RE: 2019 Ford Focus ST gets 280hp and eLSD
Discussion
RaymondVanDerDon said:
I like the car but I'm really put off by Ford making the diesel look identical to the petrol. It irritated me when I had the mk3. Image isn't the top of my priority list but when spending my own money I wouldn't want to give a perception that I'm a company car driver.
I think that's your issue to be honest, and if you think you can tell who's a company car driver by simply looking at their car you're more mental than your comment sounds.I really like it, the shape looks more compact and hatch like than the outgoing one which in my opinion looks too long.
I also think they have done well with the styling, easy to see its not the base model but not too over the top that there is still space to accommodate an RS version if a business case can be made for such a car.
I never liked either the mk2 or the Mk3, the RS versions being the only ones I might have chosen to own but I would be quite happy to part with my hard earned for one of these!
I also think they have done well with the styling, easy to see its not the base model but not too over the top that there is still space to accommodate an RS version if a business case can be made for such a car.
I never liked either the mk2 or the Mk3, the RS versions being the only ones I might have chosen to own but I would be quite happy to part with my hard earned for one of these!
A good friend in the car industry told me the reason car manufacturers are going over to the electronic parking brakes is simple,they are cheaper to produce.
VAG have been using them for years throughout their ranges.
He also informed me that to date Ford will produce an automatic petrol estate,
a retractable towbar will be an option & they will be on sale in Europe from June 2019.
The RS has been shelved for now!
But, they could change their minds....
VAG have been using them for years throughout their ranges.
He also informed me that to date Ford will produce an automatic petrol estate,
a retractable towbar will be an option & they will be on sale in Europe from June 2019.
The RS has been shelved for now!
But, they could change their minds....
Fastdruid said:
Escort Si-130 said:
Who the hell fits a tow bar in this day an age. Buy a 4x4 SUV if you want to fit a tow bar. You would hardly ever find a fast estate fitted with a tow bar. dream on dude.
Oh and also this.It was infantile and killed my average mpg but on every roundabout I was giggling at all the econoboxes moving to the outside lane to overtake...and then leaving them for dead (up to 60 obviously).
I don't want a 4x4 SUV.
Edited by Fastdruid on Monday 18th February 11:08
nickfrog said:
Onehp said:
That would be a parking brake. A good hand brake engages on the rear and adds another dimension of having fun with a car also when moving, by lack of brake power usually when it is slippery. Especially relevant on fwd that lacks other ways of braking traction on the rear axle. On my diffed fwd it allows for handbrake turns, snow drifting but also fancy parking in wintertime, front end moving sideways on full lock with the handbrake engaged. On rwd or 4wd it allows for proper controlled drifting. However none of the above can be said out loud, because then you are a nutter/rally wannabe on PH, apparently. Subtly suggesting driving (far) over the speedlimit or admitting enjoying the odd powerslide is ok, but enjoying a manual handbrake is... not. (I have been damaged by a discussion on this subject in the Pure M3 thread of all places)..
I suppose if the public road is where you have fun, then I can (just about) see where you're coming from. Personally, I use tracks for fun driving.I don't think people would think you're a nutter/ rally wannabe, but they'd think you're a total moron to use your "parking brake" (there is a hint in the name) to enhance your driving experience.
I have a 2017 Ford S-Max 180bhp diesel on a 3yr lease (cancelled lease at half the price is my excuse) and if the diesel ST engine and gearbox are in any way related I would stay well away. Getting it off the line quickly is just not possible, it either bogs down or spins its wheels and the clattery noise is horrendous - I know the S-Max is a heavy car but it feels a lot less powerful than my wifes 2018 150bhp Passat estate too.
nickfrog said:
The pricing is ambitious against a Cup Megane which will be cheaper yet has sophisticated double axis front kinematics, 4ws and a mechanical slipper. And a manual handbrake for the Nordics amongst us.
These will sell by the droves regardless. The Focus ST rarely wins any 'top hot hatch' battles but it's the one you see the most on the road by a huge margin.spookly said:
I've never owned a Ford, but have to say that they've really nailed the looks of the newer Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo. I think they look better than most of the competition, ze Germans included. I could be tempted if there's a hot estate version with a towbar option.
Not too sure i like the latest styling, they've got progressively blander since the departure of head designer Martin Smith.
The latest mondeo (above) is especially ill proportioned and dull in my opinion. And with the Fiesta and Focus there is little to differentiate the ST line from the actual ST as others have said (Although in fairness this is the same with the German brands S line/m sport / amg).
The price is higher than I expected to be honest, especially given where the i30, Megane and Civic sit. That being said, it all depends on the monthly costs, so it could still prove plenty popular.
It's a nice looking car regardless. The article isn't that clear though. If Ford have ditched the ST-2 and ST-3, does that mean there is only one trim level now? What does it come with?
It's a nice looking car regardless. The article isn't that clear though. If Ford have ditched the ST-2 and ST-3, does that mean there is only one trim level now? What does it come with?
Its unusual they didn't go for an output of around 300hp to compete with GTI I30 Typr R - especially as they get higher outputs already in the mustang etc even if its just for pub bragging rights.
Does look like a good design even if it looks like the Mazda 3 which isn't that surprising. Agree should be differentiated from lower trims although i understand their marketing strategy which is where the volumes will sell in lower specs.
Does look like a good design even if it looks like the Mazda 3 which isn't that surprising. Agree should be differentiated from lower trims although i understand their marketing strategy which is where the volumes will sell in lower specs.
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