2020 Ford Focus ST Review: Golf GTI drag race, 0-100 & 1/4 mile. We test Ford's automatic hot hatch!

[@CarExpertAus]

Skip Ahead: Intro: 00:00 Exterior: 01:05 Interior: 02:38 Infotainment: 03:56 Features: 05:14 Practicality: 06:19 On the Road: 09:52 Acceleration (0-100 & 1/4 mile): 11:53 Focus ST v Golf GTI Drag Race: 15:22 On the Road: 16:42 Verdict: 21:50

[@thapeloramorwalo7748]

Does it have the VrrrrPhaaaa?

[@leonmason77]

I’ve got a Manual here in the UK, remapped to 340bhp with 505nm torque. It’s a very quick capable car, it’s my daily driver and I have no issues with it. My niggles are build quality inside and out. My bonnet was fitted from factory and was not aligned, also the interior has buzzing coming from the front door cards. But the main issue for me is that the steering failed twice! Once when driving luckily at low speed and again when I started the car. I just had the steering rack replaced, which for a brand new car I cannot accept so I am rejecting the car and currently waiting to hand it back to Ford. I’ve decided to go for a Mk3 RS instead as I think they will hold their money far better in long term.

[@ChucklesMcGee780]

really solid review man. great work, keep it up!

[@CarExpertAus]

Sorry to hear about that, @Leon TheProfessional! It must be frustrating when that stuff happens on a brand new car :-(

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you, @Chuckles McGee!

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

I’m still frustrated that we aren’t getting these in the US. Beautiful car

[@CarExpertAus]

😢

[@joshharmon4867]

I know what you mean, but I’m still happy with my 2017 st

[@Sajikibara]

I was so ready to buy this until they stopped selling them...

[@potzblitz1044]

ford: us american car company, ford focus: produced in saarlouis & developed in cologne (both citys are in germany). :D

[@kennethspencer5081]

I work for Ford and our dumbass president is why we don’t have it here in the US

[@nealphore]

Firstly, this is one of the best reviews I've watched in a while. Fantastic job to you and the team. I'm not a GTi fan as there's tons of them from where I'm from and given that it got its butt kicked by a Ford makes me smile in disbelief. I would surely opt for the manual. The exterior is gorgeous, especially in that color.

[@cadenguyen8778]

The best Ozzie car reviewer ever! The only Australian car journalist to take it to the Brits! Keep killing it sir.

[@micks4522]

I like watching reviews of cars I will never buy

[@CarExpertAus]

Me too :-D

[@BlindRamb0]

Especially ones I can't buy

[@MattCoughran]

I could be wrong but this is the first Automatic Review in English that is on KZbin? I’ve had mine for about 3 weeks now. Couple of things I thought I’d mention. I get pops and crackles whilst in Sport and Manual shifting selected. Road Noise isn’t such a problem when you have the music at a reasonable level and I drive on bumpy roads often in my area. And I also found the cornering in the car is a lot more precise than the current GTI/R.

[@ponygt6629]

Well could U elaborate on real life km/L, city/ highway??

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the feedback, Matt! We ended up getting a couple of noises out of the exhaust, but if you watch our drag race video (goes live next week), we do a sound comparison between the auto and the manual. The manual sounds like a machine gun - I just don't know why they couldn't make the automatic do the same things. Either way, it's great fun to drive. Enjoy the new wheels!

[@ponygt6629]

@@CarExpertAus Because the AT has a different tune and the AT needs to balance fuel efficiency vs power, The Focus 2.3 turbo is in its lean form of tune, means one can tune it way higher into the 350 hp range, so it dosent need to have that pops and bangs which quiet frankly is unnecessary specially in an auto hot hatch

[@edz1965]

An amazing vehicle! Very capable indeed. Road noise and ride superior to the Hyundai and the B&O sound system leaves the Hyundai’s for dead. This is my first automatic and I have found it to be extremely good, smooth and refined. Bangs and pops in Sport mode and haven’t experienced the downshift lag you commented on Paul. I have previously owned the last model and the new generation has improved in every area it needed to. Ford Performance heritage is very hard to overlook when buying a hot hatch!

