Purchased a 2013 ST3 model here in Canada and have enjoyed 11,000 worry free kms. Been a great car to me so far and a blast to drive hard. Very pleasant as a daily driver and all of the amenities and technology are quite welcome. Had no issues with MFT, works quick and smooth, syncs up with all of my phones no problem. The differences not noted in the 2014 are a reduction in steering wheel controls on the right hand side. The voice control and stereo controls are now combined in the one control circle on the right of the wheel. Also with keyless entry the rear doors do not unlock the car in the 2014 models, all four doors unlock the car in the 2013s. Options wise you can have red calipers and dark grey wheels. For Canadians a recall on the headlight side markers has given us new housings with higher power LED brows that when wired up properly by the dealer provide DRL functionality. Only other known issue with the car is the soft rear motor mount that can be replaced under warranty in a TSB. The soft mount produces an audible bang under hard shifting from 1-2 and more noticeable wheel hop. Once replaced, the banging of the inner part of mount on the outer support is gone, wheel hop is reduced. Just a few good things to know for any potential buyers. It's a bloody good car: handles better than most, nearly no turbo lag, dyno results close to stated power numbers, nice interior on the st3 and wild good looks (especially in tangerine scream like mine).
You can't make a review of this car without a test outside the city. The power in the ST is just amazing and this car is rather affordable. Can't wait until next year!! FOCUS ST here we come.
Lived in japan for ten years; drove the old skylines 90gtrs gtst etc rb34 my focus is front wheel drive but rotates like a rear, the steering at times feels almost arcade like; to good. Ok hard to explain but the suspension really grows on you, no car I’ve driven handles quite like it. I fear lowering it or even touching the angles as it’s set up perfect from factory. For what it is remind you, this is not an evo this is not a gtr this is not a Miata but like those it has its own style. As a family man, building my own house using this as a pickup at times. I love this car! The only other car I’ve enjoyed this much was an old Toyota Supra I owned straight v6 omgoodness! Drove that till the wheels fell off...What a rant lol
It is horrible riothero13...have had mine for just over 3 months. Average around 30 mpg's, room for work and 4 doors for friends. Zero-60 in around 6 seconds and a pretty nice look too;) Why would anyone want an ST....crazy;)
Drove one at the Ford Ecoboost challenge and it was truely one of the most fun I've had driving. Great seats, shifter, steering and the right sounds coming out of it. Would be my 1st choice over the Speed 3 and GTI. Now, I haven't driven an Si, and it's lower cost would make it a tough decision, but love the 5 door layout in the ST.
As a Honda guy in my younger days, who moved on to a Jeep obsession for many years, this Ford really hits the mark for me - and I never thought I'd say such a thing.
While we don't disagree about the extra grip of summer tires, Ford should at least offer an all-season option for those who live in the four-season states.
As an ST owner I have to say the Eagles lose grip in sub 30-40F temps (on dry pavement) so all seasons aren't a bad idea for the average driver. I think the issue is I and dykeman assume most ST buyers are enthusiasts who want 100% potential out of the ST in the handling dept, which is where it really shines.
Weight. Focus ST weighs more than 500+ lbs more than the Civic Si. That is a big reason. Also, from what I have read it requires a perfect launch with the Si to get low 6 second 0-60 times. Most reviewers/testers are getting more like 6.7-6.9 seconds. That being said, I plan on test driving both cars in the next few weeks. Leaning towards the Si Sedan as it fits my needs and style better, but we'll see what happens when I drive the ST.
Just picked up a Race Red 2014 ST3. l Love the thing - great balance of fun and economy. Thanks for the informative videos, which helped a great deal in my research.
I've been using all sorts of different all season tires over the past 17 years now having lived upstate NY and on Long Island never having a problem in the snow. I don't have 4wd or AWD either. RWD with an LSD and a manual transmission is all my cars have had. All season tires are the best all around tire for me. They're quiet with good wear, the ones I've had were great in the snow and get really good traction on dry pavement and in the rain. I can also keep them on all year too.
We prefer the extra refinement and more luxurious cabin of the GTI, even though the Mk6 is about to be replaced. The ST is still a wonderful car however. We'll be very excited to compare it again when the Mk7 GTI is released next spring.
Depends where you live and how severe your winter is. Winter tires handle snow/ice much better than all season tires do. With a light, FWD car, all seasons can work but nothing beats a good winter tire for snow-covered or icy roads.
