Ford Focus ST 2020 review

Hot on the heels of the excellent Ford Fiesta ST 2020 model comes its bigger brother, the all-new 2020 Ford Focus ST.
Smarter, more thoughtful, faster, more powerful, and finally with the option of an automatic transmission, the new Focus ST is now the go-to grown-up’s hot-hatch from the Blue Oval brand, with a different temperament to its predecessor but plenty of temperature on offer, too.
This review focuses on the manual model because the auto wasn’t available for us to drive at launch. We’ll get in the auto soon, though, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, find out all about the new Focus ST - and how it could be the best all-round hot-hatch on the market right now.
See more at the Focus hub: carsgui.de/2q7oV7H
Check out other hot hatch reviews here: carsgui.de/2plXGJf
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[@1989rs500]

The first FoST that I wud buy. I test drove this thing and I was quiet surprised. The ST3 pack available was a bit more pricey than what I had expected. Its almost Golf GTi TCR level of money. But I am sure its as good or better than TCR to drive which was surprising. Also this thing with the Mischellin Super sports tires was gripping road like crazy. I wouldnt be surprised if this would go quicker around tracks than Seat Leon Cupra 280 SC or even Golf GTi TCR or even Megane 3RS

[@paultighe1298]

I have it and the more you drive it the more you love it

[@claytonlareservee8448]

Ford should offer the all wheel drive as an option like other manufactures do especially now that there is not going to be an RS

[@xIcarus227]

I don't think AWD is worth it at this power level. A diff works just fine I'd say. They probably kept the AWD option for the RS, but since that's not coming anymore.. Yeah.

[@claytonlareservee8448]

There is no substitute for the all wheel drive. I have had the st and i now own thr rs and the difference is like day and night there is no torque steer and no loss of traction. Every other manufacturer offer the option for awd

[@liueric1988]

Great review! I shall start saving up and hopefully in 20 years i can afford this car ! T.T

[@scrappycoco3687]

Cooking Plus What?!? It‘s actually not that much money! Only 30.000 €...

[@selldivision]

Love it! Is quite a bit heavier than the standard car...like 220 kg!

[@xIcarus227]

Not sure where you're getting the 220kg figure. The base car (1.0 ecoboost with few options) is about 1250. Your average 1.5 ecoboost with options is gonna be like 1300-1350. This being 1430 is about what you'd expect. The 2.0 diesel is around that weight too.

[@nicholaspanopoulos2664]

Awesome review bro ,I enjoyed that to to much ,you've made me want one 🤗🤗🤗

[@BN99239]

"If you can't deal with the firm ride, you shouldn't be buying a hot hatch." No. This has always been a cop out excuse for putting in crappy suspension. There are plenty of hot hatches that are multiple times faster than the Focus ST and it rides like an Audi A5. The reality is "if you can't deal with the firm ride, you shouldn't be buying a CHEAP hot hatch."

[@sjb2471]

Really, which ones, for example? They ALL ride firmly - even with adaptive or airbag dampers, you can have soft and comfortable or firm and dynamic, not both at the same time.

[@BN99239]

@@sjb2471 The Golf GTI is one example.

[@pola3982]

Good review Matt!!!

[@limpunsing224]

Good review Engine spec in your description caption would be nice Thank you

[@leoesposito8762]

Great review Matt I'm waiting for tattslotto to buy this car.. very soon now..🙂

[@351tgv]

I want a Focus ST but I want the wagon version which Ford Australia are not bringing here which makes me sad as the Focus ST-Line wagon while good does not have the engine I want as I don't think a 1.5L 3cyl turbo will hold up against a thumping 2.3L 4cyl turbo and I know many others from various automotive clubs/groups that feel the same way but Ford Australia has elected to neglect us, as for this new gen Focus ST, it's nearly spot save for a few things that could be better.

[@isabelle.c011]

Mk3 owner we only got the edge and explorer st 🤷🏼‍♂️ im keeping mine forever

[@shelbyfanman]

Engine and spec is good, I just can’t get used to that new look. It’s looks too much like an i30 and lacks the aggressive style of the previous models.