[@ponygt6629]

@@edz1965 Wow..a customer already, I drive the Fiesta ST and I love it and to be frank new Focus ST doesnt drive as good as new Fiesta ST, but its got some magic when it comes to grip levels, I mean even an amateur driver like me was able to set lap times that rivaled lap times of cars like Golf GTi TCR with the MSP4s tires. With the Cup2s I am pretty sure its probably hitting the boots of Type R

[@Beastnappy]

Love the speedo overlay while doing the drag races & acceleration tests........... Top vid, amazing review.......... this channel will go FAR for sure💪👍👊

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you mate! Appreciate it.

[@Cranio_Automotive_Anatomy]

I feel like I'm watching Seth McFarlane doing a car review 🤣👍.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@davffwatto77]

Gratz to all the team at CarExpert, note to Alborz, very clever, very clever indeed - no doubt the mudguard is not happy :)

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks David! What do you mean by the mudguard?

[@joseph4571]

Keep up guys with these good reviews

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! We will 😁

[@yammer5]

Great content, this channel will be big soon!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@Steveaustin007]

Paul gives the best car reviews

[@jason147h6]

What a great review. So much information exactly how a review should be done. Anyone who's thinking of buying the Focus ST needs to see this review👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad it was helpful! And greatly appreciate the feedback :-D

[@asghan]

I went from the manual Mk3 FL ST to the MK4 St with Auto. I am not regretting this. It is my daily driver to work, etc. therefore the auto is great. Yes, DualClutch would have been better, I still favor this auto over the manual now. There is room for improvement in the auto gearbox, but for me it's simply good enough. And my STs love(d) the unlimted parts of our Autobahn :)

[@Gogeta307]

The best and most in depth mk4 Focus ST video I’ve seen on KZbin so far in my opinion. And I’m coming from the UK as well. Very good review lads.

[@CarExpertAus]

Wow, thanks! Appreciate it!

[@Shawn12399]

FINALLY AN AUTOMATC ST!

[@CarExpertAus]

😁👏

[@michaelhoundus2457]

Treigh Washington why are you so hyped for an auto?

[@roycezaro1998]

@@michaelhoundus2457 As a manual Mk. III owner in the US it's pretty neat. Nobody buys manuals here- the automatic will bring this awesome car into the public eye, and that is what will allow it to continue to exist. There will always be a manual ST and maybe someday it will return to the states.

[@TitustheRatKing]

Bought my '17 ST three weeks ago. First time I drove stick and managed to get it off the lot and haven't looked back. So much fun to drive!

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you’re enjoying it, Chris!

[@georgetudor1767]

I really don't get this trend today with verifying if there's soft plastic on the top of the doors in front and especially in the back. Do you touch that surface? does this affect the performance and the handling of the car ? Does this affect the safety of the passengers ? Why is it disappointing if you have hard plastic there ? I'm really curios ?

[@rileyjaphet-gekas7703]

An American car not available in the US. Crazy.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 it’s certainly strange!

[@85gt]

Riley Japhet-Gekas Ford Europe.

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part: call or write Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them what their American customers want. If we all contact them, maybe they'll realize it's a profitable business decision to bring the Mk4 Focus ST 6 spd manual transmission to the US/North American market. Wouldn't hurt to ask for the Fiesta ST and/or the Puma ST 6 speed manual as well! Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48126 Ford U.S. Phone: [phone]

[@CarMojo]

it's almost 1am here, I really should go to bed asap, but still a lot of unfinished work and suddenly I realise there's a new review from CarExpert ... and I go like 😳🥺😭😫🤬😱🤯 and - at least - with my last breath I hit 👍.

[@CarExpertAus]

😁 thank you for that!!

[@EliteKhajiit]

The interior is SOOO much nicer than my '18

[@cameronm4201]

I reckon this is the only Focus review that highlights the 180 degree rearview camera.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks!

[@smule27]

Good review, but I think the acceleration and the drag race part can put it in another episode

[@CarExpertAus]

Don’t worry, there’s another episode coming with more in it. Keep an eye out for it this week!