As someone who just wrecked his 2013 MS3 and bought a 2013 Focus ST I agree with a lot of your points, but I would add the following: 1) The Focus is faster through the corners period. And a fair bit faster 0-30. All other times the Mazda is faster, and most importantly feels faster. Though this caused lots of smiles. It also caused me to end up upside down. 2) On a day to day basis the Ford feels better, but it lacks the visibility of the mazda.
Yes, Focus ST. I love it so much. Thanks! I just wish you can do a video for test drive back to back comparision. It will be great! Focus ST VS Mazdaspeed.
We heard about that, hopefully the fix that Ford is working on will address the issue. Honestly, the MS3 is just as bad as this car and although the noise is rather surprising at first, it just adds to the unique character of this vehicle.
As a Speed3 driver, I am honestly envious of the ST, except for some minor issues. The ST has everything that was lacking in the Speed3. What I dislike are the high seat height, ugly wheels, the Transformer interior...things I can replace or ignore...oh I forgot the price around $5k+ more than my Speed3.
The clunk you hear in when you go into second at full throttle isn't actually wheel hop, it's the engine hitting the firewall due to the fact that they used a similar rear motor mount that is in the regular focus.
While it seems that nothing was changed. They did improve some things that would effect long term things. Stronger engine and transmission mounts. They do offer different color rims in 2014. Also the instrument cluster where the gauges are different but can be upgraded for 2013 cars by going to a ford dealership.
The best fix for the wheel "HOP" is purchasing the rear motor mount for the Focus Electric. It is factory fit, and same bolt in pattern. The difference is the mount is rated for way higher torque from the electric motor. But it works fabulous for the ST in eliminating wheel hop all together! Cheap fix and OEM fit!
really good video, here its just about 2018 and this video has totally helped me as I am looking at this same car to purchase used, thank you so much!! I am armed with lots of information which will give me the ability to know if the car salesperson knows what they are talking about
Also, when you're talking about the "wheel hop" that you are experiencing, you actually may be talking about a problem that most of us ST owners have, and that is an inferior rear motor mount, which Ford is currently in the middle of addressing via a Service Bulletin, but replacement parts are hard to come by at the moment, with some of us waiting 60 days or more for. The problem can be read about all over various ST forums.
I have a 2013 ST 3 package and you can actually turn on the LED lights separately while you're driving. Yeah those just the "parking" lights, but I think it still looks pretty cool during the day and you can turn on the fog lights with that as well with out the HID's being on.
Thanks a bunch for doing the video. It will really help in my purchasing decision. My only recommendation is instead of talking about the car for almost 10 minutes, talk for about 3-4. After we see how it drives then we want to hear about the options and see under the hood. That's just my opinion. Thanks again for the video though =D
The sound when shifting from 1st to 2nd isn't wheel hop, it is the engine slamming into the firewall. It can be fixed with a better motor mount. COBB tuning makes one for both the fiesta and focus ST, both experience this issue
They keep pushing that law further back every year it seems, we do feel the back-up camera is a great safety feature and wouldn't object to every vehicle having one.
The clunk from 1-2nd is actually due to a poor rear motor mount this has a direct effect on wheel hop too. Ford actually sent out a memo to all its dealerships stating they should be replaced by upgraded efocus motor mounts
In Europe you can get the heated seats with ST1 or ST2. And there is no realtion on the quicknes of the steering rack to how much the wheels can physicly turn. That is effected by wheel base. and other geometry.
In many parts of the world it is mandatory to have a set of dedicated winter tires. If you are in the market for a Ford ST or any kind of speciality car like that, changing tires/wheels should not be too much trouble.
Is the clutch any better in the ST than the standard focus? I drove one with the 5 speed and while I LOVED the shifter I felt like the clutch was just too light and springy for my taste.
Oh yeah, I did have one front wheel drive car in that time... My SVT Contour. I didn't notice any improvement in the snow when I put on AS tires versus the RWD cars with AS tires I've owned. For a FWD, that was a really fun car actually. I only owned it for two years though.
This is weird because I own a 2014 Focus ST also the ST3 package; the LED's CAN be run alone as daytime running lights. Also the wheels had an optional RADO Grey finish, still same style but a darker almost charcoal in color.
It looks to me that the right side steering wheel controls have changed slightly from the '13 model year. On the '13, the phone send/end and sync voice button, in addition to 2 MFT shortcut buttons were found on a separate stalk below the right spoke and mimicked the shape of the cruise control buttons on the left. In the '14, it now looks like the sync, send/end are rolled into the audio buttons, as well as nixing the MFT shortcut buttons.
and stripes. But don't get the stripes. I have a 2013 ST3 and I had the dealer install a backup camera because it's useful and not any negative effects. It works flawlessly throughout the MyFord Touch screen. Just an idea for those who want a camera.
