Focus ST

[300bhp/ton]

St John Smythe said:

I don't think 19 round town and 30 on a run is that bad at all! Certainly when you compare that to something like an RX8 it looks almost economical. Probably quicker too

The rotary in the RX-8 makes it quite a different comparison though. Although my point in terms of HP and performance would stand true for the RX-8 also. However with the RX-8 at least you get an interesting looking coupe rather than a blobby mpv cross estate car. You also get a finely balanced rwd chassis and a totally different driving experience.

But there are plenty of 300hp+ motors that can offer up similar or better mpg than the Focus and be faster.

[300bhp/ton]

St John Smythe said:

I had the old shape ST170 and I thought it was a great car (especially in the rain on a trackday at Bedford when everything rear wheel drive was falling off the track left, right and centre )

[stargazer30]

I ran an ST2 for 2 1/2 years. Average MPG was 19, mostly urban driving. I never ever saw 250 miles from full to light on. They are a quick, comfy, performance hatch in standard form so if thats what the Ops after then great. They tune up easily too but the FWD limits what you can do with them once you get above 250bhp If you don't need the space though there are cars that are as fast, with better handling, and way better MPG for less money.

[Caulkhead]

Have a look at a Mazda 3 MPS - quite a bit more power and torque than the ST and quite a bit less thirst. Chassis isn't quite as good, but I believe they are easier to insure.

[The Apprentice]

Caulkhead said:

Have a look at a Mazda 3 MPS - quite a bit more power and torque than the ST and quite a bit less thirst. Chassis isn't quite as good, but I believe they are easier to insure.

I refuse to pay the £430 tax a year though.

Corsa or Astra, rubbish cars? Pretty basic inside the Astra.

[Funk]

If fuel bills scare you, avoid the ST. I did around 2,000 miles a month in mine and averaged 18mpg. I was filling the tank every other day with super unleaded (mine was running a Dreamscience remap, up to about 270bhp). The pace/grunt for the amount of fuel consumed is horrendous, but it sounded lovely.

I wouldn't have another one though. The recommendation to look at the 3 MPS is a good one; a real sleeper and every bit as quick as the ST. An over-looked hot hatch that will be cheaper to run, and as much fun to drive. Why worry about £430 a year duty on it if it's saving you £50 a month on fuel? I never understood that.

The fuel economy of the ST really is as bad as people say it is, especially the earlier ones (mine was an 06). I'll dig out the calculations I made comparing it with my BM. It's one hell of an eye-opener (especially if you're looking at the 'tax' element).

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 22 November 15:30

[300bhp/ton]

The Apprentice said:

The ST in the garage is orange

Any idea's on the VXR mate? I know they're more expensive (used), are they worth it?

Sure you said earlier but is it Astra or Corsa?

I quite like the look of the Corsa's, but I've heard quite a lot of negative comments on engine longevity. The image is also very much chavvy 16 year old wanta-be chasing 14 year old girls. And if you don't need the seats why would anyone buy one over a VX220?

Astra, I suspect they are slightly more frugal on fuel. But if you tune them and then need superunleaded I guess it's slightly more academic. But where as the ST seems to be more like low 20's the Astra VXR does seem to be more like mid to high 20's claim and more easily over 30mpg on a run.

My biggest complaint with the Astra would be the drive. I've not heard or read much that actually says they are much of a drivers car. Fast yes, but not really all that great.

My Dad also had a "new" Astra, it wasn't a VXR, but it was hateful. Stupid things that car makers shouldn't get wrong in this day and age... like:

-a heater that wouldn't clear the bottom edge of the windscreen
-wipers that would throw all of the water they have just cleared back onto the screen right in front of the driver when on the downward stroke
-Huge blind spot around the A pillar and side windows near the door mirror
-auto wipers that didn't seem to recognise "spray" and had crap manual controls to override
-auto headlights that didn't know what fog, dusk or dawn was
-ruff stitching on the steering wheel (different to VXR I suspect)
-shiny "Piano" trim that was like a magnet to dust and loved finger prints
-uncomfortable rear seats
-tiny poor shape boot with a high access lip
-rear tailgate designed for only right handed people to close it


The steering was also very inert too, and while I'd expect a VXR to handle better I suspect the rack and steering feel would be the same.

