Ford Focus ST

This month saw a few firsts for me. One such first was the fact that I got to test drive the latest Ford Focus ST. Unfortunately I never drove the previous model but as a big car fan I read a lot about it and have had the pleasure of being a passenger on more than one occasion, other than that I’ve generally day-dreamed about the day where I’d get to drive one for real. Thankfully my day has come, Ford gave me one to trial for a week and I now have one less item on my list of things to do.



To drive
Among the biggest changes to this Ford Focus ST is a new engine. Ford have replaced their 2.5litre five cylinder engine and in its place they have put in their impressive Ecoboost engine where they have proven yet again that less can be more. This engine is a 2litre turbocharged Ecoboost which has increased the horse power to 250 and offers 360 NM of torque.



This car offers true grunt and although it can be a bumpy ride its steering is superb. Because of its Ecoboost engine this car while when pushed can be a gas guzzler can also be more economical than you would expect when driven with refinement. Ford say that the combined fuel economy of this car is 7.2l/100km and when you consider that this is a hot hatch that figure is not too bad. That said however, I don’t think that potential owners of this car will be too concerned about fuel economy.

Fords stats sheet tell me that you can travel from 0-100km in 6.5 and I’m not prepared to argue with them on that, although if you decide to test this too often you will be looking at a vastly different litres per kilometre from the one I’ve already given. Ford also says that this car will reach, if pushed, 248kmph.

Inside
This is a sports car, but despite its Recaro seats to the front it is a five-door vehicle with enough room in the back and boot to satisfy a small family.



Style
I’m very impressed by the styling of this car. It’s extremely refined. The model I was driving was white, there were no racing stripes or anything too loud in terms of style (the engine on the other hand is a different story!) – this to some may be quiet boring but I like the fact that some people would have to look at the badge on the back to make sure it was an ST. Of course the ST is bulkier than the regular Focus; it sits 10mm lower and comes with 18” alloys. To the front the grille is clearly angrier than the regular Focus and the exhaust system to the rear looks extremely impressive.

Price and Tax
In terms of price you will be shelling out between €36,800 for an entry level ST. This car falls into tax band D and road tax will cost you €481.



The CBG.ie verdict
This car is a beast. It’s refinement in terms of styling really impresses me as does the Ecoboost engine. The audience for this car is limited but those who don’t purchase one will undoubtedly be admiring it from afar!

Daragh Ó Tuama