Ford's Focus ST Is An Unrefined Beast, But I Still Love It
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มิ.ย. 2014
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Ford's Focus ST has proven to be a solid long-termer vehicle for Team CT. But having lived with the car for three months, what does Alex have to say about this feisty hot hatch?
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1 year owner of a ford focus st. I still love it.. Don't let him fool you.. It is fine in the rain with the stock tires. It goes in the snow damn new like a 4x4 with 16" wheel and snow tires.... We had a Horrible winter in the Midwest of USA and it handled it with ease. And the MPG?? I average 25mph and on 4 hour road trips I have seen 34+ mpg at 65-70mph. So I am not sure what he expects there? Its a Hot hatch with a ton of power. I am happy with getting what it gets. It only seems to suck gas when you beat on it. Like really beat on it and still then it's pretty good. I have a ST1 and about the only thing I can complain about is the brake dust on the wheels and the stock radio.
ST all the way. After test driving the rest I bought the ST, far far far more enjoyable than the competition.
Marky Spark did you drive the rs?
Gucci Jays i did... it was a bit too underwhelming for 2x the price
Still have it?
Same here it was on par with the golf GTi I drove but it was cheaper and a manual so it was a no brainer.
Great video as always! Keep it up.
I love you guyssss, y'all are so awesome and ur vids are so worth the time. Thank you for everything and please never stop :)
my dream car, either this or the focus rs, two legends in hatchback culture!
i have never watched car throttle for the reviews. this is the first i have watched and I really like how its done great job!!
How is it unrefined yet good as a daily driver. It is very refined and when driving normally acts just as a normal focus does.
unrefined when you thrash it.
Scary when you put your foot down in the rain.... almost lost mine earlier...
@@thegbgamer3072 What tires were you running ?
@@jonah9165 pirelli p zeros... amazing in the dry... scary in the wet.... also don't get one if you're looking. I sold mine after 9 months... terrible car.
@@thegbgamer3072I disagree, Go buy a 08-14 WRX , or 15-19 Audi RS3 I owned both and Focus might not have the tuning potential like them, But it’s 20x more reliable by far…. Who tf wants a car that needs engine rebuilt in 30k mile increments 😅
From this to today's version of the channel.
Just goooood
Still living the dream with the '13 in '24. The LSD, tune and full bolt ons make it a brute to hammer the road with. Beat car I've driven in 60 years.
Great review love car throttle
Great looking car, Im more of a bike person but still, amazing.
I bought this car a week ago as a daily driver and love it! It actually has decent gas mileage (I'm averaging 25-26 with a mix of conservative and aggressive driving in town). It looks awesome too, I think the front grille looks great.
Late reply but..... Do you still have it. And what colour did you go for?
@@gunnarelisigurjonsson2587 white one
@@cristianfdez90 the beauty!! Looks aggressive AF .. jealousy is growing.... Lucky man 😎🤘🔥❤️ one day when my mini dies 😂
Still have it?
@@gunnarelisigurjonsson2587 my mate currently owns it now 😁
best car i have ever owned!
This is Americas first hot hatch. And it was extremely successful. People should be a little more aware of that when they go hating on this car. It's truly a game changer for American cars of this class and price range. The bang for the buck is unreal
Except that it isn't, this is the second ST ( third if you consider the focus SVT) and that only with the focus, before that you had all the cosworth great hatches... This is the first global car, but sure not the first attempt, oh and that's with ford only not to mention all the other American hothatches previous to this one :)
+TheHighTimes LOL, guess again dude
+TheWeissenheimer It's not an american car mate.
+TheWeissenheimer sorry mate this car is about as american as Pie and peas, its ford uk designed and made, Just like here in australia where i live now we have the ford Falcon , 100% Australian designed and built. your mustangs used the aussie falcon chassis for over a decade so Nakke144 is absolutely right there bud
+Daniel Rivera agreed mate , don't judge but the Amc Pacer over there with a 5l v8 stock standard looks pretty cool about the same size as my 306 gti6 but with over double engine size. could be shit just going off what iv read about them
ive got the zetec S and need one of these!
Great review. We picked this up as my wife's DD.. found it much more exciting and engaging than the WRX or GTI.
More fun than the WRX? Im torn between the WRX or the ST, thoughts?
Adam A personal taste. We drove all of them and the ST captured us with its super tight and quick steering with a really wild suspension setup that allows for oversteer. The WRX was almost too grippy, and sloppy input controls, jarring boost profile, and felt cheap overall to us but absolutely go drive all the cars yourself.
Random question, Which car feels the most comfortable in your opinion? Im probably going to test drive both in a few weeks, just curious... Thanks!