[@stephengriffin4990]

Once again a great review Paul,you covered all the bases,being a avid Golf driver it was great to see the great GTi on test.Looking forward to driving the new 8 GTi.

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you enjoyed it And can't wait to drive the new Golf! It was a pretty close race, so there's a chance the new Golf will be quicker than the Focus when it rolls out.

[@4BElite]

Great review & loving the new channel. It’s a small thing but the time codes are sooo handy!

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you're finding them useful, Chris! :-D

[@gretschdrums.7290]

If it was a DSG, I would go with automatic. My 2017 ST obviously is standard. But I would love to see the ST/RS come back to Canada and would love to see it with the DSG.

[@elcabone]

Nothing goes over a real automatic torque converter. (8 speed in this case with locked 2nd gear) DSG ist quite fragile imo.

[@mehVhem]

Love the channel! Keep it up! Nice to hear an accent from this part of the world. Cheers from NZ!

[@cuprashoe]

What a great channel, just stumbled across it. I'm glad I did.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate! Welcome 😁

[@daveb6345]

I love your honesty in your reviews, keep it up :)

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! Appreciate it :-D

[@zhen3142]

Excellent video mate, you have a very amiable personality. I actually recognised where you were instantly when you were talking about the sat nav, because I happen to attend Citylife church which is very close to where you filmed the first segment haha. Are you still with CarAdvice too?

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, @Zhen! Yes that's one of our shooting locations :-D no longer with CarAdvice, we started a new site! It's called www.carexpert.com.au

[@MrJohnjake]

been loving the new channel came over from your other channel, just one criticism the hardness test I feel like you can put the explanation of it in text rather than saying it every video, other than that loved the reviews. :)

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah we’ve been tossing up what to do there. We will try and speed up the explanation a bit, it’s just handy if you haven’t seen a video before to understand what it means.

[@kurtduncan3303]

Great review! Have given me a lot to think about in terms of transmission option and ride comfort. Subscribed.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks Kurt! Glad we could help. Make sure you drive both back-to-back to get cemented on the decision.

[@adamoverly2652]

Quality video. Keep it up.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Adam!

[@stablestoic1491]

Solid review. As an American, I want to buy American. But for the same money I'd buy a GTI instead. Much more refined.

[@GaryDarbyshire]

Not sure I could buy a car from the company that killed the car industry in Europe with deiselgate and the resulting clampdown on emissions. They don't deserve anyones money.

[@stablestoic1491]

@@GaryDarbyshire EU emissions would have clamped eventually anyway. The scandal just hastened it. I'm buying a vehicle. Dont care about the legacy much. Mitsubishi built the Zeros. FORD and GM helped Hitler as well as VW. They're all still here.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! You’re right - the GTI is a very refined hot hatch!

[@GaryDarbyshire]

@@stablestoic1491 Wow, invoke what companies did during wars 80 years ago. The fact remains they lied to there customers. They sold cars on the back of a lie to pursue corporate greed because they weren't competent enough to build an engine that met the regulations. How quickly people forget.

[@WRP_2003]

Focus ST is most certainly not an “American” Ford 😂

[@I_am_Monty]

Another excellent review! The car does look pretty decent. And the anti-lag that got my attention!

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you liked it! And yes, the anti lag tech is pretty cool for a road car!

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Another wonderful video Paul As always Thanks big fan. 🏁.

[@CarExpertAus]

👏👏

[@EzzaLeo]

I really liked this format, especially the thinking behind the choice vis a vis competitors. Indeed, I'm always keen for similar types of thoughts during all car reviews - thinking through the pros and cons of a car for different types of buyer, including as compared to both new and second hand competitors (since 2nd hand is always a factor for any price point). PS: Congrats on getting this car!

[@rogerwoodward7334]

I've had mine for a month now and agree with most comments. However, whilst I haven't used the gearbox in manual mode, it's been quite OK so far. The tyres are very noisy on some surfaces but do have a lot of grip I have to use extra Lumbar support (as I do in all cars) and the seat cushion is a bit hard Ride in normal mode is very choppy on some surfaces. It needs a comfort mode! Goes like the clappers...................