@ 2:44 for the 2014 models you can opt for the gunmetal wheels and red brake calipers for an extra fee. As far as I can tell those are the only changes from 2013 to 2014 models.
awesome video, just drove this and the fiesta st (along with about 10 other cars) at the ecoboost challenge over at citi field yesterday, great cars. I'm really thinking about buying a 2014 focus st. I do have to say though, the fiesta was a bit more fun to drive and had an amazing sounding engine/turbo. I just like the practicality the focus st offers a bit more.
The rear headrests must be removed to fold the seats flat, unfortunately. If they folded it would slicken the process up quite a bit. Looking forward to seeing small refinements, as you mentioned.
Winter tires are not a good idea. They handle the most winter of days, but not all winters are blizzards. Most of them are water puddles....and all-weather is more suited for such.
Pretty misery of Ford to not include a $10 backup camera that most webcams put to shame. Obviously more of a cost cutting measure than say a way to say drivers of this car does not need to be coddled. Come on, Ford! Otherwise, nice review. I was surprised you said it's shifter is comparable to the Si. Most people say the GTI's shifter is pretty buttery smooth as well. Still don't care for the exhaust or lack of differentiation from the regular Focus on the outside. Needs more bits and kits.
I drive a manual 6 speed so fuck off, lol. I don't rely on nannies like backup cameras to back out of places or have blind spot monitoring like the new Fords have.
"People who buy this car already know how to drive" I think that one quote made my day.
Hahaha that guy peeking in at 15:05 was like "lets see if my civic can beat this ooops nevermind".
"When you look under the hood, you only get one engine with the ST."
Dang I was hoping for at least 2 engines lol
Exactly, what a ripoff.
Purchased a 2013 ST3 model here in Canada and have enjoyed 11,000 worry free kms. Been a great car to me so far and a blast to drive hard. Very pleasant as a daily driver and all of the amenities and technology are quite welcome. Had no issues with MFT, works quick and smooth, syncs up with all of my phones no problem.
The differences not noted in the 2014 are a reduction in steering wheel controls on the right hand side. The voice control and stereo controls are now combined in the one control circle on the right of the wheel. Also with keyless entry the rear doors do not unlock the car in the 2014 models, all four doors unlock the car in the 2013s. Options wise you can have red calipers and dark grey wheels.
For Canadians a recall on the headlight side markers has given us new housings with higher power LED brows that when wired up properly by the dealer provide DRL functionality.
Only other known issue with the car is the soft rear motor mount that can be replaced under warranty in a TSB. The soft mount produces an audible bang under hard shifting from 1-2 and more noticeable wheel hop. Once replaced, the banging of the inner part of mount on the outer support is gone, wheel hop is reduced.
Just a few good things to know for any potential buyers. It's a bloody good car: handles better than most, nearly no turbo lag, dyno results close to stated power numbers, nice interior on the st3 and wild good looks (especially in tangerine scream like mine).
We noticed that as well, he was trying to read the window sticker ;)
You can't make a review of this car without a test outside the city. The power in the ST is just amazing and this car is rather affordable. Can't wait until next year!! FOCUS ST here we come.
Lived in japan for ten years; drove the old skylines 90gtrs gtst etc rb34 my focus is front wheel drive but rotates like a rear, the steering at times feels almost arcade like; to good. Ok hard to explain but the suspension really grows on you, no car I’ve driven handles quite like it. I fear lowering it or even touching the angles as it’s set up perfect from factory. For what it is remind you, this is not an evo this is not a gtr this is not a Miata but like those it has its own style. As a family man, building my own house using this as a pickup at times. I love this car! The only other car I’ve enjoyed this much was an old Toyota Supra I owned straight v6 omgoodness! Drove that till the wheels fell off...What a rant lol
They feel about the same, we like the springy and light feel. Short travel and it engages right in the middle.
It is horrible riothero13...have had mine for just over 3 months. Average around 30 mpg's, room for work and 4 doors for friends. Zero-60 in around 6 seconds and a pretty nice look too;) Why would anyone want an ST....crazy;)
This is the first review of yours I have watched. Excellent.
Love the guy looking at the ST from the driver's side at 14:30. He's either mesmerized by the ST or he wants to race!