Adam A the ST is firmly sprung and handles bumps well. The seats have extremely deep side bolsters which is great if you aren't too big. So that's how we define comfort but if you prefer something a little softer sprung with less aggressively bolstered seats you might like the WRX
I really appreciate all the help, thanks! jagerx
Hi,in your opinion wich is more fun to drive the Fiesta ST or this Focus? Wich one has the suspension more rigid? Thank you
Yep, you hit it. This car is a beast. Loud and mean sounding when started on a cold morning. It is 100% reliable. Great review.
Still have urs v
Love the exhaust note of the ST!
P.S. what is the songs name?
Love mine so much.
Change the tyres to a rain orientated type.
I think that hot hatches are getting so powerful that they need to have power limiters that you can put on for the rain, my hot hatch spins the wheels in the rain when you don't want to hoon
Did anyone else notice the "It may not..... but it is..... and that's....." [Repeat x4] formula of this video? :)
What is the instrumental in the background called ?
Damn i want that car! Or the Focus RS. That would be even better!!
Thanks, I was thinking to buy one, but I changed my mind.
Makes me wonder if the newly revealed 2015 Focus ST is any more refined than this one. Let's hope so. From the pictures I've seen, it looks a bit tidier inside and out.
What year?
Great car
Just bought 1 and I love it, 2 things I don't like tho, think the turning circle isn't great and also the engine noise is very loud apparently it's common 🙄
FWD drifting hot hatch. Sounds awesome to me!
Having driven this car for nearly 3 years and through two sets of tires, the stocks and Nitto 555's, I can say I've never lost grip in a hard turn (wet or dry). Tire spins on take off are expected, however, with so much power generated to the front wheels on hard acceleration.
This is a driver's car and the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel.
The true cons would be the following: gas mileage isn't the best, the Bluetooth microphone is terrible, making hands free phone calls a challenge at times, the center console storage is a joke, brake dust from the stock pads is horrendous, and the turning radius is terrible for a compact hot hatch.
It's also true the ST is a bit unrefined out of the box, but a simple performance tune will awaken its true potential and will put this vehicle on a level with cars 10k-15k more expensive. Honestly, anyone who buys this car should plan on a tune; it's a must-have mod to get the most out of the ST. Take the "training wheels" off!
+Steve Wilson Any cars you know of with ST's level of fun/ performance in the same price range, but WITHOUT the cons you noted??
It's just these cons that hold me back from buying an ST... also, while I'm a fan of how fun it is to drive, I'm NOT a fan of the styling!
What tune would you advise?
I use Randy's tune from Mountune; it's excellent and affords much more boost across the board. I've heard the Unleshed tune is great as well.
The only other affordable choice that would be better, IMO, would be the WRX STI. You could also take a look at the Velostar turbo, but if you don't like the ST's body styling, you probably will dislike the Velostar even more.
Bravo. Great review! I think that this is the car for me! Mine will, of course, be the American version. I do ask respectfully, though, that you watch the profanity. Otherwise, a great review with some very useful information!
"It has more character in its left wheel nut" loool
Its only a matter of seconds before he says something that makes me LOL and smash the like button, e.g. 3:11
I love that car. I'm hoping to buy one soon. Maybe the 2015 offers an AWD option.
Nope :( and it's ugggggly.
They did, its called an RS 😂 sorry could resist
If you can’t park this car you shouldn’t be driving.. full stop😊. The torque steering is nothing compared to older hot hatches. Also you can improve steering by pushing the esc button when you set off. Gives much more feel.
How is it hard to park?
I love how British people say "puddles."
Well yes because that’s what they are!
I love my ST. My 2010 GTI had more refinement. But the ST is more car.
I like the new ford focus 😃
DO A FIESTA ST REVIEW!
bad milage? people are getting in to the mid 30mpgs with the st
I think its a nice car, would drive it.
Been driving this car for 6 years. Right now it has 350HP and a LSD.
I have to say the review is complete rubbish, basically everything is wrong, but we still love you, Alex!
(And FYI: Top Gear, saying the opposite [no fun, electric nannies going haywire even with ESC off], were also completely wrong :D)
What about ford fiesta st?
250 lb/ft of torque? Ford's website in the US quotes 270 lb/ft of torque.
I kinda knew that but the horsepower figures are the same as he said though, with the same performance figures like 0-60 and so on.
And the new one is about to come out, afaik
such a great car. Has character to it. The upcoming facelift that was shown at Goodwood proves that Ford are on the right track. A better and more aggresive look and interior much more simple which Ford has taken into account from this generation of Ford focus st. On top of that VW are refined but boring there isn't any x factor about it. vauxhalls haven't got anywhere good as an engine as a ford. Seat cupra and renault megane are heavily priced compared to what you get when you want a hot hatch. Practical and fun to drive. Debate whether german or map are better than the rest are still debatable. But one things for sure cars these days are becoming more and more reliable. This focus st is one to watch.
