mk2 or mk3 Focus ST?

[white_goodman]

I have driven a friends mk2 ST (or if you want to be pedantic, is it the mk1?) and loved the engine and gearbox. The contemporary Golf GTI was probably a better handler but the 5-pot in the Focus had more character, which probably made it my favourite hot hatch of that era. It was on my shortlist last time I bought a car but reading of engine problems on early ones and later ones being over my budget, I bought an Impreza WRX instead.

I have yet to drive the mk3 (mk2?) ST yet. Yes it is faster and more efficient but doesn’t look as good IMHO, may have lost some of its character and reviews I have read have been decent but fairly lukewarm. I really like this kind of car but living in Canada, my options are limited. You can lease a new ST for about $400 (250 pounds per month) which is doable. You can probably get a Golf GTI but it will be more expensive and the nearest VW dealer is 3 hours drive away. Honda do a hot Civic with a 2.4 VTEC (about 200bhp), I don’t think that Mazda do an MPS equivalent of the 3, there is the Dodge Dart with a 2.4 Multiair (Fiat engine) with about 184bhp and even though the Chevrolet Cruze is a nice enough car and has a turbo, it’s only a 1.4, so only 138bhp.

Any observations on the mk3 ST based on driving experience would be welcome. Is it better than the mk2? If not, I don’t think that I would be interested in an inferior driver’s car (incidentally the mk2 ST is not available here).

[white_goodman]

Papa Hotel said:

Wot 'e said.

Or, if you must stick to an ST, it'd have to be the 5-pot for me.

Also, I dream of the day you make a thread and don't mention bloody Canadia. Seriously, have a look at your threads, they're all about Canadia. All of them.

Sorry I offended you. Just trying to give some context, as the roads and availability of certain models is different i.e. I can't get a mk1 RS, so your answer was pointless but I would like to know how the mk2 ST compares to the mk3 ST (which I can get). Homesick.

And it's spelt Canada without an "i"!

Edited by white_goodman on Friday 5th July 19:14

[white_goodman]

Heathrow said:

I used to have a mk2 and have driven my brother's mk3. Didn't expect to like it mainly due to the effect of the loss of that cylinder and the great noise the mk2 makes! Oh and the fact that it's 5 door only.

However they've obviously done some work on the induction note to make the car sound good, although it can't quite match the 2.5 5, cylinder in the mk2. Overall I thought it was an excellent 'evolution' of the mk2, and my feeling was that the car had 'grown up' if you like. It just feels more polished in all areas really. I believe it's lost some weight too (and not just because of the smaller engine). Feels noticeably quicker on the road, and can be a pretty docile cruiser when you need it to. A solid hot hatch which I'd happily own I'd say and would look forward to even boring commuting type driving since it's so well equiped.

Thanks Heathrow. That's all useful to know.

[white_goodman]

Papa Hotel said:

I'm not offended, it's just that when I see a thread by you now, I know it's going to have "I live in Canadia" shoehorned in there somewhere. No big deal, just an observation.

I know it's Canada, but it annoys Canadians when you say Canadia.

I’m not Canadian (or should that be Canadan) so not annoyed. Back on OT, do you prefer the mk2 or mk3 Focus ST or have you driven neither?