Ford Focus ST Dragparison: Manual v auto, drag race, 1/4 mile, sound check & brake test!

[@saalikkhan7671]

Carexpert, doing things nobody asked for but everyone waited for..,

[@CarExpertAus]

😅😅 thanks mate!

[@thefasterdriver626]

@@CarExpertAus I love this. You test in comfort/normal and sport and Race mode and thats what we whant to see. Do more. I have seen you review cars on other channels and I love to watch you becouse you are so good at It But when there comes a video without you its not fun and not interesting to watch. So I love this channel. Good work (:

[@CarExpertAus]

@@thefasterdriver626 Thank you!

[@thefasterdriver626]

@@CarExpertAusNever stop doing this. Love the videos

[@HaultRxst]

I'm loving these reviews. My Fav hatches are 1. Mercedes A45 2. Ford Focus RS 3. Audi rs3 4. Golf R 5. Civic type R

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks Hault - we'll see if we can line some of those up in the future!

[@HaultRxst]

@@CarExpertAus keep up the amazing reviews 👌

[@TheTranfan]

You forgot the M140i

[@howtoplay4794]

Mine is volvo c30 ^^

[@BLK_GOD]

And u dont own a single one lol.

[@richieduck67]

Couldn"t focus whilst I was playing Golf.

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, you're good! 😅

[@slimdenace8180]

I bet you're playing golf at Ibiza with Megane ?

[@CarExpertAus]

Skip Ahead: Dragparison: 00:00 Performance Specs: 00:45 Acceleration Test (Focus ST Auto): 03:07 Acceleration Test (Focus ST Manual): 05:26 Focus ST Drag Race: 10:05 Focus ST v Golf GTI Drag Race: 11:30 Verdict: 13:32

[@bbb12345]

What kills the 0-100 in manual is shifting to 3rd gear. I think a longer 2nd would allow it to hit 100kmh in 5.5-5.8

[@CarExpertAus]

Very true!

[@nicufratila9473]

Thats for pay more for an auto if u want to be quick,this is marketing

[@Cain353]

@@nicufratila9473 Except Ford quotes the Auto to be slower...

[@nicufratila9473]

@@Cain353 because its an auto with converter not dual clutch

[@neovenom9833]

it's a double edged knife. Longer 2nd gear may be problematic in medium speed corners. I have the same issue with my Fiesta ST200. BUt it helps in medium speed corners because you are at maximum boost when pushing out of it.

[@charlied8456]

I can see this channel getting big. Keep up the hard work guys, you'll be at 100k in no time

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, @Charlie, appreciate it!

[@stevendufour]

This reaction aged well. :)

[@TheOptionalKind]

oh how old this has gotten.

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

I was impressed with how the auto did really like the new focus st cheers steve👍😀

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks Steve!

[@chuyperez7835]

I can’t believe that in America we won’t get these ST’s

[@CarExpertAus]

😭

[@JoshCarterWeb]

Neither did you get the MK2 ST & RS. Sad times

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

Joshua Carter Well we got the Volvo C30 R Design which had the same chassis and Engine as the MK2 Focus ST

[@yangkie121]

I'm just gonna sit here and cry😭😭😭 damn it!!!

[@planetdirge4452]

Same I own a mk3 ST and the MK4 looking clean asf too bad we don’t get it

[@chaddumont7564]

I expect this quality of video to come out of a YT channel with millions of subs. Keep this up and you'll get there easily 👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks @Chad, we appreciate it!

[@chriskamzol318]

This guy posts about times to skip to in the video for people that don't want to wait.. this channel is going places! Thumbs Up

[@riversonthemoon]

Did you just coin the term dragparison? Nice. If you’re taking requests, try to get the new JCW Clubman vs any similar competitor. Possibly the Golf R. And could you do quarter mile and half mile times? I think for the more powerful cars you want to see which one has the legs over a longer distance. It would be another point of differentiation for your channel, which already has a few.

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, I think we did! Hopefully nobody steals it ;-) thanks for those recommendations! We don't have enough room at the drag strip for anything more than 402m (well, not safely anyway), we need to find ourselves an airport!

[@MatteoLorandi]

9:38 IMO shifting into third at about 96 km/h actually increases the time, maybe just a little but it does

[@CarExpertAus]

It turns out that it didn’t make a difference. As the car approaches the soft limiter it tapers off throttle. The car is also beyond its peak torque and power band.

[@Mk1Male]

@@CarExpertAus Did you try changing up slightly earlier then when it would still be in peak torque band? Power band at this point wouldn't matter.