FLAWS are not character.
so strange seeing him in a normal review lol
For it's pricepoint in the states, I like the WRX a lot better. But if there's an ST to get, it's the Fiesta ST. The little brother car that I think is actually better. If the Focus really wanted to compete against the BRZ/FRS, and WRX competitors, it should have came AWD. It just seems to be asking too much of a FWD car. IMO. Others love it, I'd rather get the Fiesta ST.
now please tell me that you've recorded this this Month? WTF is there always rain there?? i went to colder countries like Sweden and Canada but holy fuck .
I would go for. The audi s1
Can you not put quaife diff in afterwards ?
yes you can. Mountune offers it. But you can also get it directly from Quaife.
you don't get the same level of preformance in a standard focus, your comment is just fucking dumb
not ment for u sorry
I think they are fairly economical for what you get.
is it just me or is this review completely different from every other review of this car on the internet? other reviewers have said that there is barely any torque steer, next to no under steer, and it is one of the most sorted front wheel drive hot hatches around.
Exactly what i was thinking
Rob Snider
The torque steer isn't all that bad , yes it's there it does tug a bit under hard acceleration but it's nothing like the older VXR Astra . As for the sorted chassis the Front end grip is near limitless , but chuck into a corner a bit aggressively the front turns in very quick thanks the quick steering rack , but lift off or dab the brake before your straight you can expect the back end to go, ok a bit counter steer and a boot full of power should pull you out but sadly it don't always work as the tcs stops you from accelerating so you just end up sideways . ! Having said that I've not had mine long I replaced the front goodyears for conti sport5 , seem to do well but the backs are on about 4-5!mm of Goodyear F1 , and the cold snap came in don't expect the goodyears to grip when it's a few degrees over zero celecuis or damp , caution needed in the wet yiu won't get many 0-60 getaways you'll be busy spinning . It's been a while since I had to work to drive a car my last sport car was an ST220 after which I've had ordinary car, parting with my ST220 has left a void I still haven't filled .
Driving it for 4 years and torque steering depends on the rubbers
what ford focus st models were made in Germany?
Transmission is made in germany. A lot of their parts are made in germany. Car was actually developed in germany.
It's being build in the Ford plant in Koln, Germany.
The largest Ford factory in Europe. If been there a couple of times, its really 'German'. Which is not always a good thing (bear in mind: I'm Dutch;-))
A lot of the testting and developing has been done in Belgium, on the official Ford test track in Lommel.
When you're familiar with the Belgium roads, you'd understand why the chasis is so brilliant.;-)
For the same or lower price here in Canada I'll take the new 2015 GTI!!
The torque steer is like a nice little surprise you get every time you step on it hard. But that surprise makes you stain your underwear a lil bit.
If you haven't already done so, check out the front end of the Focus RS. It looks like a catfish.
Also, have you tried its little brother, the Fiesta ST?
Murica!
The way this guy is carrying on you'd think it was an Alfa Romeo
Fords don't need character, they need to work
I brought this car and it would spin out of corners the I brought decent tyre (Uniroyal rain sport 3s) and then I handled like a dream transformed the car a few dollars on thus car it's a different sort to stock trust me
Drove the estate version.. prefer my older 5 cylinder ST225.. I have a Cobra cat-back exhaust fitted, and a Dream Science 'Perf+ remap. Perfect.
Just not keen on the design either, front lights? Meh.. Rear lights even more.. Meh, agree with Alex..just to big!
A volkswagon looks normal
I'm confused by the "it will try to kill you in the wet" mine drives like it's on rails wet or dry, and I'm on mid range tyres. Don't get me wrong it struggles to grip in a straight line pulling away but through corners it takes it well
Absolutely agree! The handling is so neutral. It's more 4 wheel drift if you push it rather than understeer but you have to be going some. Lots of weight in the front pretty much get's rid of the torque steer(either a heavy passenger or a fat driver).
Why don't they make a 3 door ST anymore?!
IF ONLY IT WAS MORE REFINED!! (I WISH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WERE EASIER TO LOOK AT... IF THEY REFINED BOTH, I WOULD TOTALLY BUY THE ST!!)
you don't get the same level of preformance in a standard focus, your comment is just fucking dumb
wow the focus can reach 150 mph?
Why most if not all the reviewers doesn't like the ST design? Golf GTI is much uglier but that fact is rarely mentioned.
and the buttons on the dash... Panamera has at least the same number of buttons in the middle console but no one comply...
+benzfen not a fan of the ST dash...
TxFw Who care about the dash all I need is the volume button for the music and the A/C turn on/off button - I can easily memorize how to find them with closed eyes - the rest is the pleasure of driving :)
This is not the kind of car you buy for it's dashboard. Who cares! It's an ST. You buy one for its brilliant chassis.
People who buy a car like this for the look of its dashboard dont understand hothatches in general and the ST in particular.;-))
F type on the intro?
