BillyCabrio

iTrader: (1)

It's the fast Ford the UK's performance car fans have been waiting for - and it's finally hit the road. But can the new Focus ST really live up to all the hype? To find out, Auto Express was on hand as the spiritual successor to the XR3 hit the test track. We also matched the car up with VW's sensational Golf GTI - the machine likely to present the Ford with its biggest challenge.

Our exclusive pictures reveal that away from the motor show crowds, the ST's muscular lines come alive in the summer sun. Designers have done a great job in evolving the latest Focus's conservative shape into a striking hot hatch. Inside, the makeover is just as dramatic. The colour of the bodywork is carried over to the seats, while chrome trim adds visual impact to the well built cabin. On top of the dash, three extra gauges hint at what's under the bonnet.

As with the outgoing Focus RS, the ST employs a turbocharger to maximise performance. However, it takes power from a five-cylinder Volvo engine. This is the first five-cylinder unit ever used by Ford, and it "gives the Focus a unique character", according to one insider.

While the newcomer's 217bhp output is bettered by the 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford has engineered its front-wheel-drive Focus to deliver gutsy low-down torque. Early indications are that the ST - short for Sport Technologies - drives like no other Ford ever produced before. The distinctive engine noise is complemented by a chassis set-up which aims to provides plenty of grip, combined with entertaining handling.

So impressive is the performance that, during development testing, the ST is claimed to have shaved a massive 12 seconds off the best lap time set by an old-shape Focus RS around the Nürburgring in Germany. By the time production models hit the UK, suspension settings will have been further tuned to our roads to give a supple ride as well.

We'll give you our definitive verdict when the ST is launched later this year, before it goes on sale in early 2006. With the Astra VXR due at the same time, all eyes will be on the hot hatch market to see if the Golf GTI loses its crown.
Chris Thorp


Article from: Auto Express

Paul Eggleton

Looks promising, but its still not what the real fans want

BillyCabrio

iTrader: (1)

I know what you mean Paul, but Focus Rs wasn't really as good as all the hype either.

Even tho, i still no someone who will be standing in a puddle of his own wee at the thought of this artcile

The Gravedigger

I dunno why they don't just call it the Focus RS Series 2? Calling it ST is just going to confuse people 'cos there's already the ST170 doh!

Ford are losing it

JoeE30

What an ugly flockin car!!!

benporter

iTrader: (1)

It's Czech Mate

I think it's lovely mate.....

AD-RS1600i

I think it is ugly, and very chunky looking. To be fair though, i'm not a fan of the new Focus, which I think looks chunky and styled for the American's taste.

I liked the Focus RS, and thought it looked great, especially considering I didn't like the styling of the old Focus in standard form either.

On the bonus side at least Ford have started making hot hatches again which is great to see, as all the other manufacturers have been since the mid nighties, when Ford gave up!!

It's got potential, and it's in the spirit of the Fast Ford scene!!

Benn 304R

That was at Goodwood, nice car, but dont like the orange bit on the seats though.

Dan

Reminiscent of the Escort Cossie I reckon

Thought I read somewhere it was gonna be about 330bhp tho?

Have they tested it at Brunters yet!?

Anonymous

I really like the audi and volvo 5 cylinders lumps so i think this is a great idea.

gotta love the way they have the press eating out of their hand though:

So lets get this right, they stick some extra firm suspension on it, hammer it round the ring and then put softer suspension back on to sell it to us, and the idiot journalist thinks that cause on the track setup it was 12 seconds quicker than an RS focus that it actually means the car is better, if you are going to make comparisons at least do it like for like!

MadMac

BUT, needs to be RWD or AWD

Fookin 220bhp though a FWD car, haven't they learnt the lesson with the FRS

It's Czech Mate

????? Plenty of other cars are this power FWD...and the FRS is perfectly civil on the roads anyway.....if you've actually drove one

MadMac

I haven't driven one, no, but I have been in one with the tc turned off and its fucking awful trying to get 220bhp down in 1st and 2nd. And with the TC on, just kills the acceleration.

Think of the Escort Cossie, what if that was FWD? wouldn't be the same would it.

And the FRS a "civil" car please its twicher on the bumpy roads than a crack addict looking for their next fix. Its like the lotus, designed so you can drive from the road and striaght onto a track.

Not saying FWD cars cant get that power down, its just can't get it down as effectively as RWD or AWD. And when up against a RWD/AWD car with similar power, weight and such, it will loose off the line.

And I think the only reason ford are making the new one FWD is cus they can't be bothered with the extra cost to make it RWD/AWD

TheBishMan

It's true mate I would like one but early next year? Too late for me

Versus_Creations

iTrader: (1)

the old xr is bar far better

MadMac

200bhp+ is a lot for a FWD car to handle.

Chrissy_bwoy

i want one!!!!

saw the test one out n about on the m25 a few months back.... anhailated me!!!!