[@CarExpertAus]

@@Mk1Male Yep, we tried a number of different variations of the formula :-D

[@zackmandarino1021]

@@CarExpertAus true I own a 2013 and shifting at 5500 gets you the best acceleration got 6.2 on my 2013 but those had an open diff 20 less hp and 40 less lbft of torque so im going to guess have a limited slip diff plus little more power you could get 5.6-5.8 from an experienced driver cause the 2013s are rated 5.9-6.2

[@Jed_Rudman]

Wow. Such an under rated channel. Far better video quality than a lot of large automotive channels. I really enjoyed the drag-race as well. Ford did well with this car!

[@jota_coelho]

Really impressed with the quality and thoroughness of this comparison! Awesome work. Cheers from 🇧🇷

[@joytech23]

I really like how comprehensive the tests were for testing performance, really good keep it up!

[@1Steph]

I mean... I still want the manual anyday! ST as a daily RS for track RS4 if I want to show off

[@valentijnverheije7140]

I love this channel! You can see the passion and hard work in every frame

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! We appreciate it :-D

[@mo0rd]

This video made my mind up about getting an auto Focus ST. Such a fun car and can be used as a daily too

[@valiantdiesel1332]

This is exactly the sort of video I've been looking for

[@CarExpertAus]

Awesome. Great to hear, Morgan!

[@kevinwolf9849]

Wow the Focus looks beautiful! I’m sad that they took the focus out of America :(

[@juandutoit8964]

Here in sa the same not the focus of fiesta is coming here,only st line kuga.

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part - Write or Call Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them their customers in America want to buy the new Focus ST - maybe we can convince them it's a profitable choice for them to bring it to the US

[@mc82]

The difference in ratios between the auto's gears seem far too large. I realise you're now done with the cars, but it would've been good to have the gauge view with some paddle shifting up and down on the auto. The gauge cam view for the drags is really nice to have! Thanks guys.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, MC. We'll keep that in mind for next time!

[@friankiel5267]

yea the gear ratios now days are designed with economy in mind so it is annoying yea. the ratios now days are not as enjoyable to drive as the older gearboxes. The 7 speed gearbox I very likely has 3 of it's gears tuned towards highway cruising.

[@nickk4304]

the quality of the video is amazing i thought this was a channel with atleast 100K subs, you're amazing i tell you. can't wait for a new video!

[@CarExpertAus]

Maybe one day! Thanks for watching :-)

[@theultrasound1394]

I like that detailed comparisons, haven't seen that anywhere else before, very interesting. I'm going for automatic because I like the blue color. Hello from Vienna, Austria

[@stuartbeer1418]

Great review. Just need to add in an in gear acceleration test for the full Mat Watson experience

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Stuart! Unfortunately we don't have enough room at the drag strip for this kind of thing, but will look at working on a new location!

[@andyjamerson1639]

I am suprised that it looks exactly like my ST-line. Thought it might has some more sportish elements. Still very happy with my ST-line 2018. Solid car 😊

[@CarExpertAus]

True!

[@mie-]

exactly the same, except few badges and the motor haha 😆

[@peugeotfan8634]

Finally someone did it in professional test about difference MT vs AT :) Thanks!

[@CarExpertAus]

😁

[@peugeotfan8634]

@@CarExpertAus Now Im pretty sure that my next car will be Focus ST with AT :) and AT is not slower than MT like other people say.

[@wilson2455]

just drove a Focus ST (auto) as a loan car. Having a round knob as your gear selector is stupid & ridiculous !!

[@mie-]

@@wilson2455 bro, that gear selector is awesome, come on.

[@peace4myheart]

Let's be honest, Paul. This is more for you than it is the rest of us. Just look at that big old smile on your face whenever you put your foot down on the gas. Jajaja

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 Thank you!

[@greatsidders]

Well done as always Paul. Bring on the utes for a similar comparison.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, @sid! Hah, you mean a comparison at the drag strip? That would be good fun!

[@greatsidders]

CarExpert sure will be

[@GyroPyro121212]

With front tires aired down to low 20s psi and perfect track prep I think the manual ST will have no problem running 5.5-5.6 seconds 0-100 kmh and 13.8 through the 1/4 mile.

[@BulliKid]

Those fords are much nicer then previous us version

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part - Write or Call Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them their customers in America want to buy the new Focus ST - maybe we can convince them it's a profitable choice for them to bring it to the US market.

