I really like these reviews from Brian Cooley, he focuses more on tech than the actual car itself, but I like that. Each reviewer has their own style and that's cool.
Cnettv, you just took away our happiness.... The things we loved wathing!! Keep everything for your self!! And let only your people of us enjoy all the fun!!
The only reason they would do an automatic version (which they haven't since the car started in Europe) is if people keep bitching about how they can't drive stick but really want the car.... Crazy thought here but how about learning to drive stick? It's not that hard, the ST only belongs with a manual transmission
I can see where youre coming from totally, but some people are lazier or more stubborn to learn stick, and thats where sales get limited. For the record, I do agree any good hot hatch needs a manual for the proper fun factor though.
HoldenFordFan yeah that is deffinetly true, a lot of it has to do with the fact people don't want to learn that's one thing for sure but if it was paired with even a dual clutch automatic it would just take the fun out of it all together because it wouldn't be the same driving experiance, and because it's stick and a hot hatch I ordered one lol
I owned a Mazdaspeed3 and enjoy a stick too but some days in stop and go traffic or driving on the hilly city streets of San Francisco you just want automatic. All corporate building decisions should be looked as financial/profit motivated and I think sport hatches will sell more automatics than manual versions. I believe most corvettes are sold in Automatic.
I so hope that Canadians buy this car so that it's still around in a couple of years. Until then, I will be driving way too many kilometres in a year for it to make sense. Way to go Ford. We finally get your best overall car!
Renault tried to do a hot hatch with a dual clutch transmission and people voted with their wallets - I've yet to see a Clio RS on the road. Hot hatches should be manual - that's just how it is.
Love your reviews man Love all the detail and options you give as soon as you say I dont like its completely off when you say I do like i pay close attention knowing it must be good. :) keep up the great work CNET dont lose this man.
I took the Mustang GT and Focus ST out for a test drive the other day. The ST was a lot of fun. Torquey engine and racing setup on the clutch. Loved it. Some thing fun to drive, sounds bad ass and gripped the road real good. This is not to be over looked. The mustang was a nice ride but the ST got my vote that day.
This guy is the ONLY reviewer on CNET that is worth watching. The rest are useless and provide absolutely NO useful information and are nothing but a waste of time. Keep it up dude!
It's $2k more for a package that includes Nav as well as many others. In the ST3 aka 202a package you get: Navigation Recaro Heated Leather Seats Rear Armrest HID Headlights Cornering Lamps LED Signature Lighting Ambient Lighting Overhead Console Exterior Heated Mirrors
Great review covering many aspects! How would you compare the clutch feel, gear change and steering feel to the previous Focus (XR5)? I ask because my wife's mum owns an XR5 and knowing how it has changed will help us decide to/not to purchase. Any feedback appreciated.
He's wrong with the last statement. When you don't buy the Nav package you won't have the GPS antenna & the wiring, nor will the software for sync have the Nav menu in it. The SD card would not do anything without the Nav package
I just drove this car today and It was up to business. I own a Mazdaspeed 3 and this has same power but many is it smaller, very tight fit inside. Goes nicely though and has a premium feel to it + USB & SD card slot. One thing that annoyed me is the side bolster on the seat on the right side hits ur elbow as ur shifting but besides that it shifted real nice
It is a bit too late for that Mr Cooley but can you please switch that rear wiper off -: ) I still have my 2013ST and I simply can not let go because it’s combination of performance and reasonable handling ( stock ) is hard to beat nowadays at the same price
im totally ok with the ST being manual only, it's a very good very easy to learn manual now, what would be REALLY COOL, is a property of myford touch that could "coach" you on driving manual, most of this stuff is by-wire anyway, the computer already knows when you're hitting the clutch/brake/gas/stick so it can literally teach you to drive stick and offer words of encouragement, and give personalized lessons. THAT IDEA IS FREE, FORD, YOU ONLY GET ONE
It's usually US$8-900 upgrade for a regular automatic, and $1200 for a dual clutch here. Not 'thousands' as you claim. DCTs are great because they are effortless, have seamless power out put, and generally get better fuel economy. Literally every racing programme (touring cars, rally, or F1) I've watch has shown them with a sequential or F1 paddle gearbox. Driving a 1.4 Astra with a manual gearbox doesn't necessarily make you better than us.
