2013 Ford Focus ST - One Screaming Hot Hatch
September 19, 2013
By: Anthony Murdoch
North American car enthusiasts always have to wait for the good cars to come to this side of the pond. For 2013 however, Ford has finally brought over what can best be described as their version of the"GTI", which is a very good thing indeed.
Ford engineers in Germany created this hot version of the Focus so that it is the same for all markets. Yes, you read that right, whether you buy one here or in Germany they are basically the same. Same engine, brakes, transmission, suspension tuning. You name it! There are some small differences however, such as the fact Canada can't get a wagon version, as well as the fact that ours is basically only available fully loaded, which for the asking price of $29,999 before tax is actually reasonable.
The ST differs from the regular Focus in that it has new rear revised suspension knuckles, a 252 horsepower version of the 2.0 EcoBoost engine, and a 6-speed manual transmission, the only one offered (this is a good thing). It also has absolutely awesome Recaro Sports seats. These are so good that they are worthy to be in a super car. They keep you planted in your seat and prevent you from moving around, a good thing considering the ST's summer tires (it comes standard with them) are so sticky that it's virtually impossible to lose grip, even with all the electronic driver controls turned off.
So what's it like to drive? Well, in a manner of speaking, freaking fun! The engine produces 270 lb-ft of torque in a broad whack that comes full one when in over-boost mode. This is a 15 second burst of extra torque when the throttle is pinned to the ground. Make sure to keep you hand on the wheel as there is torque steer, but I found it to be a fun thing actually and you can tell that Ford dialed some torque steer into the equation so that it gives it a more mental attitude. The shift of the 6-speed manual has reassuring and positive throws. I found it to be easy to master the clutch take up, which is light and offers decent feel. Stab the gas in first and then into second and you get sucked back into the seat. It truly feels fast, although it really is only a bit quicker than VW's GTI in the sprint to 100 km/h, despite having more power. What I love the most about the ST however is it's steering. With a short ratio and turns to lock, it feels as if you are driving a go kart. It is so direct and fast, yet at the same time has a light feel when parking. All in all, a winning combination.
One area I was surprised was it's fuel consumption. I averaged 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, all despite regularly dipping into the power. It does have a rather small 45 litre tank however, so its range is not that great. Also, for maximum power you need to use premium fuel. You can use regular, but it's not worth it. Stick to the good stuff for maximum punch.
Inside, you will find a familiar fully loaded Focus interior, save for three small gauges on top of the radio which show boost pressure, engine oil temperature and oil pressure. Fit and finish is great. I particularity liked the feel of the shift knob as well as the steering wheel. I found the exterior styling of the ST to be a good balance between looking sophisticated and sporty. It is not over the top. It is understated enough that as long as you avoid a screaming paint job, you won't stand out too much. This is either a good or a bad thing depending on the personality of the person driving it. For me, I liked the white colour of my test car.
All in all, Ford's Focus ST is a fun little road rocket which is not only fast and eager, but can be relativity easy to live with on a day to day basis. It's not as grown up or as refined as the GTI, but this is for a reason. The ST has more edge to it. It's geared towards a slightly younger crowd who craves something a little extra.
Of note is that Ford is offering a cash incentive of all remaining 2013 ST's. Check out www.ford.ca for more info!
By: Anthony Murdoch
North American car enthusiasts always have to wait for the good cars to come to this side of the pond. For 2013 however, Ford has finally brought over what can best be described as their version of the"GTI", which is a very good thing indeed.
Ford engineers in Germany created this hot version of the Focus so that it is the same for all markets. Yes, you read that right, whether you buy one here or in Germany they are basically the same. Same engine, brakes, transmission, suspension tuning. You name it! There are some small differences however, such as the fact Canada can't get a wagon version, as well as the fact that ours is basically only available fully loaded, which for the asking price of $29,999 before tax is actually reasonable.
The ST differs from the regular Focus in that it has new rear revised suspension knuckles, a 252 horsepower version of the 2.0 EcoBoost engine, and a 6-speed manual transmission, the only one offered (this is a good thing). It also has absolutely awesome Recaro Sports seats. These are so good that they are worthy to be in a super car. They keep you planted in your seat and prevent you from moving around, a good thing considering the ST's summer tires (it comes standard with them) are so sticky that it's virtually impossible to lose grip, even with all the electronic driver controls turned off.
So what's it like to drive? Well, in a manner of speaking, freaking fun! The engine produces 270 lb-ft of torque in a broad whack that comes full one when in over-boost mode. This is a 15 second burst of extra torque when the throttle is pinned to the ground. Make sure to keep you hand on the wheel as there is torque steer, but I found it to be a fun thing actually and you can tell that Ford dialed some torque steer into the equation so that it gives it a more mental attitude. The shift of the 6-speed manual has reassuring and positive throws. I found it to be easy to master the clutch take up, which is light and offers decent feel. Stab the gas in first and then into second and you get sucked back into the seat. It truly feels fast, although it really is only a bit quicker than VW's GTI in the sprint to 100 km/h, despite having more power. What I love the most about the ST however is it's steering. With a short ratio and turns to lock, it feels as if you are driving a go kart. It is so direct and fast, yet at the same time has a light feel when parking. All in all, a winning combination.
One area I was surprised was it's fuel consumption. I averaged 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, all despite regularly dipping into the power. It does have a rather small 45 litre tank however, so its range is not that great. Also, for maximum power you need to use premium fuel. You can use regular, but it's not worth it. Stick to the good stuff for maximum punch.
Inside, you will find a familiar fully loaded Focus interior, save for three small gauges on top of the radio which show boost pressure, engine oil temperature and oil pressure. Fit and finish is great. I particularity liked the feel of the shift knob as well as the steering wheel. I found the exterior styling of the ST to be a good balance between looking sophisticated and sporty. It is not over the top. It is understated enough that as long as you avoid a screaming paint job, you won't stand out too much. This is either a good or a bad thing depending on the personality of the person driving it. For me, I liked the white colour of my test car.
All in all, Ford's Focus ST is a fun little road rocket which is not only fast and eager, but can be relativity easy to live with on a day to day basis. It's not as grown up or as refined as the GTI, but this is for a reason. The ST has more edge to it. It's geared towards a slightly younger crowd who craves something a little extra.
Of note is that Ford is offering a cash incentive of all remaining 2013 ST's. Check out www.ford.ca for more info!
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