2015 Ford Focus ST review: The Near-Perfect $25,000 Hot Hatch?

With only a refreshed interior/exterior and minor suspension tweaks, the 2015 Focus ST should offer enthusiasts the same formula that made that 2013 model an instant hit. But is it missing any of the "heat" that made hot hatches like the WRX and GTI so entertaining to drive for decades? Watch the full review of Bryan's ST2-package-equipped Focus ST to find out.
If you're in NorCal and have a cool car, shoot me a comment/message!

[@rfouR_4]

It doesn't pipe sound through the speakers it pipes actual engine noise through a duct to under the dash.

[@Zygrene]

Good to know. Means the engine itself actually sounds pretty nice.

[@rfouR_4]

Zygrene​ Yeah they tried to make it refined to road noise but wanted to maintain the engine noise to keep it feeling engaging so it's a neat solution. Prefer it greatly to speaker stuff because it's real engine noise and it does sound pretty genuine especially from the directionality of the noise. The Focus ST has a valve that opens and closes are certain RPMs that is prone to break through from my understanding. The Fiesta ST its on all the time. I quite like it on mine. People get delete kits for them for some reason though.

[@elmin2323]

i believe the 2016 are now through the speakers if you look the small pip behind the intake isnt there on the 2016

[@Snake-ms7sj]

The reason they did that is because noise regulations in Europe are tougher. Ford wanted the Focus ST to sound nice INSIDE but not be too loud outside. Other manufacturers are doing the same thing.

[@isabelle.c011]

Most st owners including myself delete it especially when you do exhaust work the 2 sounds font mesh

[@JCTiggs1]

Regarding the Fiesta ST, it really is a blast to drive. The steering is much more direct and overall the car feels more raw, although some may not like the racecar like suspension since it's quite a bit stiffer than the Focus ST (which feels very soft when driving them back to back).

[@josephcote7702]

just wanted to throw this in there about the throttle being so offset from the brake pedal when y'all were talking about the heel/toe quirks. when you're really pushing the car and using all of the brake pedal travel to the limits of how hard the car can brake, the brake pedal actually ends up being fairly parallel to the throttle pedal. I was at first put off by the difference too until I really started pushing the car and found the two pedals to be fairly even when you were using all the brakes. not sure if this was Ford's intention or not, but it's kind of genius to me if it was.

[@Zygrene]

That's a good point. Although in some cars, like the S2000, the pedal layout is perfect for heel toe regardless of how hard you're braking.

[@josephcote7702]

yea, it could just be some weird quirk of modern braking systems and I'm just reading too much into it... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@metaljew4456]

🤔

[@benjirinec1554]

Not all the STs have recaro the st1 does not .

[@Genshinaction]

Ben Jirinec I love the base model seats feels more comfortable to me and does not have the knee angle up he was taking about

[@505enthusiast4]

The base seats are comfortable. I haven't tried the recaros yet

[@ThatOneVideo1]

Every seat in a ford focus, even the base model naturally aspirated 2.0 have Recaro seats. My old 2014 base sedan focus had Recaro seats, just no embroidery saying so and no leather. They're all designed and made by Recaro, some are more sportier than other trims.

[@yitznewton]

I test-drove one, and the steering felt so utterly dead to me. That was one of the final factors that pushed me to the S2000.

[@Zygrene]

Compared to a lightweight rear-drive sports car, yeah it feels pretty numb. For a modern hot hatch with EPS it's pretty good.

[@kenhunt]

Lemons don't taste anything like tomatoes...so disappointing.

[@Premii23]

Same. I was very serious about buying it -- until I actually test drove it. As you said, steering felt very dead and sort of arcade-video game-ish, and the pedals were way to close to each other and they were all pushed to the right side which made using the clutch, and resting your clutch foot very awkward. Now I too, am considering an S2000. Also looking into a 2015 Civic Si Sedan and the 2016 ND Miata Club Sport

[@yitznewton]

+Premii23 the ND is a great car; I would want it with a stiffer setup and a louder exhaust, so it didn't make sense for me as a new car.

[@wordsworthian]

The S2000 isn't exactly known for having great steering feel either...

[@squirrelnasty7841]

It doesn't come through the speaker's it is actually piped off of the intake. Sound symposer look it!

[@StormAutoAdventures]

Darn, I would have saved this video into my Focus ST Playlist, until I saw the camera pointed in the wrong direction staring at two dudes! We can hear you just fine without having to stare at you through most of the video. The Smoking Tire & Winding Road Magazine, just to name a couple, do it the right way regarding the camera placement & their reviews. That's why they're the best. Your videos would be so amazing if you changed to a similar way of making car & truck videos the way they do.

[@tyquanwashington.8510]

With full bolt ons, an LSD, coilovers and a gtx2867r turbo it is perfect.