He's not upset that it has a manual transmission - he's just pointing out that with it being the only option, Ford might lose some sales numbers because not everyone wants a manual. And in regards to seats, if he's having a hard time fitting in being his size, again, that might be a problem for other people who are maybe a little wider. I think his overall point was that they could have tweaked a couple things to make it better suited for the American market, that's all.
I was considering one too but the second gen 3 MPS still has the same turbo failure issues due to the turbo seals going from carbon build up. Big issue sadly.
I do appreciate your car reviews - they are quite informative. Don't blame the Recaro seats because they're narrow - blame your backside for being too wide. LOL Also, if you haven't noticed, this car is not marketed to your demographic. It's marketed for males, 22-35 who like quick, tight handling hatchbacks. Also, Ford kept in mind when designing this car that it's very, very tuneable. Just watch and see the after-market kits start showing up on these cars.
Yeah, that would be pretty cool. It would be nice to be able to use a touch monitor built into the car as a remote phone just to be able to use the GPS on the phone without having to pay for the car's service. hehe
My guess is the hood gap is a result of a pre-production / early build. I would think they would fix this in production because it does look like the hood is open.
@sssmeee It's all about gearing to get the higher mpgs. My veloster turbo goes to 60 in 6.9 seconds with 200 hp out of 1.6 liters of 18 psi boosted engine hardware. 38 mpg highway too.
i assumed car tech would talk about.... um... the car tech. like how well the system works, plays music, how the interface works, what it does, is it easy to use etc.
This exact video showed up on my channel feed, then a few minutes later it gets blocked it for phones an such? WTF? Guess I should've clicked on it when I had the chance...
Hrm, I'm really concerned about potential wheel hop with this car, the engine moves ALL OVER THE PLACE when it's revved even with 0 load on it at idle. It's kind of scary how much it flexes. It's a complete recipe for wheel hop when getting out of the hole...the question is....does it?
2 things wrong here, 1 HD raido is standard in ALL focus, its a free service too unlike satellite, and Nav is only a $795 option, you cant buy just an SD card From the dealer, in more than just that. The packaged are also called ST1, 2 or 3. I know this because i sell them and order them for my dealership.
lol i like your point and agree. I love stick shifts as well but you're wrong. Modern auto boxes get better mpgs nowadays especially those dual cluth transmissions (dct) they get on average sometimes one or 2 mpgs better than manual. I'd rather a stick shift any day thoough
that is true but this is a road car not a race car and they could have put in adjustable racing seat... and one other thing if you can't fit in the seat properly its not going to hold you in place
It bothered me as well when i first saw it, but then i realized that it has its use. If it hadn't been for that gap, it would've been a continuous boring yellow hood.
Beautiful vehicle, decent price, nice performance. I still prefer the MazdaSpeed 3 over this vehicle. Why? The base MS3 had more horsepower, and torque BUT....it also has a massive amount of HP/TQ that remains un-tapped through easily purchased and applied bolt-ons. The Focus has little that hasn't already been maximized through the factory. My MS3 with 1.5k of mods is still cheaper then the focus, faster, and more spirited in daily driving, and getting 26.5 combined MPG.
![กินอาหาร ถูก vs แพง!! จานละ 500,000 vs จานละ 50!! [Ver. 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FF_HppKg4vs/mqdefault.jpg)
the rear wiper was on the whole time he was driving it lol
I was impressed too. I've had my ST for a week and I have yet to find the button for the rear wiper lol.
***** it is a small 3 way switch on the end of the left stalk; the one for your main wipers.
***** When you want to use the rear wiper, you would probably activate it by pulling the right stalk toward you.
Its a little switch on the end of the wiper stalk
I really like these reviews from Brian Cooley, he focuses more on tech than the actual car itself, but I like that. Each reviewer has their own style and that's cool.
