estate, in white it look menacing with the graphite wheels.

[JackP1]

I actually really like the estate. And it's quick, very quick!

[tonkaplonka]

I bought an ST2 in November. It's a great car. I've done 2500 miles so far. Mines is white with the style pack. The only problem is the missus doesn't fine the seats comfortable. Mainly the angle of the headrest, being to far forward and not adjustable. This is in the process of being sorted though by a specialist car seat company.