09:50 "Lemme remind you guys why Ford is so great" Ford logo positioned PERFECTLY in the background!
Drove one at the Ford Ecoboost challenge and it was truely one of the most fun I've had driving. Great seats, shifter, steering and the right sounds coming out of it. Would be my 1st choice over the Speed 3 and GTI. Now, I haven't driven an Si, and it's lower cost would make it a tough decision, but love the 5 door layout in the ST.
I think for the price , this is a quality all round hot-hatch and it's the first ford i have have desired to own in a long time (again for the price)
As a Honda guy in my younger days, who moved on to a Jeep obsession for many years, this Ford really hits the mark for me - and I never thought I'd say such a thing.
Same here, and I'm a hardcore GM or Mopar guy.
Anyone notice the creepy guy in the civic at 14:30 lol
+Tyler Holt dude broke his neck for like 5 mins LOL
Jonah Hill staring at 15:00 lol
Lol didn't see that the first time
Adam Gleason lol yeah i look for things that people usualy wouldnt notice
LMAO!
Damn this car still looks good in 2022!
While we don't disagree about the extra grip of summer tires, Ford should at least offer an all-season option for those who live in the four-season states.
As an ST owner I have to say the Eagles lose grip in sub 30-40F temps (on dry pavement) so all seasons aren't a bad idea for the average driver. I think the issue is I and dykeman assume most ST buyers are enthusiasts who want 100% potential out of the ST in the handling dept, which is where it really shines.
lol dude in the honda civic at 14:50 is creepin on you
Weight. Focus ST weighs more than 500+ lbs more than the Civic Si. That is a big reason. Also, from what I have read it requires a perfect launch with the Si to get low 6 second 0-60 times. Most reviewers/testers are getting more like 6.7-6.9 seconds.
That being said, I plan on test driving both cars in the next few weeks. Leaning towards the Si Sedan as it fits my needs and style better, but we'll see what happens when I drive the ST.
Love the review. Hope you do a review of the 2015 ST when it's available.
We appreciate it :) the vehicle chimed at us because the low gas light came on ;)
Thanks for pointing that out, the combination looks great. Too bad our test vehicle didn't have it.
Just picked up a Race Red 2014 ST3. l Love the thing - great balance of fun and economy. Thanks for the informative videos, which helped a great deal in my research.
I rode in my friends ford focus ST and i felt like Ken Block. Its such a awesome car
I've been using all sorts of different all season tires over the past 17 years now having lived upstate NY and on Long Island never having a problem in the snow. I don't have 4wd or AWD either. RWD with an LSD and a manual transmission is all my cars have had. All season tires are the best all around tire for me. They're quiet with good wear, the ones I've had were great in the snow and get really good traction on dry pavement and in the rain. I can also keep them on all year too.
We prefer the extra refinement and more luxurious cabin of the GTI, even though the Mk6 is about to be replaced. The ST is still a wonderful car however. We'll be very excited to compare it again when the Mk7 GTI is released next spring.
WELCOME BACK!!!!
The man in the next car thought you where talking to yourself, look how he was watching you 14:20
Such a sweet sound that car makes. I plan on getting one of these while trading in my Mazda 3
mazdaspeed3 is far superior imo
Depends where you live and how severe your winter is. Winter tires handle snow/ice much better than all season tires do. With a light, FWD car, all seasons can work but nothing beats a good winter tire for snow-covered or icy roads.
As someone who just wrecked his 2013 MS3 and bought a 2013 Focus ST I agree with a lot of your points, but I would add the following:
1) The Focus is faster through the corners period. And a fair bit faster 0-30. All other times the Mazda is faster, and most importantly feels faster. Though this caused lots of smiles. It also caused me to end up upside down.
2) On a day to day basis the Ford feels better, but it lacks the visibility of the mazda.
Yes, Focus ST. I love it so much. Thanks!
I just wish you can do a video for test drive back to back comparision. It will be great!
Focus ST VS Mazdaspeed.
We heard about that, hopefully the fix that Ford is working on will address the issue. Honestly, the MS3 is just as bad as this car and although the noise is rather surprising at first, it just adds to the unique character of this vehicle.
Wonderful car. I wish you'd find less traveled roads to truly test these cars!
As a Speed3 driver, I am honestly envious of the ST, except for some minor issues. The ST has everything that was lacking in the Speed3. What I dislike are the high seat height, ugly wheels, the Transformer interior...things I can replace or ignore...oh I forgot the price around $5k+ more than my Speed3.