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the feedback Roger! That all sounds pretty spot on 😁

[@stevemk4st649]

It has a comfort mode, its called the ST-Line.............

[@ojingaj30]

If it wasn’t for all that wheelspin, I think the ST could get a 5.3 - 5.4 sec run to 100kph. It is pretty quick!

[@CarExpertAus]

Potentially! I think ultimately without slicks there’s too much torque to handle for a front-wheel drive car to get faster times.

[@avuazahc1966]

great video all the way from South Africa

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate! Appreciate you watching 😁

[@muttleysb5830]

I’ve the previous ST and I’m torn between the n30 fastback or the new ST but it will definitely be a manual either way for me!

[@jsadou]

It seems like you went with the st

[@muttleysb5830]

@@jsadou I went for the Focus ST but due to covid the dealership tried to change the deal they’d agreed upon and as my office closed I no longer needed a bigger car so picked up a performance edition fiesta St and has been a cracking little car.

[@josequezada9296]

We need this in the states. Come on now!

[@strapify]

Great review mate! Shame the plate mount is terribly big.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! And you’re right - it’s an odd size! It looks like it’d suit a Japanese number plate.

[@CherryGS]

Nice review :-) Luckily the wife insist's on not wanting to drive an automatic :-) this one has to be manual. This decision is made even easier back here in Germany, they charge 2000 € for the auto over the manual.

[@CarExpertAus]

Great choice!! The manual is fantastic fun 😁

[@CherryGS]

@@CarExpertAus Yeah, unfortunately this'll be relevant only towards the end of 2021. For now it's a (stage1-tuned) 182 ST-Line, the real thing wasn't available back in 2018. But as my 1.5 puts out figures of about 210PS/320Nm thanks to the tune i can imagine how the 2.3 will feel like :-)

[@christianwright5479]

Let’s talk let’s talk let’s talk. You are doing a review so clearly your talking 👊🏻

[@jameswong336]

I’d like to have a rematch of the drag race pls my car wasn’t ready 😝

[@bonnybabu6443]

Go James 😁

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 it was close!!

[@saudabrahams]

Quartermile only starts when you start moving, so still slower on the 1/4 mile 😁

[@jameswong336]

Saud Abrahams I know that, but still couldn’t get traction off the line which cost me most of that half a second difference.

[@shole01]

@@jameswong336 need to upgrade to that Final edition

[@honestjohn6222]

Very , very good review , cheers

[@0bts0]

Great review!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you!

[@卓尧杜]

As a super old car, the gti is holding up very nice

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@toecutter8227]

I would still take a mk7 golf gti over the new focus st.

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

Brilliant video cheers steve 😀 👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@mnl493x]

Nice video is the new ST available in estate? Thanks

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the comment, @mnl493x! Yes the Focus ST is available in an estate too! Just not in Australia :-(

[@honestjohn6222]

Very good review , cheers

[@letsseeif]

Excellent review Paul and Team. Camera work really tops. Given that this car originated in the UK or even as built in Germany, automatics are not of special interest to drivers of 'so called, performance cars' in these countries or indeed greater Europe in general, and thus the limits of said automatic seem apparent for this very reason. In Australia, the reverse is the case with ordinary car purchases with autos ruling the Aussie roost. Even performance cars are not immune. The Focus ST looked especially good in that shade of blue. Performance is pretty much as expected, which is really very good. To finish. In Australia, city stuff along with long drives and really very long hauls on roads not dissimilar to yours' to the dragstrip are largely the rule. Driver's bums can only stand so much of the rough rides and noise into the cabin can be a real a negative. You're right. Quieter tyres might not be quite as fast or enable grip at the limit but as handling seems a wee bit skittish on those currently used, maybe the lesser tryres would a case of 'less' meaning more overall livability. Which begs the question. Why didn't Ford Australia try a fix. At Ford's Aussie Test track abeam the You Yangs this bespoke testing ground would have certainly helped, but nothing beats long run in the bush. After all Hyundai Aust did it with their i30's. Aussie really is like a 'Tale of two Cities but differs because ours' is in truth, a Tale of Big City, Commutes, city 7 town shopping trips, and motoring on through the Australian bush, the Outback, through deserts and beyond.