I only came for the rear wiper
Cnettv, you just took away our happiness.... The things we loved wathing!! Keep everything for your self!! And let only your people of us enjoy all the fun!!
love this guys reviews, best Ive seen by far
I feel the opposite
Krevin Grard yea that makes u human
The only reason they would do an automatic version (which they haven't since the car started in Europe) is if people keep bitching about how they can't drive stick but really want the car.... Crazy thought here but how about learning to drive stick? It's not that hard, the ST only belongs with a manual transmission
I can see where youre coming from totally, but some people are lazier or more stubborn to learn stick, and thats where sales get limited. For the record, I do agree any good hot hatch needs a manual for the proper fun factor though.
HoldenFordFan yeah that is deffinetly true, a lot of it has to do with the fact people don't want to learn that's one thing for sure but if it was paired with even a dual clutch automatic it would just take the fun out of it all together because it wouldn't be the same driving experiance, and because it's stick and a hot hatch I ordered one lol
Steven Walsh Dude, Nothing beats a stick, but a DSG could really make this car into a beautiful dd.
TheBathulk10 I think a DSG would turn it into a beautiful track car, for me it's stick on the street, some sort if an automatic for the track
I owned a Mazdaspeed3 and enjoy a stick too but some days in stop and go traffic or driving on the hilly city streets of San Francisco you just want automatic. All corporate building decisions should be looked as financial/profit motivated and I think sport hatches will sell more automatics than manual versions. I believe most corvettes are sold in Automatic.
"Cooley" You truly are the best at Tech Car Reviews, keep it up man! love it.
Been waiting for this review for a while now!
SIMPLESMENTE FODÁSTICO ESSE CARRO !!
I have been waiting SO long for Brian to review this car!
I so hope that Canadians buy this car so that it's still around in a couple of years. Until then, I will be driving way too many kilometres in a year for it to make sense. Way to go Ford. We finally get your best overall car!
Renault tried to do a hot hatch with a dual clutch transmission and people voted with their wallets - I've yet to see a Clio RS on the road. Hot hatches should be manual - that's just how it is.
SirLoinOfsteak85 Which country are you living in currently?
Love your reviews man Love all the detail and options you give as soon as you say I dont like its completely off when you say I do like i pay close attention knowing it must be good. :) keep up the great work CNET dont lose this man.
really liking the cnet car reviews!
I took the Mustang GT and Focus ST out for a test drive the other day. The ST was a lot of fun. Torquey engine and racing setup on the clutch. Loved it. Some thing fun to drive, sounds bad ass and gripped the road real good. This is not to be over looked. The mustang was a nice ride but the ST got my vote that day.
That back window really got a good cleaning
Now that you clarified that im now going to buy one.
I like these reviews. The guy sounds like a normal person not a news anchor
This guy is the ONLY reviewer on CNET that is worth watching. The rest are useless and provide absolutely NO useful information and are nothing but a waste of time. Keep it up dude!
Does anyone else love this guy, or is it just me?
this review makes me want to buy one.
life changing numbers
I test drove this today, feels a lot faster than my moms boxster. And a hell of a lot more fun
I'm hoping that a 3 door version will be out soon. I love the look of 3 door hatches more than 5 door ones.
It's $2k more for a package that includes Nav as well as many others.
In the ST3 aka 202a package you get:
Navigation
Recaro Heated Leather Seats
Rear Armrest
HID Headlights
Cornering Lamps
LED Signature Lighting
Ambient Lighting
Overhead Console
Exterior Heated Mirrors
Great review covering many aspects! How would you compare the clutch feel, gear change and steering feel to the previous Focus (XR5)? I ask because my wife's mum owns an XR5 and knowing how it has changed will help us decide to/not to purchase. Any feedback appreciated.
The 2013 ST handles much better and has more power.