[@thebigbadbenny]

Love your work! Keep the content coming 👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! Will do! 😄

[@aadriohno]

quality content mate! strongly supporting you. This kind of content had ben led by European and American reviewers so its great to see an Australian doing it :)

[@martinarteaga1708]

Was it me or did it sound like he was saying “rice mode” 😂😂😂

[@boppzoli]

You just realised that it does 100 km/h in 2nd gear and than you decided to change into 3rd gear at 96-97 km/h ... WHY????????

[@AVC-Works]

I was thinking the same Hahahaha...

[@jashugg]

Two points to consider. The digital speedo display rises in steps rather than continuously so for much of the time it is understating the actual speed. Also, at the top end of the rev band torque falls away faster than revs rise so the car loses power. As the chap says, snatching the up shift before hitting the point where power starts to fall away might be quicker.

[@dterrence]

Thank you Paul and because of this video decided to go for an ST performance blue. Sorry Golf!

[@AntoineFRS]

That was a very interesting comparison ! Maybe with a rolling start acceleration it would be even better (like carwow). Hyundai i30N vs Focus ST or vs Peugeot 308 GTI would be fun.

[@CarExpertAus]

Great point! We will try and do a rolling race next time :-D

[@marekmach3896]

Focus manual is faster than I30N. Check 'Ukaž káru' chanel

[@hairyviking6047]

What is amazing is that the manual-only Fiesta makes the same times as the Focus with an essential shift to third.

[@terryg1575]

Another ripper review.

[@CarExpertAus]

Cheers Terry!

[@tzanis5874]

x0.5 speed at the "verdict" segment in the video is surprisingly good.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 Do I talk too fast?

[@jeromekelly6803]

I own a 4.5 ST auto and got 13.8 just with cold air intake and catback exhaust Good cars

[@danilorodriguez4665]

Great video, great format

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching :-)

[@gbajien]

I have a Mazda 3 MPS and this is what I want to have next! So awesome, it’s got the similar 2.3L engine block that was Ford’s development when they owned Mazda back then... It’s a pity Ford Malaysia will not be selling this Focus ST here 🥲🥲

[@JP-uk9uc]

I've got a 2016 ST and can't stand what they did with the new design. Looks like a Honda and not a hot hatch. Exhaust on the automatic is bland as the 2016.

[@alexmoskvich2567]

Incredible braking performance by the Focus ST in your video o_O! It is even 0,2 m earlier (and 0,1s quicker) in standstill than the AMG A45s with it's monster brakes. WTF

[@CherryGS]

the thing is: even the 'civilian' Focus with smaller brakes gets similar results. They can be overheated quicker under heavy use, but the 100-0 on any MK4 Focus is impressive

[@CarExpertAus]

Very true!

[@JazzysTrove]

Excellent comparison guys and love the format and chanel! So glad that you started it. I've added CarExpert on my go to list of car reviews on yt alongside Carwow, Autogefühl, Straight Pipes and Doug DeMuro. In the future maybe you can do the focus ST manual vs I30n manual. I was seconds away to buy the manual st but I saw that the i30n face-lift is around the corner and I'll wait a little bit more. Keep it up! See you soon on 1 million subs! 😁

[@CarExpertAus]

Hey @Jazztastic: Thank you - we really appreciate and love having regular viewers!

[@sfm.x]

We need more Dragparisons

[@CarExpertAus]

Our pleasure! We have more in the pipeline :-D

[@xr6tgtx737]

Your shifts are pretty clean mate, It needs more tyre though 😎 I was pretty suprised with how close the Kmh were, then realised you can flat shift so no boost loss 🤘

[@davidgriggs3967]

More tyre width just breaks shit , it needs boost by gear.

[@jaromor8808]

i love this channel :) one does not need to be a prophet to foresee that there shall be a massive rise in sub numbers

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks @Jaroslav, appreciate it!

[@alexostafi2555]

Ford always ahead of Vw! 😁👍🏻

[@tmolson4615]

I’m still not over the fact Ford killed American market hatchbacks. You KNOW people would buy the RS and ST focus trims. I get it but leaving just the Mustang was NOT the move.

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part - Write or Call Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them their customers in America want to buy the new Focus ST - maybe we can convince them it's a profitable choice for them to bring it to the US market.

[@DomUrbain]

It's really sad that Ford is not building this new ST for american market :( , The 2013 to 2018 ST is really popular over here and most of the people that had MazdaSpeed's are switching for Focus ST. But now that the 2019+ is not available here in america we do still have the Golf GTI at least . But the new ST here would have been awesome !