[@CarExpertAus]

Good points! It's a shame they missed the mark with the ride. The rest of the car is good fun!

[@User-cb4jm]

I for one would love a quick car without needing to resort to harsh suspensions, uncomfortable seats or manual transmissions. A lot of the time these are daily drivers, driven through suburbs, cities and on highways on cruise control for hours on end. I just want a normal car but one that doesn't need to be floored to get out of its way when merging onto busy highways. I want to tap the accelerator and reach my desired speed without having to ring the neck of the underpowered engine. No wonder the Tesla Model 3 is quickly becoming a best-seller for its segment, it delivers useful rapid acceleration without the impractical pretenses of a sports car.

[@dunk4361]

Nice to see the 2020 version has the same key as my 2013😂

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 they do need a key update!

[@stevemk4st649]

Its a completely different key, just looks the same. The new 2020 version stops transmitting a signal when it hasn't moved for about 45 seconds, thus preventing the signal being picked up and boosted by the thieves from outside your house and using it to start your car. As said a real upgrade.

[@thatfocusguy]

We can’t get the auto here in the U.K. at the minute so I’m interested to see how it stacks up to the manual.

[@CarExpertAus]

We have a comparison at the drag strip coming up next week so keep an eye out for it. If you hit the bell icon it’ll notify you when it drops 😁

[@ronowen6480]

I'd gladly give up the Auto for the wagon version which we aren't getting here at all.

[@thatfocusguy]

Ron Owen the estate does look good, but you can’t get the adaptive dampers on it like the hatch.

[@lawrencegatt4515]

O yes so nice to see you beat the VW 🥂🍾👏👏👏

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

vw over rated:-)

[@CarExpertAus]

😁

[@ChucklesMcGee780]

fishermans friend should honestly just come as standard in all cars now, as part of the central storage compartment

[@CarExpertAus]

😅😅

[@martinjudd1284]

Wow surprised by your review of the rear seats. I have 2 sons that are 6"5 and 150Kg. They both love the Focus and fit behind me when I am driving. BTW I am 6"1

[@CarExpertAus]

Oh wow. That’s crazy - do you sit close to the wheel? I normally have my seat quite far back because of my gangly legs.

[@rainmaker1011]

8:50 there are air vents under the seats...

[@CarExpertAus]

Yep. Most cars have them there. Pretty useless placement! 😅

[@danielleroux6490]

@@CarExpertAus it gets the job done though

[@pratapp]

The start was filmed in the car park at the state basketball centre off Eastlink, right around the corner from me ☺️ It’s a shame there’s no RS anymore due to Euro emissions reasons, would loved to have seen a new one of those (manual of course)

[@CarExpertAus]

Spotto! 😁

[@pratapp]

@@CarExpertAus Would have been fun to bump into you :)

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

Great review I wonder do they sell this automatic version in the Uk? 🇬🇧

[@roninesce8362]

Yes, they do

[@ripfletching]

I would want the RS

[@JulianKapa]

Great review, love the detail and quality 👌 Those exhaust tips look strangely black already 🤨

[@lazmonti]

Ford Australia website doesn't say the Focus ST manual or automatic being available here yet. When is it coming out?

[@CarExpertAus]

Cars are in dealers right now. On the Ford website they’re under the Focus ST tab instead of the Focus tab.

[@Mr-bey]

Nice video

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!

[@clarencewatson8366]

Excellent comprehensive review. Well done! (I'm getting one of these as a lease car... :-))

[@GaryDarbyshire]

From the UK. The manual, it's a hot hatch. I'd driven autos for 4 years before this and it's was great to get back into a manual. Plus you can map the manual with Mountune or Dreamscience. Mine is running 330 brake and it's a beast.

[@CarExpertAus]

Nice!