NIce car to take your Grandma to the grocery in....
ST vs GTi ?
ST if you really want to have lots of fun(mainly mk2) and tear the track down or gti for comfort, quality and will hold it's value better come resale, plus it's a German.
Trevor Phillips I hear ya with the GTI. I use to own a GTI, loved it. BUT, I did test drive the ST and a friend owns one....it is a serious competitor on all fronts. The quality is excellent. Ford really has stepped up their game, big time.
Trevor Phillips The ST MK2 is also German.. But I agree, the Focus doesn't give you the comfort or quality of a VW or Audi.
I think I'd rather have a German hot hatch, can never go wrong with one of those! Or a mini..
They're British, just made by bmw, like lamborghini is made by audi
Luna Tuna nononono, lamborghini is owned by audi. Not made by audi, even tough they cooperate closely.
Buuuut you don't call a lamborghini German, and mini is like the iconic car of Britain, even though it's German (which means it's built better)
Luna Tuna Lamborghini is owned by VW, which owns Audi.
No, it's owned by Audi, and audi is owned by vw
It is a great car but as the reviewer said it's shocking in the wet. Even with traction control on it will spin in 3rd with the slightest covering of rain.
Needs a damn diff
Plz Honda civic type r
The Facelift version looks way better, they did a good job with that one ! But it's still a good car ;)
Btw i prefer to buy a used E46 M3 over that :D
Kaisuke971 u mean break my valet?
It is a good ride, but the seat leon cupra 280 is better and with the performance package will be the fastest in nurburgring
That car is not ugly, you face is tho. Its a aggressive looking cool car
Had one of these follow me for about 15 miles. i was in my clio 200 cup. and it looked shocking. could hardly keep up on the straights and through the corners it was squeeling its ass off and looked like a bucking donkey. after 15 miles the guy flashed me over and asked what i had done to my clio. i said engine is stock [209bhp] and i,ve got H&R suspension. he said i,ve got 250bhp so why couldn,t i even get near you on the straights. and in the corners you just went round on rails and my ST tried to kill me. i just laughed and said you should have bought megane 265.
Hahahahahahaha this is easily the biggest load of bullshit I have ever read in the entirety of my life, those things don't happen pal.
6.5 to 60?? Hmmm something must be wrong I've measured an average of 5.8 in my ST... Maybe you are above sea level??
Mazdaspeed 3
/thread
speaking of unrefined beasts!
GTI erryday, erryday!
The Jetta Knight everyday*
Good review, but i'd easily have a VW golf/Scriocco/ Seat leon over this
the cupra r is sick and amazing, but man ford is ford , i bet this car is really reliable and "cheap" to mantain
Dacrazy-can Yea german cars r awesome, Seat has german engines and other stuff aswell so they can go in the same category lol.
Ford is too cheap and shit in my opinion
On the topic of German don't get me wrong Audi's are nice but fucking hell a rear side airbag an extra WTFF and you have to spend a fortune to get a decent spec level personally (PLZ NO HAET) I'd rather spend my money on a volvo but vw's are nice too but I think somebody like vw or volvo or skoda or seat need to make a competition vehicle for the a7 & a5 sportback models
IIP Velocity
yeah they are cheap and kinda plastic , but hey if u like cars enough and you are young with not sooo much money and u want a daily performance car the st is probably the best choice , but if u have a shitload of money i would get an audi s3 (4 door) and tune it to 350hp and if something breaks i wouldnt give a shit , and then get an evo or sti
Dacrazy-can haha fair point, but i guess if i had that sorta money i would get a E92 M3
If all it does is 25-26 mpg i'd take it back for tunning.
Like for car @ county !
prefer the older one...
I was thinking why is his hair black than saw the video is form 2014
Big ass rear lens take away some good lines due to proportion issues. Americans are ignorant of it, unlike the German designers.
Bad on fuel ???
I still like the mk 2 and mk2.5 st more that this.
Unrefined beast? Then what does that make the Mazda speed3??
shoulda got a fiesta st, better in every way pretty much
funny vid
The rs is better
Ok.. my veloster turbo Hyundai on my channel
0-60 is in 6 seconds and it has 257 not 247
It's 247. 6.5 is 0-100kmh (o-62mph). This makes 0-60 mph about 6.3. But these are the Ford figures. Lots of tests show 0-60 closer to 6 seconds.
@@steveandcarmel1: Road & Track magazine got it to 5.7 secs to 60 mph.
It looks naff though, the golf, a3, Leon, even the disastra vxr all look better and from what you've said drive better too. and why haven't they gone with the mechanical lsd or fancy suspension? that's just not Ford.. They used to sell because of the better handling..
imo, it looks like a fish, has 2 too many doors and the engineers haven't been allowed their own way, and for the money I'm sure you could pick up the old RS
I'd rather a mazda speed3
Unrefined? really