[@rfouR_4]

I like the seat being angled up in my Fiesta ST.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Where is that road you're driving? You're so relaxed about it, holy crap

[@Zygrene]

In the hills east of San Jose. I've driven these roads close to 100 times, so I'm pretty comfortable.

[@metaljew4456]

Colin Kao It's cause their so high on Xanax

[@BoostwithErick]

Awesome Review man! Keep it up.

[@tommieboi707]

The resale value of these cars is atrocious. I can find used 14 st with low miles in the teens. 30 grand out the door and in 2 years you lose almost half the value. Which is why I never buy new. Love the st, just not going to buy one new.

[@JCTiggs1]

Completely agree. I really don't understand why that is, considering they are so fun to drive and production is limited.

[@Landeezel]

Resale value sucks because it's generally expected that the car was owned by young car enthusiast who drove it into the ground.

[@JCTiggs1]

Landeezel That's not really the case, since newer model Mustangs have good resale value, at least around here. It's probably more to do with the car being based on an economy vehicle is which doesn't have strong resale value for whatever reason. That carries up the lineup to the ST unfortunately.

[@metaljew4456]

tommieboi707 This is SO true. I paid 10K out the door for my ST3. She only had 22K on her and she was two years old! Car listed for 31K including the loud as fuck T-Scream paint. Navi, sunroof, power seat, HD radio....loaded.

[@TKA905]

The MK3 automatic focuses have bad resale values probably because of the early infotainment issues and the transmission woes that a lot of people have had. It sort of makes sense that it just knocks the car as a whole. But yeah, bad for buyers that bought new. Great for used car buyers.

[@Anthony-df4bs]

I have the same set up. Why didn't you take off the sound symposer? I felt that it completely interfered with the natural sound the exhaust and intake produced.

[@emikearizona]

1:20 in. You forgot to mention that in 2015 there was a front suspension upgrade from the 2014 model. That's a major upgrade 🇩🇪

[@07acanoia]

There are also suspension changes from the 2013/14 to the 2015 models.

[@dustbucket7949]

LOL. "So why did you choose the ST"; "My fox body is an 86........"

[@emanuelelongato8348]

is this the original sound? tnx

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

good that you mention the heel toe in this car. cause I've been wondering what its like.

[@boostfiend]

Some have complained, there is a new mount available for the gas pedal (moves it closer) to combat the issue.

[@maximus9401]

You mentioned the GT towards the end of the video, have you driven one yet? Will you do a video on the GT with the performance pack? I'd be curious to see how the bigger and heavier car compares on those roads to smaller rwd sports cars

[@Zygrene]

Haven't driven the new model yet, but will gladly review if someone has one

[@nicholasbaldwin1674]

sounds not piped into the speakers... just into the cabin. for the exhaust and BOV he has he really should delete the sound symposer

[@KennyChuiOfficial]

What road are you driving on? Looks like Cali

[@seanhenry8030]

Honda Motor Corporation is clearly drunk. That's what going on with them right now. I think most people were hoping for the new NSX to be a GT86 size/weight MR with a J37 and a 6 speed. Moderately, yet tastefully equipped and Corvette-ish level pricing. Then they could've made the super car no one asked for with the NSX-R, NSX-GT, or something.

[@ChetanPatelshay]

Hopefully you can get your hands on the Focus RS!

[@ash318i]

Hows the ride quality?

[@Zygrene]

+Ash Faq On par with a new GTI, so pretty good

[@ash318i]

+Zygrene thanks. Seriously considering getting this. Only thing making me hesitate is the expected firm ride but will probably get used to it

[@Zygrene]

Ash Faq If you're used to driving anything even remotely sporty, you'll find the ST rides just fine for daily use

[@MrOlimar]

What car are you coming from? My standards might be low (coming from a miata) but I think the ST is just fine.

[@ash318i]

+William Davis acura tsx with normal suspension and 17 inch tires

[@junjengken]

What brand of blow off valve?

[@A_Lew614]

what BOV does he have?

[@Chulaan]

All those mods mean little to nothing without an accessport.

[@maximus9401]

How does the interior of that car compare to like a 9th gen Si or a Golf? I'm actually surprised you like the interior because people usually say the interior seems really cheap and plastic-y

[@Zygrene]

I would say about on par with 9th gen Si. MK7 GTI is definitely better, but Ford has still come a long way in the past few years. Much better than the previous gen WRX.

[@metaljew4456]

Zygrene wwwww fuck

[@VietnaMilk]

You need some personality bro.

[@andrea6259]

He reminds me of Data from Star Trek

[@Robby94LS]

I'm looking at getting a 2013 ST soon myself. This was def helpful. I'm an old Honda guy and I couldn't agree more with you about Ford really taking the reigns as far as performance across all price ranges and car types right now, they're really the ones to beat right now. I'm also frustrated with Honda and don't know WHAT they're doing. Before the rebirth of the NSX, I guess the Accord V6-6 was the most fun in their lineup..... (the newer AV6-6 IS quicker than the ST too.... just sayin.... ;) ) HOPEFULLY Honda will come back and be what it was in the 90s and early 00s as far as modifying!