[@bangyahead1]

Try doing the 1/4 mile in race mode with the transmission in Manual mode and use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

[@CJax749]

How does this guy not have more subscribers 😮. Love the depth👍 Should review the Type R has the best seats in the business. This guy has a look of Elon musk😁

[@CarExpertAus]

I appreciate that, Cam! Will try and get our hands on a Civic Type R soon :-D

[@jadomi2076]

I really like the looks of this car. Nice that it comes with those exceptional Pilot sport 4s's

[@CarExpertAus]

They're a great tyre too!

[@jadomi2076]

@@CarExpertAus sure are, have them on all 4 corners of my Megane RS 😉

[@ryansaville193]

Has to be in manual!

[@CarExpertAus]

Yeah the manual is a ripper! Keep an eye out for an upcoming comparison we have on the auto v manual!

[@richieduck67]

agreed

[@梁惟喬]

@@CarExpertAus We want to see how fast between AT&MT 🤔

[@jaybles646]

Have one of these in Manual, upgraded from the 2017 STD, absolutely amazing... don't expect much in the way of mpg in the first few thousand miles though (but who buys a car like this to be economic) xD

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you're enjoying it! The manual sounds damn good too :-D

[@gretschdrums.7290]

I have an 2017 ST. I love the car so much. Ford made a HUGE mistake not selling the new ST in North America. Very dumb marketing.

[@CarExpertAus]

Let's hope they come to their senses!

[@danielleroux6490]

I agree 100% with you. Let's all do our part: call or write Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them what their American customers want. If we all contact them, maybe they'll realize it's a profitable business decision to bring the Mk4 Focus ST 6 spd manual transmission to the US/North American market. Wouldn't hurt to ask for the Fiesta ST and/or the Puma ST 6 speed manual as well! Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48126 Ford U.S. Phone: [phone]

[@helrayzer]

Bought one a few months ago. It had been sitting at the dealers as an unloved demo car. Previously I owned a 2016 ST (Mountune fitted). When I first drove it, it was like getting into the old ST, but with more oomph. It's nice, I guess as the type of car, its pretty limited to being a fast car with the electronics added (definitely more than the 2016), though mine doesn't have the premium sound system or the overtake warning stuff. It is a decent car, though I think (like the ST 170 that started this family of cars) it could do with the extra power the Mountune kit (now not part of the deal in Australia) gives it. I don't find the ride too bad, the difference between normal and sport modes is huge, normal mode will sit in 7th gear on the motorway, same motorway in sport mode only sits in 6th. Sport mode hangs on the gears longer and unlike the one tested here, mine pops and snorts (in whatever mode) especially on overrun.

[@lawrencegatt4515]

How good is that Thanks 😊 Paul 💙

[@WRP_2003]

Wow I thought the automatic was only available in the ST diesel!

[@CarExpertAus]

Now available with the petrol 😁

[@WRP_2003]

CarExpert Yup! Although I do think fast Fords should have a manual gearbox still a cracking car however!

[@GeeeEm61]

Great review Paul. I’ve not heard from you since listening to Pricie on 2GB. The car sounds like it’s great, but I’ll take heed of your comments about it not really being a comfortable daily driver. Any chance of a comparison between the latest ST and an I30 sedan?

[@lawrencegatt4515]

1 more question when you going too road test the Ford Mustang. 💙

[@CarExpertAus]

Soon! 😁

[@chrisjones4863]

Would rather have the GTI, looks a million times cooler and much better build quality especially the interior which is very poor on the focus. Focus exterior is the best looking version yet though and sounds awesome.

[@pablopicaso8374]

I am a ford certified technican and I own a mk6 gti and a mk7 gti if that tells you anything

[@deyon100]

Least the focus has a front heated windscreen

[@chrisjones4863]

deyon100 yeah good point, I used to have a Focus and that was amazing to have in Winter. Shit car though

[@fireblade6756]

the Renault RS Trophy Magane looks away much better than the ford or golf , and it puts a bigger smile on your face when driving it!! and the sound from the exhaust is awesome!!

[@CarExpertAus]

We will have to give it a shot :-D

[@stevemk4st649]

@@CarExpertAus Don't if you think the ST has put your back out.........The RS certainly will.