He's wrong with the last statement. When you don't buy the Nav package you won't have the GPS antenna & the wiring, nor will the software for sync have the Nav menu in it. The SD card would not do anything without the Nav package
I just drove this car today and It was up to business. I own a Mazdaspeed 3 and this has same power but many is it smaller, very tight fit inside. Goes nicely though and has a premium feel to it + USB & SD card slot. One thing that annoyed me is the side bolster on the seat on the right side hits ur elbow as ur shifting but besides that it shifted real nice
Amazing
Great review as always and nice car, but am I the only one who can't stop staring at that enormous panel gap between the front of the hood and bumper?
It is a bit too late for that Mr Cooley but can you please switch that rear wiper off -: )
I still have my 2013ST and I simply can not let go because it’s combination of performance and reasonable handling ( stock ) is hard to beat nowadays at the same price
this guy is the only person i have every heard complain about the seats, I've seen bigger reviewers say they love the seats.
friend....we have all seen jeremy clarkson and his glorious motor head gut
I really like this reviewer.
The Recaro seat pinches my shoulder blades and that rules it out because Canada says they are included..so far....they may just be hard to find
Ford's website lists HD radio (and Sirius) are part of the optional package 201A on the 2013 ST
Time out Ricaro Sport seats on a Focus?
im totally ok with the ST being manual only, it's a very good very easy to learn manual
now, what would be REALLY COOL, is a property of myford touch that could "coach" you on driving manual, most of this stuff is by-wire anyway, the computer already knows when you're hitting the clutch/brake/gas/stick so it can literally teach you to drive stick and offer words of encouragement, and give personalized lessons.
THAT IDEA IS FREE, FORD, YOU ONLY GET ONE
Sounds good... Save the manuals
It's usually US$8-900 upgrade for a regular automatic, and $1200 for a dual clutch here. Not 'thousands' as you claim. DCTs are great because they are effortless, have seamless power out put, and generally get better fuel economy. Literally every racing programme (touring cars, rally, or F1) I've watch has shown them with a sequential or F1 paddle gearbox.
Driving a 1.4 Astra with a manual gearbox doesn't necessarily make you better than us.
Its one in the same now. SVT and Team RS in Europe are the same group now. They made the ST Focus and Fiesta
Keeping it 6 spd manual only keeps the car in the hands of some deserving of its performance potential.
who did this audio editing!?
I like it.
He's not upset that it has a manual transmission - he's just pointing out that with it being the only option, Ford might lose some sales numbers because not everyone wants a manual. And in regards to seats, if he's having a hard time fitting in being his size, again, that might be a problem for other people who are maybe a little wider. I think his overall point was that they could have tweaked a couple things to make it better suited for the American market, that's all.
I was considering one too but the second gen 3 MPS still has the same turbo failure issues due to the turbo seals going from carbon build up. Big issue sadly.
270 pounds of torque is astonishing for a fwd car
I'm pretty sure the "hood gap" that everyone keeps asking about is intentional and is used as a kind of hood "scoop" to draw air in and cool the motor
good numbers on that 2 litre
will it come in a 2 door??
Totally agreed
You need to review the the Fiesta ST asap.
I do appreciate your car reviews - they are quite informative. Don't blame the Recaro seats because they're narrow - blame your backside for being too wide. LOL Also, if you haven't noticed, this car is not marketed to your demographic. It's marketed for males, 22-35 who like quick, tight handling hatchbacks. Also, Ford kept in mind when designing this car that it's very, very tuneable. Just watch and see the after-market kits start showing up on these cars.
Fair enough Edvinas :) Lets see how well recieved this focus is in the US - should be intreasting.
do the altima 2013 pls brian
The audio from another clip was edited in, however, the video portion was just different. This happens often.
Yeah, that would be pretty cool. It would be nice to be able to use a touch monitor built into the car as a remote phone just to be able to use the GPS on the phone without having to pay for the car's service. hehe
your right, every other review has nothing but praise for the seats.
I meant to say the focus k03 turbo is maxed out. I think 275whp is max for that turbo.
My guess is the hood gap is a result of a pre-production / early build. I would think they would fix this in production because it does look like the hood is open.
