recently bought the 170 and have been impressed with the performance as a person who did not rate fords previously - i have seen the light!!!. bought a 53 plate and the pick up in first gear seems to be poor in comparison with the rest of the gears. is this right? if so can it be improved? i have been left standing at lights by far less powered cars - but have caught them up.

 

hi m8 I got a 53 plate st too and also find 1st a tad sluggish, mine comes to life in 3rd & 4th

Simon

 

iangoddard,

If it makes you feel any better then try driving a Focus RS!

Mine feels slugish in first and i have been beaten at lights by lower powered cars, but im keeping it standard to retain the value and im not that bothered as i leave them standing in second upwards

 

for the extra 8k to buy the rs and the heaven knows how much more to insure it i think the st170 will be fine.

 

my 1st gear is fine and 2nd and 3rd and all the others,i can pull a fair speed out of mine fairly quick,not sure about 1st but in 2nd i pull about 70ish mph.

try turning off the traction control and then buy your self an aftermarket air filter for starters,i put a K+N panel filter in mine (cheapskate i know) but i noticed a good diference,also the get the air deflector that points all the air straight in to the intake snorkle that will help also.

K+N panel filter Ł30 ish
air deflector Ł8.00ish from ford
you should notice a difference then.

 

hello mate when you pull away hard is the air con on if so try with it off i noticed the difference in fact my air con is always off only put it on when it is that hot could be something u already know.