[@pauljamieson803]

So I heard that there is a performance model of the new ST... Is that correct? And if so did you have that model?

[@CarExpertAus]

Is that in Australia? It may be different in other markets but Australia just gets the one specification.

[@clark5583]

There's a performance pack in some markets for a manual: adds race mode, red brake calipers, rev-match, ambient lights, etc. So far doesn't make sense for auto, but i hope they adapt their configurator soon.

[@CarExpertAus]

Interesting! The Australian car gets race mode and the red brakes and rev matching, so I suspect that’s the default configuration for us.

[@thatfocusguy]

I’ve got the Performance Pack, it adds Track mode, Launch control, Auto Rev matching, multi colour ambient lights and a shift light. The red brake callipers are standard in the U.K.

[@petergehrman7494]

Paul,how does the ride compare to a Mk7 Fiesta ST.

[@CarExpertAus]

It feels slightly firmer to me. The Mk7 Fiesta was firm, but compliant. Ford seems to have dialled up the firmness - especially in Sport mode on the Focus.

[@almillin3207]

When the dragstrip is unprepped the traction is worse than a normal hotmix asphalt surface so it might be worth doing the runs in the opposite direction.

[@CarExpertAus]

Great thinking!

[@almillin3207]

@@CarExpertAus You might have gone a tenth quicker in your 0-100 km/h run for the M8 so 3.1 sec and the quarter mile in 11 flat?

[@CarExpertAus]

Absolutely. We’ve seen faster times on prepped surfaces so I think it’s capable of sneaking in just under 11s

[@sierracharlie7293]

Great review mate. Not sure if I would want to live with it as a daily. Plus, Ford worry me a little in after sale support. Any word yet on the new sports Corolla ? I know it wont be suitable for a Race Track, but will be easier to live with long term and has decent performance ?

[@CarExpertAus]

Nothing yet for Australia but if the Yaris GR is anything to go by it should be a weapon!

[@maddoxgaming8310]

I'll stick with my ST250, love driving it everyday

[@CarExpertAus]

😄

[@e7234]

i much prefer an exhaust with no artificial cracks and pops. This focus is just amazing though. It doesn`t sound like a ricer car. It actually is pretty elegant

[@BobsBrotherSteven]

Pauly, what watch is that you are wearing? Looks pretty good. Great comparison too.

[@CarExpertAus]

I wear a Seiko Astron 😁 thanks for watching!

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Can you talk a little about the headlights? I hear they're better than matrix LEDs. I know I've been going on about head lights a lot but driving in dark rural roads I think this tech is great. And what are your thoughts on this vs Megane RS?

[@CarExpertAus]

The headlights in this are great. I used the matrix function when we drove back from the drag strip and it worked well for the most part. The high beam is excellent. In terms of this against an RS - I need to drive them back to back. An RS is potent but firm, we will try and line it up!

[@TassieLorenzo]

1532kg -- holy smokes, is that a misprint! Sure seems heavy for a FWD hatchback! That's heavier than the old M140i IIRC, and that was a six-cylinder and rear wheel drive...

[@CarExpertAus]

You're right! 1475kg for the M140i automatic. Seriously light car.

[@JFomo]

So the round thing is a subwoofer? I thought it was a cover for the spare wheel. Thats a big ass sub.

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes! Agreed 😁

[@sudda89]

I remember when mightycarmods did this.

[@MrRGM10]

And it sounds good

[@burnsyling8]

There is a space saver spare under the subwoofer

[@OldManMick]

Does Ford have an official position on warranty coverage for track use, like Hyundai do with the i30N? If not then they should probably pull back the marketing on things like "track spec brakes / tyres" etc...

[@CarExpertAus]

Good question! I’m going to find out and will keep you posted.

[@cameronm4201]

Ford warrants what the cars' purpose is. Like they'll warrant a Ranger if something goes wrong off-roading, but if you went off-roading in the Focus ST they wouldn't.

