THE Western Cape has several great driving roads – some better known than others. Over a bumpy piece of blacktop, reminiscent of a tarmac rally stage, the Tangerine Scream Ford Focus ST grips hard and irons out bumps with more aplomb than the car it replaces. When flicking the quick-rack wheel at the entry to a tight bend, the driver is braced by the Recaro bucket seat. Swapping between third and fourth gears ushers in a surge of torque that enables the ST to negotiate the tagliatelle of tar. All the while, the motor sings sweetly and paints a wide smile on its driver’s face.
It was while traversing this challenging route that the new ST showed its class. Immediately it looks an even better protagonist than its predecessor, a firm favourite of the CAR team, to protect Ford’s honour in the hot-hatch stakes.
However, the styling is as per the regular Focus, which is to say fussy. In our eyes, the latest incarnation of Ford’s hatch is over-styled and seems to be dating rather quickly. In ST guise, there is the obligatory chunkier body kit, larger alloys, rear aerofoil and funky exhaust tip that protrudes from the centre of the bumper. The test unit was painted in Tangerine Scream, or eye-searing metallic orange. Unlike its predecessor, this model is available only with five doors.
There are two variants, ST1 and ST3 (low and high spec in simple terms). It’s the latter that we feature here. The two versions are mechanically identical and are differentiated only by their trim levels. In addition to the decent spec level of the ST1, the ST3 features a leather interior, electric seating adjustment, upgraded Sony audio system and bi-xenon headlamps, among others.
Of more interest to petrolheads will be what’s hiding under the bonnet. The previous-generation Ford Focus ST boasted a force-fed, inline five-cylinder motor that featured a distinct engine note. The new model employs an all-new turbocharged four-pot, a configuration that isn’t known for its rousing soundtrack. As Ford was keen not to lose this unique selling point, throaty noises are created by clever ducting that directs induction sounds into the cabin. It’s not a perfect reproduction of the predecessor’s vocal ability but it is very good. ST fans can rest easy knowing that it is still one of the best-sounding hot hatches in the market.
In the ST we get the first glimpse of Ford’s EcoBoost technology, which basically refers to downsizing and the employment of turbocharging in conjunction with direct injection and variable valve timing to maintain power while reducing harmful emissions. Displacing 2,0 litres, the all-alloy unit employs direct injection to develop an impressive 184 kW and 360 N.m of torque. These peak values put the ST near the top of its segment in terms of outputs. Drive is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox. Ford has yet to embrace the dual-clutch option for its ST models, a strategy that could well hurt sales if you consider how many DSG-fitted GTIs are sold.
During testing, the ST was very impressive. By balancing the grip and engine torque, we managed a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 6,82 seconds, fractionally off Ford’s claim of 6,5 seconds. By the time we had reached the kilometre marker, a true 200 km/h was showing on our VBOX test equipment.
It may be a decent performer in a straight line, but the Ford Focus ST is more impressive when the tarmac twists and turns. As with other Focuses, the ST rides on an all-independent suspension. The setup has been well tuned and the car boasts a ride that ideally walks the line between sportiness and comfort.
More importantly, the new ST has better body control at speed, with the ability to recompose itself quickly when dealing with mid-corner bumps.
Ford opted for full electrical assistance on the steering rack, which features a variable rate and requires just 1,8 turns from lock-to-lock. This does, however, rob the helm of feel. The wheel wriggles in your palms when you floor it or when encountering road camber changes, and it tramlines, although this is to be expected of a FWD car with this much torque on tap.
There is no RevoKnuckle suspension joint or limited-slip differential to assist the front wheels with having to steer and apply power simultaneously. Instead, Ford has opted for an electronic torque-vectoring system. The system tries to mimic the effects of a mechanical LSD but doesn’t feel the same. That said, it does put its power down well, with little intrusion from the ESP until the driver starts to act really silly. There is impressive resistance to understeer in tighter corners.
The ST is a very easy car to drive fast. It takes only a short time behind the wheel to settle into a fast rhythm. The high grip levels instil confidence and for those who are keen to explore the upper limits of adhesion, the balance changes from neutral to slight oversteer.
Test Summary
Overall, the new Ford Focus ST is a great car. As any good hot hatch should, it balances practicality and performance. There has been a step up in terms of ride quality and refinement. Additionally, there is a level of balance here that the older car did not display.
Best of all, Ford has dropped a spanner in the works by introducing this accomplished new product at competitive prices; the lower-spec ST1 is especially good value at just over R300 000.
Blue Oval fans will no doubt rejoice at the introduction of the hottest ST to date.
2013 Preformance Shootout: Ford Focus ST
Those of you who are undecided may want to see how it shapes up against its rivals from other brands in our 2013 Preformance Shootout, here a a couple of videos to have a look at:
Shootout 2013: Ford Focus ST & Chris Harris
British journalist and Youtube sensation Chris Harris discovers the mystique of the serpentine Franschhoek Pass at the wheel of a Ford Focus ST3 as part of CAR magazine’s January 2013 Performance Issue. Click to see the video.
1/4 Mile Drag Race
We pit the Ford Focus ST, BMW M135i, Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35, Opel Astra OPC and Renault Mégane RS against each other in a classic 1/4 mile drag race. Click here to see the video.
CAR Performance Shootout 2013 Highlights, Feat. Deon Joubert & Chris Harris
View the highlights of CAR magazine’s hot hatch brawl, the cover feature of our January 2013 Performance Issue. CAR track test ace Deon Joubert and renowned British motoring journalist Chris Harris help the CAR team sort the wild from the mild in a track and on-road shootout featuring most of South Africa’s most potent compact performance cars. The line-up comprises the new Opel Astra OPC and Ford Focus ST, BMW M135i, RenaultSport Megane and Clio Red Bull Editions, Toyota 86 and Subaru BR-Z coupes, a Volkswagen Golf 6 GTI Edition 35, Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV, Audi A1 Sportback S-line and Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. Click here to see the video.