The clunk you hear in when you go into second at full throttle isn't actually wheel hop, it's the engine hitting the firewall due to the fact that they used a similar rear motor mount that is in the regular focus.
Powersproductions130 Lol no it's not hahaha
Thank you!! This was OUTSTANDING!!
I am DYING to get one of these and this video just confirms everything that I know. Great job reviewing this car!
The MS3 may be less expensive when it comes to the MSRP, but Ford has a $1500 rebate on these right now which lower the price below the Mazda.
Thanks for being so thoughtful and kind and just saying wider.
That guy at the end must have been thinking "Is that the guy who does those car reviews on TH-cam?"
Love following the Focus sport lines. Please cover the Focus RS and let us know what you think.
While it seems that nothing was changed. They did improve some things that would effect long term things. Stronger engine and transmission mounts. They do offer different color rims in 2014. Also the instrument cluster where the gauges are different but can be upgraded for 2013 cars by going to a ford dealership.
14:38 the man in the honda is just staring
The best fix for the wheel "HOP" is purchasing the rear motor mount for the Focus Electric. It is factory fit, and same bolt in pattern. The difference is the mount is rated for way higher torque from the electric motor. But it works fabulous for the ST in eliminating wheel hop all together! Cheap fix and OEM fit!
really good video, here its just about 2018 and this video has totally helped me as I am looking at this same car to purchase used, thank you so much!! I am armed with lots of information which will give me the ability to know if the car salesperson knows what they are talking about
Great review again, keep up the great wrk
Also, when you're talking about the "wheel hop" that you are experiencing, you actually may be talking about a problem that most of us ST owners have, and that is an inferior rear motor mount, which Ford is currently in the middle of addressing via a Service Bulletin, but replacement parts are hard to come by at the moment, with some of us waiting 60 days or more for. The problem can be read about all over various ST forums.
The guy at the end checking the focus st out, priceless!!!
GREAT VID SO FAR!
the guy at the end with the civic
I have a 2013 ST 3 package and you can actually turn on the LED lights separately while you're driving. Yeah those just the "parking" lights, but I think it still looks pretty cool during the day and you can turn on the fog lights with that as well with out the HID's being on.
Thanks a bunch for doing the video. It will really help in my purchasing decision. My only recommendation is instead of talking about the car for almost 10 minutes, talk for about 3-4. After we see how it drives then we want to hear about the options and see under the hood. That's just my opinion. Thanks again for the video though =D
The sound when shifting from 1st to 2nd isn't wheel hop, it is the engine slamming into the firewall. It can be fixed with a better motor mount. COBB tuning makes one for both the fiesta and focus ST, both experience this issue
Doesn't ford replace the rear motor mount within warranty? Get back to me on that.
Its not that the mount is bad it just can't handle all that force. I don't believe it is causing any damage etc just an very unnerving sound.
If you get a stiffer mount, the problem goes away.
yea exactly it just needs to be stiffer I think every company that offers tuning packages for the focus and fiesta make one
They keep pushing that law further back every year it seems, we do feel the back-up camera is a great safety feature and wouldn't object to every vehicle having one.
Because most people will use the ST as their daily driver and it's simply just too much trouble (not to mention, expensive) to have two sets of tires.
Nice vid bro
It sounds amazing. Hope they make that 2014 Speed3. Biding my time, saving my money.
I really wanted to get this car, but finally i got the speed3 and im happy with it
Welcome to the Northern VA, DC, MD area!
The clunk from 1-2nd is actually due to a poor rear motor mount this has a direct effect on wheel hop too. Ford actually sent out a memo to all its dealerships stating they should be replaced by upgraded efocus motor mounts
Candypants www.cjponyparts.com/cobb-motor-mount-rear-focus-st-2013-2015/p/891001/
In Europe you can get the heated seats with ST1 or ST2. And there is no realtion on the quicknes of the steering rack to how much the wheels can physicly turn. That is effected by wheel base. and other geometry.
awesome review!
In many parts of the world it is mandatory to have a set of dedicated winter tires.
If you are in the market for a Ford ST or any kind of speciality car like that, changing tires/wheels should not be too much trouble.
Between this and the Civic Si, which would you say is easier to live with and drive on a day-to-day basis?
CAN YOU PLEASSSEEEEE DO A VIDEO ON THE JEEP PATRIOT ive been think about buying it but i woild like to hear your opinion
Is the clutch any better in the ST than the standard focus? I drove one with the 5 speed and while I LOVED the shifter I felt like the clutch was just too light and springy for my taste.
IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL
come from
DC SHOES: KEN BLOCK'S GYMKHANA FIVE: ULTIMATE URBAN PLAYGROUND; SAN FRANCISCO
As a WRX owner I am really considering one of these cars..
Best fwd hatch released in the states of all time
One of my favorite reviews from you. I like how you shitted on everyone who can't drive on a low profile.
I agree really good review keep em coming
did you notice that from 14:46 the guy in the civic stares at the camera lol but once ST takes off he can't keep up
Because there was a car in front of him?
Jin O was starting to wonder if anyone else had noticed. the guy was creepin lol!
+Kheshig Khan That SUV was far away from him. He just couldn't keep up to a Focus ST with a 1.8L Civic LMAO.
Oh yeah, I did have one front wheel drive car in that time... My SVT Contour. I didn't notice any improvement in the snow when I put on AS tires versus the RWD cars with AS tires I've owned.
For a FWD, that was a really fun car actually. I only owned it for two years though.
This is weird because I own a 2014 Focus ST also the ST3 package; the LED's CAN be run alone as daytime running lights.
Also the wheels had an optional RADO Grey finish, still same style but a darker almost charcoal in color.
It looks to me that the right side steering wheel controls have changed slightly from the '13 model year. On the '13, the phone send/end and sync voice button, in addition to 2 MFT shortcut buttons were found on a separate stalk below the right spoke and mimicked the shape of the cruise control buttons on the left. In the '14, it now looks like the sync, send/end are rolled into the audio buttons, as well as nixing the MFT shortcut buttons.
Very Nice review!
Update all of the 2016 Ford Focus ST now have a backup cam and they did some updates for the 2016 model year!!
and stripes. But don't get the stripes. I have a 2013 ST3 and I had the dealer install a backup camera because it's useful and not any negative effects. It works flawlessly throughout the MyFord Touch screen. Just an idea for those who want a camera.
Ford list the curb weight of the ST at 3223 while Honda says a 2013 Si Sedan weighs 2967.
You can get charcoal wheels on the website. Go build your focus online and you'll see. It's around a 300 dollar option.
good job man!!
@ 2:44 for the 2014 models you can opt for the gunmetal wheels and red brake calipers for an extra fee. As far as I can tell those are the only changes from 2013 to 2014 models.
Reverse camera is a standard option on the ST in Australia. Sucks you don't get it in the US.
Ford is starting to become more of a performance brand but I don't mind. Do the Fiesta St with the standard seats!
Sofyan they do have a black spoke option I think it's $500 more
Is the Style Pack not available in the States? That adds rado grey wheels, red calipers and illuminated kick plates.
It's had HID's since it was first released, as long as you got the ST3 package.
Great video, the only thing wrong was they DO offer the wheels in a darker finish for 2014
Great Review.
grey rims with red calipers are an option for 2014. so if you want that darker rim option, there you go!
awesome video, just drove this and the fiesta st (along with about 10 other cars) at the ecoboost challenge over at citi field yesterday, great cars. I'm really thinking about buying a 2014 focus st. I do have to say though, the fiesta was a bit more fun to drive and had an amazing sounding engine/turbo. I just like the practicality the focus st offers a bit more.
The rear headrests must be removed to fold the seats flat, unfortunately. If they folded it would slicken the process up quite a bit. Looking forward to seeing small refinements, as you mentioned.
Difficult to find esp in winter when they come with summer tires and Recaros pinch my shoulders...and no option to leave them out.
Winter tires are not a good idea.
They handle the most winter of days, but not all winters are blizzards. Most of them are water puddles....and all-weather is more suited for such.
I heard that by 2017 that all vehicles will come standard with the back up cameras
Pretty misery of Ford to not include a $10 backup camera that most webcams put to shame. Obviously more of a cost cutting measure than say a way to say drivers of this car does not need to be coddled. Come on, Ford!
Otherwise, nice review. I was surprised you said it's shifter is comparable to the Si. Most people say the GTI's shifter is pretty buttery smooth as well. Still don't care for the exhaust or lack of differentiation from the regular Focus on the outside. Needs more bits and kits.
I know it's just so hard to use your rear view mirror (sarcasm). This car has too much stuff you don't need.
I drive a manual 6 speed so fuck off, lol. I don't rely on nannies like backup cameras to back out of places or have blind spot monitoring like the new Fords have.
supercooled you just complained about not having a backup camera. And motorcycles are where it's at.
Nice review....thanks!