Ford Focus ST: sharper, more focused fun

By Miles Downard

What is it?

Ford’s hot(ish) Focus, known as the ST, has undergone a midlife facelift in the same vein as the rest of the range. But moreover it’s no longer the hottest Focus in the range either (hence the ‘ish’) since the all wheel drive RS has hit the scene. So it’s playing a slightly subdued role now too. The question is, does the ST remain relevant in the hot hatch debate?

On the outside

As mention, it’s merely a facelift and a subdued one at that. The front end gets a more sculpted look with a new bonnet and thinner headlights. Some new wheels and hexagonal tailpipes round off the major changes.

Whether I am a fan I cannot decide. The front grille area combined with the car’s overall proportion comes across a little bottom-feeder-like. I rather prefer the old shape if I’m honest. But still, it ticks the hot hatch boxes very well. So at the very least it ain’t boring.

Read also: Looking for a hot-hatch? Miles says wait for the new Ford Focus RS

On the inside

This is a much more drastic improvement; gone is the messy array of buttons and in their place sits Ford’s touch screen infotainment system. The hot hatch-ness remains in full force with turbo dials sat front and centre on top of the dash.

Another new point are the brilliant Recaro seats that are incredibly supportive while being perfectly comfortable. They’re adjustable too should you be of greater circumference.

Behind the wheel

Changes from before include retuned electric power steering and stiffer suspension. You might notice the latter; let’s call it a very focused ride (excuse the terrible pun).

What’s great is that it’s a car with a grippy front end thanks to some clever torque vectoring – something you can actively feel working through the wheel. The result is the confidence to go faster and faster at each corner, as the fancy diff pulls the front end round with seemingly more aggression each time.

The 2.0 Ecoboost motor is extremely flexible in its power delivery but also willing to rev too. This allows you to stir the slick changing gear lever as much or as little as you like. Run it out and you’ll find the ST is rather brisk too.

Read also: Ford Mustang – can this pony outstrip the herd?

Pricing

At a smidge over R400,000 it’s less than the segment favourite VW Golf GTi. Only the Ford will be better equipped – and dare I say better to drive?

Verdict

I needn’t dare say this is better to drive than the Golf. I can say it with confidence. Also those seats are a load better, and that’s something I think is rather important in a hot hatch. It might not quite match the VWs build quality, but it puts a bigger smile on your face, just what a hot hatch should.

Price: R403,900
Engine: 2.0 litre turbo four cylinder
Power (kW): 184
Torque (Nm): 360
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.5
Consumption (l/100km): 6.8 (claimed)

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