[@Zygrene]

I echo your sentiments, but even if Honda does produce more sports cars soon, the NA VTEC motor is a thing of the past. And that makes me sad. Meanwhile, Ford's Voodoo engine is a hark back to the glory days of NA motors.

[@Robby94LS]

True... It would be SO nice to see Honda jump into the turbo world with some technology that is as impressive as VTEC was in it's hayday! To be honest, I was a little disappointed about getting an ST, I wasn't a huge fan of them, it was just a good value for the dollar..... I was SET on an 8th gen AV6-6 but in good condition, a 2009 or 2010 is CLOSE to what a 2013 ST cost..... The Accord was a hard, and in the end, impossible sell for my wife.... LoL Chatting with you and seeing your vid is definitely making me more excited about it though!

[@Zygrene]

Robby94LS The Accord V6 is a nice daily, but not tuned for spirited driving the way the ST is. I'd go for the ST.

[@Robby94LS]

Awesome, thanks for the push! That's helpful!

[@oregongaper]

I bought a 2016 ST1, no options at all, new in April for $23,400. That includes all the destination charges, licensing, etc. I have 3K on it and I love it

[@arnold-12]

This road looks awfully familiar.... Mt. Hamilton around San Jose area?

[@Zygrene]

Felter Rd east of San Jose

[@joelvela4366]

Brian needs some weed to liven up, cool video anyway I'm gonna try to get one, the one I'm looking at is a 2015 st.

[@foxhound720]

emanuel longato.... did you listen to the video ? he talks about the exhaust.

[@stephanoya]

You gotta review a Fiesta ST. They are much more fun to drive than the Focus

[@Zygrene]

Got one planned!

[@metaljew4456]

Josh Lee Bullshit. The Fiesta is a cheap little car for high school kids that have no kids

[@TonyEG6]

Can you review a dc5 type r

[@Zygrene]

Haven't found one yet but you can check out my review of the "track tuned" RSX-S for something similar.

[@HuevoDuro702]

Mine didn't come with the Recaro!!

[@metaljew4456]

Huevo Duro702 That's because you have a Focus SE. Turdknocker

[@HuevoDuro702]

Philip Rosenthale nope mine is an ST

[@focusst273]

The seats are designed so you won't slide forward in high stops or corners!

[@kurama4977]

ST1 doesn’t come with leather ST2 and 3 yes

[@volcement]

S2000 or st?

[@Zygrene]

S2000 if you can live with the impracticality. ST is the much better daily with a dose of fun. I'd have the S2000 but I'm biased!

[@metaljew4456]

Dany Ren Corvette or Prius?

[@colinp5248]

Just bought one. Previously had an fn2 type r. I find I have quite a bit of torque steer. Any ideas why that might be? I have 19s on if that makes much difference I dunno.

[@Zygrene]

I think most turbo FWD hot hatches will torque steer more than the FN2 Type R. More torque, more torque steer.

[@Lomein719]

Wish someone would compare the new civic type r hatch to the new ST

[@doctorferdinand1003]

That's not really too much of a comparison, the Type R is really more on the RS' level.

[@Zygrene]

Wish the US got the Type R. The 2018 model can't get here soon enough.

[@s2pidmonkey]

lol good one m8

[@ShuffleToExpresss]

obvious troll is obvious

[@phatnum17]

join NorCal ST though

[@anthonymalfino1]

You fellas are way off on the mods in the beginning, as there is an exhaust and a blowoff valve. Sigh

[@650630999]

That's bryan

[@nmar00]

He needs to remove that blue plastic around the gas pedal

[@poker_18rs92]

Those seats are not comfortable on long drives & the same with the RS, because you cannot move your legs.

[@Tyler-hr3mw]

Heel-toe fix. www.steedafocus.com/steeda-focus-st-premium-aluminum-heel-toe-pedal-kit-13-15-st-555-1267/ and/or www.cjponyparts.com/accelerator-pedal-mount-spacer-adjustable-1-1-2-focus-st-2013-2016/p/FSTPM/

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

love this car but the bov is so f&f ricer

[@Outlawz1971]

Should drive with ac off lol it's a lot faster these guys are noobs don't talk about it

[@oso_sap]

Most weird start to the video you guys look so shy

[@ICYASIAN95]

You looks small af in the car

[@Zygrene]

+Andrew tran Yep, I lowered my seat in order to the reach the clutch pedal. Very odd seat design.

[@wordsworthian]

Everyone says the seating position is obscenely high in this car...doesn't look it.

[@jaydoesstuff12]

I am selling my 2013 for fiesta

[@TheGabe92]

The owner is such on otist! Pretty cool guy though!

[@gravelgirls]

these guys are slammin heroin