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part - Write or Call Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them their customers in America want to buy the new Focus ST - maybe we can convince them it's a profitable choice for them to bring it to the US market.

[@martinriesco_]

Great vid!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, @Martin!

[@johnwhite2143]

These new focus st look nice from the back and sound awesome especially the manual one but not sure about the front headlights look, prefered the last 2017 front headlights but would still get a manual new one in orange fury great colour, plenty quick for uk roads too 👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@yahyandebele175]

Have to be honest, really enjoy the concept of this video and the approach you guys took... it's actually the kind of things we'd like to know and see when reviewing cars... especially the acceleration comparison... I mean robot(traffic light, in South Africa we say robot) any way robot to robot racing, there's no time to put the car in launch made... so a big thumbs up from me and a subscribe too... good stuff

[@simonloi6929]

One hell of a beautiful performance car, sound like the M340i

[@1MrBryn]

Really enjoying these tests. Of love to see you do one with the cheap(er) EV's on the Oz market.

[@HForceClan]

Really nice comparison, only two things I wish you addressed. You got 6.4s shifting to 3rd at 98km/h on the dash, so unless it actually already drove 100 there, it would be faster to stay in 2nd? You also used the Focus a lot so if it has race brakes they would be warmed up so breakes were tested under different conditions?

[@CarExpertAus]

If you get the chance, watch the rest of the video with the manual. We did a 0-100 run without shifting to third as well. There was a filming break before we did the brake test so both cars were at similar temperatures.

[@jarrydevans5324]

Love that new ST. Possible next car for me

[@jahilkhalfe]

My 14-year-old manual ST225 will put both these modern hot hatches on ice.

[@dudndadn12212]

These would sell like hot cakes in the US, I see the ST's everywhere I go.

[@dragospahontu]

I deserves a DCT

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part - Write or Call Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them their customers in America want to buy the new Focus ST - maybe we can convince them it's a profitable choice for them to bring it to the US market.

[@TheCortassa]

Awesome, love comparisons like this

[@motor9604]

Good job

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks Paul! We will keep them coming. Any car requests for us?

[@TheCortassa]

CarExpert Would love to see a Polo GTI vs Fiesta St shootout

[@mga71]

Good review I liked it, subscribing!! Maybe a Hyundai I30N comparison with the Focus ST?

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! Yep when the updated i30 comes we will get on to that 😁

[@mga71]

@@CarExpertAus Yes I am hanging to see the DCT version of the I30, rumor also says there is at some point an AWD version coming too.

[@efetasgin7997]

Your’e channel is realyy good man i hope you get more fame soon

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! We hope so too :-D

[@tommy_2_trill]

This is the content I'm talking about

[@darkhat5854]

Sehr geiles Review!

[@MrLipynho]

Great video, great channel 👍

[@adegreen2731]

Most modern Autos seem to be quicker than manuals now. Purchased a Mini F56 JCW auto recently. Was all set on manual for the fun factor. However, theres just no way you can change gear as quick as the auto in sport with perfect timed changes. Think in the case of the mini manual was about 6.3 to 100kph (or 62mph) vs auto that takes it down to sub 6 seconds. That's basically half a second quicker!

[@EugVR6]

The Auto changes up at 6k, the manual was being taken to 7k.

[@philhill7973]

Unbelievable that the auto Focus’s performance is so good .

[@CarExpertAus]

It's pretty quick! It's just such a shame it sounds so different to the manual.

[@maxmustermann2342]

Great Test, i want the Automatic!

[@pratapp]

Nice one Paul 👍🏽

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks 👍 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@miguelandrade4845]

Nothing to do with the gearbox mate, it’s the color that makes a difference 🥵

[@Doubledeepfried]

Just press the gas and wait till the car does it all.. real sporty feeling. Manual always

[@danielleroux6490]

Manual for life!

[@leoesposito8762]

It's alright that Focus I'll have to drive them both to see want I want.. great review 👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Best of luck with the purchase and the test drive! 😁

[@Audios81]

Great review Paul!! As always and the prices of these things are so affordable.....just curious, would you take a Polo GTi full loaded or a new Focus ST manual? I'm stuck between the two!

[@samgab]

I’m considering the Focus ST. They only have it in the auto version in the NZ market. I wish the exhaust had the same “bang and crackles” that the manual has...

[@dragospahontu]

I deserves a DCT

[@PA_Leon]

Very nice video thanks!!

