SO I picked my Focus ST250 up a few weeks ago, ive done around 800miles in it so thought I should get a review/owners thread up about it. I noticed Sly200SX has also hopped on the ST wagon
FORD Focus ST250.
Engine: 1997cc 16v 4-cyl K03 Turbo (Direct injection), 250PS and 265ftlb Torque
Transmission: 6-Speed manual, front wheel drive, Torque Vectoring Control, 3-Stage ESC
Performance: 6-6.5sec 0-60mph, 154mph
Spec
2013 Focus ST2
Tangerine Scream
18" Alloy Wheels
Auto Lights/Wipers/Dimming rear view mirror
Half leather Recaro seats with coloured inserts
Dual Zone Climate Control
Sony 9speaker system with DAB and FORD Sync
Spare wheel(as standard!)
Privacy glass
Reliability?
It's hard to comment on the reliability at the minute, as its brand new. I dont forsee any real issues. The turbo is good for around 300bhp so running at 250 shouldn't hassle it too much.
Practicality?
This is the first "family" size car ive owned, so I think there's bags of space. Huuuge boot to me(although not as big as its competitors apparently). Space for 4 adults very comfortably and 5 if you wana little squeeze.
Doors open nice and wide so getting children(if thats your sort of thing) in and out should be easy peasey
Visibility is okay, out the rear its not brilliant as the rear window/s are fairly high up.
Handling?
To sum it up in one word? Awesome. Two words? Very Fun. Three words? Likes to Slide. The Torque Vectoring Control system, which mimics a diff, hasnt been noticed yet but ive not been going 100% at it yet. Ease the power on mid-bend and it will just pull you out of the corner with minimal fuss just the occasional tyre scrabbling for grip- so it must be doing its job, its not intrusive or noticeable like the XDS system was in the Cupra. Its not as stiff as a VXR or Meg 265 but its not set out to be that hardcore, this is less focused(pardon the pun) on that but its certainly not a bad handling car. You do get torque steer on the power btu its not as bad as the reviewers seem to make it sound, even on country roads.
The ST has 3 different modes for the Stability control, being "on", "sport" and "off". The first setting is quite obvious, and the system is watching over your shoulder ready as soon as it thinks you've ran out of talent. I've not had the system in any other setting yet and i've still managed some fairly impressive/stupid*choose your preference* slides on roundabouts or corners with the back end out. Into the corner on the power, let off, slide, control with steering and/or throttle. So.Much.Fun.
The "sport" mode will relaxes the system, Ford calls it "Hero" mode, so you can do some... interesting maneuvers but the car will correct if you do something stupid. Lastly, "off". This is fairly explanatory, it actually turns it off fully as well, unlike most cars these days.
The brakes on the Focus are okay, but with the combination of thicker rubber, softer suspension and a bit more weight than my modded cupra it feels a little wallowy under heavy braking.
The turning circle, even though its a big car, I still find appauling. 3point turns are now 4 or 5 point turns.
Performance ?
Straight line performance is impressive the Mid gear pull is fairly out there. Last night I was passing a friend in 6th and the way it pulled up to speed impressed me, wasn't expecting that. Theres a small hint of Turbo lag and it feels limited boost in 1st but it would have to. Getting this car off the line will be no easy feat so the 0-60 is "slowish" but I really dont care, on the move its brill.
Comfort ?
I had 35mm springs on my last car but this car is soo smooth and well behaved on even bumpy roads, nice and planted.
The Recaro seats are brilliant, comfy, firm, being half leather has meant on these hot days wearing shorts doesn't end in sweaty leather seats and sticking to the car.
Running costs?
First day I had it I took a calm drive to the coast and back and got 37mpg. Currently on 27mpg and thats around town all the time. £200 tax for the year and its cheaper than the cupra to insure(standard vs modified would be the reason).
If you drive it hard it will chew up front tyres but manufacture fit ones are around 130 a corner. Depending on how I get on with them I will stick with them or change them for Vreds again.
Can I see some more pictures of the damned thing yet?
Yes, you can.
Only mod so far..
Twin 12" Fli subs. 800W rms
FORD Focus ST250.
Engine: 1997cc 16v 4-cyl K03 Turbo (Direct injection), 250PS and 265ftlb Torque
Transmission: 6-Speed manual, front wheel drive, Torque Vectoring Control, 3-Stage ESC
Performance: 6-6.5sec 0-60mph, 154mph
Spec
2013 Focus ST2
Tangerine Scream
18" Alloy Wheels
Auto Lights/Wipers/Dimming rear view mirror
Half leather Recaro seats with coloured inserts
Dual Zone Climate Control
Sony 9speaker system with DAB and FORD Sync
Spare wheel(as standard!)
Privacy glass
Reliability?
It's hard to comment on the reliability at the minute, as its brand new. I dont forsee any real issues. The turbo is good for around 300bhp so running at 250 shouldn't hassle it too much.
Practicality?
This is the first "family" size car ive owned, so I think there's bags of space. Huuuge boot to me(although not as big as its competitors apparently). Space for 4 adults very comfortably and 5 if you wana little squeeze.
Doors open nice and wide so getting children(if thats your sort of thing) in and out should be easy peasey
Visibility is okay, out the rear its not brilliant as the rear window/s are fairly high up.
Handling?
To sum it up in one word? Awesome. Two words? Very Fun. Three words? Likes to Slide. The Torque Vectoring Control system, which mimics a diff, hasnt been noticed yet but ive not been going 100% at it yet. Ease the power on mid-bend and it will just pull you out of the corner with minimal fuss just the occasional tyre scrabbling for grip- so it must be doing its job, its not intrusive or noticeable like the XDS system was in the Cupra. Its not as stiff as a VXR or Meg 265 but its not set out to be that hardcore, this is less focused(pardon the pun) on that but its certainly not a bad handling car. You do get torque steer on the power btu its not as bad as the reviewers seem to make it sound, even on country roads.
The ST has 3 different modes for the Stability control, being "on", "sport" and "off". The first setting is quite obvious, and the system is watching over your shoulder ready as soon as it thinks you've ran out of talent. I've not had the system in any other setting yet and i've still managed some fairly impressive/stupid*choose your preference* slides on roundabouts or corners with the back end out. Into the corner on the power, let off, slide, control with steering and/or throttle. So.Much.Fun.
The "sport" mode will relaxes the system, Ford calls it "Hero" mode, so you can do some... interesting maneuvers but the car will correct if you do something stupid. Lastly, "off". This is fairly explanatory, it actually turns it off fully as well, unlike most cars these days.
The brakes on the Focus are okay, but with the combination of thicker rubber, softer suspension and a bit more weight than my modded cupra it feels a little wallowy under heavy braking.
The turning circle, even though its a big car, I still find appauling. 3point turns are now 4 or 5 point turns.
Performance ?
Straight line performance is impressive the Mid gear pull is fairly out there. Last night I was passing a friend in 6th and the way it pulled up to speed impressed me, wasn't expecting that. Theres a small hint of Turbo lag and it feels limited boost in 1st but it would have to. Getting this car off the line will be no easy feat so the 0-60 is "slowish" but I really dont care, on the move its brill.
Comfort ?
I had 35mm springs on my last car but this car is soo smooth and well behaved on even bumpy roads, nice and planted.
The Recaro seats are brilliant, comfy, firm, being half leather has meant on these hot days wearing shorts doesn't end in sweaty leather seats and sticking to the car.
Running costs?
First day I had it I took a calm drive to the coast and back and got 37mpg. Currently on 27mpg and thats around town all the time. £200 tax for the year and its cheaper than the cupra to insure(standard vs modified would be the reason).
If you drive it hard it will chew up front tyres but manufacture fit ones are around 130 a corner. Depending on how I get on with them I will stick with them or change them for Vreds again.
Can I see some more pictures of the damned thing yet?
Yes, you can.
Only mod so far..
Twin 12" Fli subs. 800W rms
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