It wasn't a bad car and it didn't do anything truly wrong, but it was a hugely annoying car and would have driven me mentally insane if I'd had to use it every day.

[300bhp/ton]

stargazer30 said:

I ran an ST2 for 2 1/2 years. Average MPG was 19, mostly urban driving. I never ever saw 250 miles from full to light on. They are a quick, comfy, performance hatch in standard form so if thats what the Ops after then great. They tune up easily too but the FWD limits what you can do with them once you get above 250bhp If you don't need the space though there are cars that are as fast, with better handling, and way better MPG for less money.

That's the essence of what I mean.

And if they truly 'want' a Focus, then that's fine with me too. But I do wonder/suspect than in the vast majority of cases people want these types of cars because they feel they are the cars they are supposed to want, or have been told they should want. Rather than actually wanting it for what it is.

[toon10]

My mate has an 07 plate ST. Performance and power wise there's nothing in it between that and my 325i. Mpg wise, I get an average of 25, he's lucky if he sees 22 so he says. Good performance but he says they're very thirsty.

[Funk]

My comments here might be of use: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

and here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 22 November 15:41

[300bhp/ton]

Funk said:

If fuel bills scare you, avoid the ST. I did around 2,000 miles a month in mine and averaged 18mpg. I was filling the tank every other day with super unleaded (mine was running a Dreamscience remap, up to about 270bhp). The pace/grunt for the amount of fuel consumed is horrendous, but it sounded lovely.


The fuel economy of the ST really is as bad as people say it is, especially the earlier ones (mine was an 06).

18mpg on superunleaded

So in pence per mile ratio that somewhere nearer to 15-16mpg on 95 RON.

If you've got £8k to blow on a motor at that kind of fuel costs you might as well buy something like this:



Not as fast point to point, but probably more fun. Can be made as quick in a straight line and will at least retain or appreciate in value.

It certainly wouldn't cost more in terms of ownership and I'm pretty sure would make you smile a heck of a lot more!

[anonymous-user]

300bhp/ton said:

St John Smythe said:

I had the old shape ST170 and I thought it was a great car (especially in the rain on a trackday at Bedford when everything rear wheel drive was falling off the track left, right and centre )

eh?

[3000GT ANT]

if you want a hot hatch buy an Alfa 147 GTA, i think it is the best and i own a focus ST. The focus ST is a very good car, i get anywhere between 17-30mpg and the boot has yet to let me down when carrying stuff. Unless you need 5 seats get the ST3 as it comes with heated leather.

[Superstu]

Have got an ST2 currently as a company car.

Have done 57000 miles in 18 months.

Mostly motorway miles get approx 300 miles on a full tank- 26/27 mpg.

Would i buy one with my own money. No

[The Apprentice]

Think I'm guns take a look at the newer shape mps when I'm home.
ST seems too thirsty ! Not that worried about fuel but 70 a week is mad

[anonymous-user]

3000GT ANT said:

if you want a hot hatch buy an Alfa 147 GTA, i think it is the best and i own a focus ST. The focus ST is a very good car, i get anywhere between 17-30mpg and the boot has yet to let me down when carrying stuff. Unless you need 5 seats get the ST3 as it comes with heated leather.

147 GTA would definitely get my vote. Especially with quad unsilenced Ragazzons

[Funk]

St John Smythe said:

3000GT ANT said:

if you want a hot hatch buy an Alfa 147 GTA, i think it is the best and i own a focus ST. The focus ST is a very good car, i get anywhere between 17-30mpg and the boot has yet to let me down when carrying stuff. Unless you need 5 seats get the ST3 as it comes with heated leather.

147 GTA would definitely get my vote. Especially with quad unsilenced Ragazzons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD8o7eMAr04

*spaff*

Although....also *spaff*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvNg95d15MM

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 22 November 16:07

[excel monkey]

How about a mk5 Golf GTI?

Much better fuel economy than a Focus ST, if that's a priority.

[rb5er]

I used to average 26mpg in my focus st. It was totally standard in the 2 and a half years i had it. A mazda3 mps will be no less thirsty but will not handle as well and will not be a nice inside, quicker as standard though.

[Crow555]

It doesn't have the image of the Focus ST, but have you considered a Golf GTI/Seat Leon FR?