[@bangyahead1]

One problem I see is you arent getting first gear anywhere near its maximum torque or HP bands, which means youre shifting into second way too early.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

The focus would be really good looking if it had the correct number of doors.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@dylanknight4752]

I’m genuinely kinda surprised the focus st isn’t faster. They added all that power but it’s not really quicker than the old one.

[@boppzoli]

So the Focus ST Manual 1/4 mile time is better than the Golf GTI Performance's ???

[@fallofmanbrand]

Loved It!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Weston!

[@bob6168able]

Hi, excellent reviews. Thanks. Please review the Renault GT and RS ..,, also the Ford Raptor!

[@cy9nvs]

I've seen people get

[@gincatgoogle6213]

80-120 split times are a big measure of performance. Any chance?

[@KL-tt3so]

What a shame Ford discontinued these awesome line of hot hatches in the USDM ): I have the fiesta st got the last one for 2019 which is the mk7 not the mk8 in Europe. Had to get them while they were here. Very happy with my ST could only imagine the newer ones 😭

[@hairyviking6047]

I've had a mk8 for 6 months now, and it is insanely good fun. It can beat a mountune fettled mk 7.

[@vdubster_mk7181]

What tyres was the GTI running on? Wondering if that was a major contributing factor to the drag and brake comparison.

[@CarExpertAus]

Hey @VDubster_Mk7. This from my colleague James below: "Hi D, my Golf has 225/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, and they're about 11,000km old."

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

People hate the S001 on Megane IV RS. I wonder also if changing would make a major difference.

[@fedjadrndarski5606]

Potenza is pretty hart tyres compared to Michelin. They need to be warm enough for better performance.

[@eyecontrol4900]

its a shame Ford Aus announced just yesterday they would be killing off the Focus and Fiesta ST for the Aus car market.

[@sundayfloater2926]

For now I´m driving the Focus ST-line with 182 hp auto but I`ll switch to the ST auto next spring. Before that I only had manuals but since I´m driving an auto I´ll never buy a manual again.

[@Ghost44681]

Im looking at these at the moment want to know which one to get a manual or automatic 🤔

[@charlesjames1442]

Road & Track pulled 5.7 to 60mph with the stock 2013 6 speed.

[@avuazahc1966]

Focus ST deserved to outrun Golf GTI as it dominates in power and torque figures. Please do also comparison between Megane RS Cup / Lux and these two ST

[@RustyHeartsTOV]

Would love to see a comparison between the st and the Cupra.

[@kensouza9239]

Poor GTI :( I think it’s the slowest in the segment now 😬

[@CarExpertAus]

Also one of the oldest :-D will be replaced with a new one shortly.

[@Katroha]

Ahaha are you joking? The previous generation of Ford was always behind gti. As well as Megan rs and all competitors

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

GTI has so many different variations: standard, performance package, TCR, Clubsport, Clubsport S

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

And the standard GTI tyres are so poor

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

@@Katroha not sure which ones you're talking about... Megane III was superior in every way.

[@christopherstreet2214]

I thought STs were AWD with torque vectoring ... what model is that then ?

[@Ivandre423]

Manual to slow in its 1st gear, they need to tweak that a bit. Taking wheel spin in consideration,else you will have to rev bit higher to get a smoother launch, i would suggest about 3 to 3.5 rpm

[@TheSpoon369]

i wish they sold the focus in the US still, i would of bought my 3rd if it was

[@danielleroux6490]

Let's all do our part - Write or Call Ford US Customer Relationship Center and tell them their customers in America want to buy the new Focus ST - maybe we can convince them it's a profitable choice for them to bring it to the US market

[@James-xs9mn]

Disappointed that the auto doesn't crackle pop like the manual com'on Ford you shouldn't be favouring one over the other, hopefully this can be sorted out in an update, regardless I'm still keen I've always wanted a good automatic ST and this seems to fit the bill! 😊 Also others have gotten 5.7 for the auto and 6.1 for the manual, curious difference🤔

[@CarExpertAus]

Agree James - would be nice to see a little more noise from the automatic!

[@cargenius4619]

the golf R would've chopped the ST but the R is all wheel driver so you cant compare

[@CarExpertAus]

Very true! We've recorded a 4.6 second 0-100 in the Golf R before. It's a beast!

[@cargenius4619]

@@fale892 the golf R has a quicker gearbox

[@sjb2471]

Champions League they aren’t the same segment nor price point; Golf R is a Focus RS competitor (obvs no new one at this stage), Focus ST competes directly with Golf GTi...apples with apples.

[@pokest225]

Gti tcr can do the job.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Dragparison will attract a whole new demographic to your channel.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate!