{"id":4830,"date":"2013-04-23T22:51:00","date_gmt":"2013-04-23T22:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=4830"},"modified":"2013-12-11T10:01:50","modified_gmt":"2013-12-11T10:01:50","slug":"ford-focus-st","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/ford-focus-st\/","title":{"rendered":"Ford Focus ST"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The<\/a>

The ST badge stands for Sport Technologies<\/p><\/div>\n


\nThere is no doubt that \u20ac35,000 plus is a crazy amount of money to fork out for a Ford Focus ST but oh boy ……… we reckon it\u2019s worth it!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/b>What is it? <\/b>This is not your average Focus, this one has undergone radical surgery and boasts Sports Technologies (ST). It is the third generation Ford Focus ST and in keeping with all things green and lean it is lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than before.<\/p>\n

Who is it aimed at? <\/b>This the ultimate Focus ST, \u00a0is for the ultimate fast Ford fan.<\/p>\n

Styling?<\/b> Ford Fans will spot the ST instantly but others will miss the sporty touches. The roof spoiler, black grille with an ST badge and twin exhausts contribute to the aggressive look of the car but are subtle enough that it doesn’t stand out that much from the regular model. \u00a0For those who do want to be noticed opt \u00a0for a bold colour, Tangerine Scream should do the trick and make it easier to spot at the supermarket!<\/p>\n

Under the Bonnet<\/b> Press the start button and there\u2019s a thrilling growl from the \u00a02.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. \u00a0The last Focus ST had a 2.5 litre engine but this time the boffins in Ford have managed to squeeze more power from this\u00a0smaller\u00a0engine and it zips through \u00a00-100km \u00a0in 6.5 seconds.<\/p>\n

What about Inside<\/b>? Slip behind the extra-thick steering wheel \u00a0and the Recaro sports seats grip you snugly, possible too snugly for some but we loved them; comfortable and supportive in equal measure. \u00a0There are a trio of gauges displaying turbo boost pressure and oil pressure and temperature and sporty details throughout. From a practical perspective, the ST delivers as much space as the regular version so for drivers with families but the desire for a hot hatch it fits both bills equally well.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a>

Inside there is a specially-designed steering wheel, gearshift and pedals<\/p><\/div>\n

On the Road?<\/b> Take the ST on a twisting road and the grip is supreme, it simply sticks to the road and even at low engine speed it summons power at will. Built to race the steering is razor sharp and the gears silky smooth. The suspension is firm but never harsh; occupants are left shaken rather than stirred! This is a car which remains completely composed and inspires confidence at the wheel.<\/p>\n

And Safety? <\/b>The Focus ST is equipped with the latest in driver assistance and safety technologies.
\n<\/b>including \u00a0features like driver, passenger, side curtain and side airbags, Anti-lock braking system with EBD and emergency brake assist, Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and front and rear sensors<\/b><\/p>\n

Options?<\/b> \u00a0There are two versions to choose from the \u00a0ST and ST2 with prices starting at \u20ac36,800. The Standard ST has Ford Power keyless start, sporty Recaro seats, Bluetooth and 18\u201d alloy wheels. Upgrade to the ST2 version and you get the new Ford SYNC system. \u00a0<\/b> Developed in conjunction with Microsoft the systems allows you to control your music and phone with simple voice commands, it can even read out your text messages!<\/p>\n

What about fuel economy?<\/b>\u00a0On a combined cycle of city and motorway the ST returns \u00a07.2 litres per 100Km although we never managed to get near that figure during our week driving it. CO2 emissions of 169g\/km mean the annual motor tax bill is in excess of \u20ac500.<\/p>\n

Okay so the Verdict?<\/b> Ford know a thing or two about making humble cars go fast and the Focus ST does not disappoint. There are few cars that can be so sensible and so much fun.\u00a0 Around town it is surprisingly comfortable and practical and perfectly civil but it\u2019s on twisted back roads that the ST comes into its own. It is simply stunning to drive. The Focus ST is for those who want a hot hatch with room for the kids plus luggage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why you\u2019ll buy one?<\/strong> Performance; Price; Space<\/p>\n

Why you won\u2019t?<\/strong> \u00a0The new VW Golf GTi is just around the corner<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Rivals:<\/b>
\nMini John Cooper Works GP<\/a> \u20ac47,040<\/strong>
\nRenaultsport M\u00e9gane \u20ac35,990<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Engine: <\/b>1,999cc EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine putting out 250bhp @ 5,500rpm and 360Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.
\nMax speed:\u00a0 <\/b>248km\/h.
\n0-100 kph:\u00a0 <\/b>6.5 seconds
\nEmissions (Motor Tax) : <\/b>169g\/km (\u20ac 570)
\nModel price range: <\/b>\u20ac36,800 – 39,100
\nNo of Doors: <\/b>5
\nEuro NCAP: <\/b>5 stars
\nFuel type:\u00a0 <\/b>Petrol
\nFuel Economy (combined cycle): <\/b>7.2l\/100km
\nBoot Capacity Seats up(down) : <\/b>316 (1101)
\nCar Seats: <\/b>2 Isofix fittings in the rear
\nLength: <\/b>4362mm
\nWidth: <\/b>1858mm
\nHeight:<\/b>1484 mm
\nWheelbase: <\/b>2648mm<\/b><\/p>\n

For more information check out \u00a0ford.ie<\/a>\u00a0or the Ford Ireland\u00a0Facebook\u00a0<\/a>page.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

24th<\/sup> April, 2013<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There is no doubt that \u20ac35,000 plus is a crazy amount of money to fork out for a Ford Focus ST but oh boy ……… we reckon it\u2019s worth it! What is it? This is not your average Focus, this one has undergone radical surgery and boasts Sports Technologies (ST). It is the third generation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4832,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,4],"tags":[1125,503,41,1175,774,1176],"yoast_head":"\nFord Focus ST - wheelsforwomen.ie<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We road test the Ford Focus ST. 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