[@BL0HARD]

I wonder if the 3 cylinder 1.5L ST-Line would be a better buy for some people that where going to buy the auto? Sounds like the ST should be had with the manual and be bought by people that drive away from the suburbs. Can the ST run on E10? The ST-Line says 95 and E10 in instruction manual and fuel filler (different engine I know) I know you miss out on some emotion with the auto but it should be mentioned you score a more functional autonomous cruise control with the auto. Manual probably doesn’t have AEB either.

[@CarExpertAus]

Manual gets AEB, but you’re right that the automatic misses out on the self steering function. The 1.5 is actually a great motor too - just not as hardcore as the ST. The brakes on the ST are excellent too; so they’re a must if you’re going to do track days as well.

[@richieduck67]

no adaptive cruise on the manual?

[@CarExpertAus]

Pretty sure the manual gets adaptive cruise as well from memory!

[@stevemk4st649]

Yes the manual does have adaptive cruise and lane assist. Can say that the adaptive cruise is brilliant, but not yet tried the lane assist, but I hear it's not very good.

[@zed5166]

Top review paul, i’ve driven a previous model and the ride was stiff as well

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Zeljko! You'll have to have a spin of the new one :-D

[@CarBo1985]

What about the suspension compared to the golf gti? Is it that much firmer? Is it too much?

[@0bts0]

Not everyone has the luxury of choosing a manual due to who else will be driving the car...

[@CarExpertAus]

Very true! Thankfully Ford now offers both options 😁

[@steezegod2768]

I'd never buy a ST, RS, or sny kind of performance variant of a car, and let someone else drive the car, I hope we never stop having Manuals, and that more people learn to drive them.

[@CptFailure]

Sigh this. Would've gotten a ST or similar a long time ago but the wife refuses to learn manual and she would be using sometimes, and i get it I do but damn so many cars i want only come in manual lol. But ill be getting a GTI instead so w/e.

[@CarExpertAus]

I bought a Supra because it was auto - but my wife refused to drive it 😁 win, win!

[@mattinsydney2627]

Guys, if you think YOU have problems, not only will my wife not drive a manual but she only lets me buy cars that reverse park themselves as she's incapable - that's one of the reasons I got away with buying the VW Arteon!

[@clark5583]

A GTI mk7 owner here. Made a test-drive of an ST a week ago. It's much more comfortable on a bumpy road. And much sportier in corners. Suspension, LSD, seats are all perfect. My wife that is usually getting dizzy driving with me, said: it's much better in a ST!

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 are you sure it was a bumpy road you drove on?

[@clark5583]

@@CarExpertAus yup. I specifically took it for 1h for a spin and tried every road surface i could find. It is a hot hatch after all, so i'm not comparing it to a BMW air suspension. But compared to a GTI, it was much better.

[@CarExpertAus]

You need to find some bumpy roads! I’ve driven both back to back on some country roads and they were miles apart.

[@MariusGeu]

No launch control? I have that goody in my manual Mk4 ST.

[@CarExpertAus]

Standard on the manual but not available on auto 😭

[@MariusGeu]

CarExpert oh... :(

[@Trashpacker101]

Great Video, watched alot manual ones and waited for a automatic one. I actually ordered one automatic back in october, i had 4 Cars now all manual, but if you driven an automatic before in dense city traffic or traffic jam on the highway, then you dont want a manual, thats why i got an automatic.

[@mlukubone7134]

I have the previous generation Focus ST, unfortunately in SA for the first time ever; we not getting this Mk4 ST 😢

[@CarExpertAus]

😭😭 why not?

[@mlukubone7134]

CarExpert I guess it’s a business decision, focusing on bakkies (Utes) and SUVs 🙄

[@verothacamaro]

:-( same in North America. Would replace my MK3 in a heartbeat with this if I could.

[@danielleroux6490]

@@verothacamaro Let's all do our part: call or write Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them what their American customers want. If we all contact them, maybe they'll realize it's a profitable business decision to bring the Mk4 Focus ST 6 spd manual transmission to the US/North American market. Wouldn't hurt to ask for the Fiesta ST and/or the Puma ST 6 speed manual as well! Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48126 Ford U.S. Phone: [phone]