I want one, but being 6'1 feel i would look funny in it, proably wait for the fusion ST
Not sure if you're aware but automatics, especially DCT transmissions are faster and more fuel efficient than manual gears now.
@sssmeee It's all about gearing to get the higher mpgs. My veloster turbo goes to 60 in 6.9 seconds with 200 hp out of 1.6 liters of 18 psi boosted engine hardware. 38 mpg highway too.
Love your real world reviews. Tons of useless lap time videos out there. Thanks for a heavy dose of reality!
i assumed car tech would talk about.... um... the car tech. like how well the system works, plays music, how the interface works, what it does, is it easy to use etc.
I know, right? Cars need to build in smart phone mounts instead of $2,000 touch screen units, lol.
If you get the package with the nav it comes with HIDs instead
The rear windscreen wiper is on the entire drive. Lol
BOSS.
"Life changing numbers" hahahahaha
I like how motortrend got it 0-60 in 5.9 sec
Not, me! I love everything about my ST!!
Wish the Ford Focus RS500 is in the states...
Agreed, they should definitely make a dual clutch as an option. Definitely limiting sales.
I ditto that!!!
this guy loves his droids
I thought these only came in trims levels 1, 2, and (not yet available) 3, not with specific packages.
This is a true statement for any able bodied individual.
i like how the old one look to be honest
0-60 6.6s? isn't the new accord sport doing the same with a na 4cylinder -.-?
This exact video showed up on my channel feed, then a few minutes later it gets blocked it for phones an such? WTF? Guess I should've clicked on it when I had the chance...
Hrm, I'm really concerned about potential wheel hop with this car, the engine moves ALL OVER THE PLACE when it's revved even with 0 load on it at idle. It's kind of scary how much it flexes. It's a complete recipe for wheel hop when getting out of the hole...the question is....does it?
Where's the Fire Extinguisher?!? Cooley's on fire in this review!
Why isn't iPad playback allowed?
I think that the "hood gap" that they say is the rubber seal of the hood
If I could learn to drive a manual, it would be with this Focus.
2 things wrong here, 1 HD raido is standard in ALL focus, its a free service too unlike satellite, and Nav is only a $795 option, you cant buy just an SD card From the dealer, in more than just that. The packaged are also called ST1, 2 or 3. I know this because i sell them and order them for my dealership.
panel gap issues, probably because its such a new car, maybe it will get fixed next year
It's for better airflow into the engine compartment.
lol i like your point and agree. I love stick shifts as well but you're wrong. Modern auto boxes get better mpgs nowadays especially those dual cluth transmissions (dct) they get on average sometimes one or 2 mpgs better than manual. I'd rather a stick shift any day thoough
almost looks like he is standing in front of a green screen when he is checking out the car engine
The way God intended this car to be. :D
I think thats because it is designed similarly to the Lexus LFA where it acts pretty much like a cold air intake. Just a guess.
Does anyone else notice that , 4:40 - 4:56 , is the same clip with the same guy running at the same spot?
I think Ford is trying to bring back the manual, and I must say, this car is a good way.
that is true but this is a road car not a race car and they could have put in adjustable racing seat... and one other thing if you can't fit in the seat properly its not going to hold you in place
Australia misses out on the 'optional' LCD i think :(
It bothered me as well when i first saw it, but then i realized that it has its use. If it hadn't been for that gap, it would've been a continuous boring yellow hood.
The only upgrade I would get are the seats. My phone does a better job of every other tech feature available on most cars.
Beautiful vehicle, decent price, nice performance. I still prefer the MazdaSpeed 3 over this vehicle. Why? The base MS3 had more horsepower, and torque BUT....it also has a massive amount of HP/TQ that remains un-tapped through easily purchased and applied bolt-ons. The Focus has little that hasn't already been maximized through the factory. My MS3 with 1.5k of mods is still cheaper then the focus, faster, and more spirited in daily driving, and getting 26.5 combined MPG.
is it just me.. or is this guy spitting everywhere as he speaks? 3:06 - 3:12