[@Bobtubeau]

45k???? May aswell get an i30n

[@MrHappy351]

Aren't they competitors? This is also made in Germany which contributes to the cost.

[@xIcarus227]

Pretty comparable cars at a pretty comparable cost. I don't see any cost issue here. The ST has better NVH but you're losing customizable driving modes, and it also handles better. The better track performance is a testament of that. Plus, you're probably getting an ST at a lower price than that because Ford dealerships always offer 'discounts'.

[@Cougarsamurai]

Crazy how you guys get the Auto but no Wagon. In the UK we get the Wagon but no Auto (emisions rules)!

[@DanielMeakin1]

Great video

[@nebtriv]

Needs a facelift already sadly and that interior should feel more special for an ST model, just too much grey! I feel the facelift version will be the one too wait for just like in all the previous gens of the ST. It is the heaviest ST to date so i do hope the thrills are as good as a megane but that would be a big ask. Having owned an RS250 that car was in a league of its own in terms of handling in its class, now owning a mk2 ST im glad to hear the new ST sound somewhat resembles the old mk2 5 pot. The price seems to be increasing across all their competitors so i cant blame em, besides the customer is bound to get a good deal on them anyway as its been the case in the past being a manual vehicle. Shame im not thrilled about their new design cos it seems to be a blast.

[@xIcarus227]

Heaviest? The previous ST was almost the exact same weight, where you getting the numbers from? Kind of agree about the facelift though. There are small things that Ford started putting on their cars very soon after they released the ST, like that superb digital cockpit (I don't even like digital cockpits much but the one on the Puma is something else). Also this car still inexplicably has only partial LED lights on the back, no idea what's up with that. These are the only things keeping me from buying one to be completely honest. Maybe waiting for the facelift, though I'm sure it'll take a while longer. Also, a damn shame they didn't differentiate the looks more from the ST-Line. The front is basically the same, just with an ST-badge.. A bit lazy.

[@malcolmscott4150]

My Megane RS265 is more practical with huge boot albeit 3 doors but can seat people comfortably in the rear - I do like this ST though and glad it’s finally here in Oz

[@chriskamzol318]

sounds like they took the 2.3 Turbo from the Mazdaspeed back in 2013

[@skittleezz3269]

Bring it back to the United States 😭

[@claytonlareservee8448]

Why no guages. Media screen sticking out of the dash looks like an after thought not nice at all.

[@FalconXE302]

Gauges can now be selected inn the LED screen... I know what you mean about the Media screen, but many cars have this configuration nowadays... and it's all about function.

[@chrismancini5645]

I'm not a fan of the focus line at all but for that beautiful-fast focus I'll definitely make an exception

[@TheHayabusa09]

Have enjoyed your car views immensely Matt, however you look incredibly surprised that a 2Litre has over 200kws and power sent to only the front wheels..! Don't tell me this is your first time?!

[@MrHappy351]

rear seat air vents are under the front seats.

[@xIcarus227]

Huh? You sure?

[@mrhawk1924]

280 hp in America

[@2468yu]

Lovely

[@williegitau6680]

Beautiful!!!! But I'd choose the automatic

[@theokan89]

said no one ever

[@goldie0963]

The automatic doesn't pop or bang unfortunately

[@felixliu6674]

Has it got HUD?

[@alexmoskvich2567]

Yes, it does.

[@samartz]

Was that GTA MUSIC in the beginning?!?

[@rsoul7282]

I can only assume that the Goldilocks zone means that this car was tested repeatedly by unsuspecting young ladies with insidious attitudes towards theft, who then passed out from boredom and then had to flee vengeful predators.

[@johnmckay428]

I don't understand the point of making faster cars?

[@FalconXE302]

... It's actually quite simple... they are made for car enthusiasts... people like me. Powerful Cars can accelerate to speed quicker, and for those amongst us who are enthusiasts... this is Good. Cars that are more powerful, can often go faster, and for the enthusiast amongst us, that is also good. The great thing about being a car enthusiasts is that you can buy a performance car, and even when you are driving to work... back home... to the shops... doing all those things that I guess people like you see as mundane, we get to enjoy something we love to do, and pretty much anywhere we go in our cars, we are happy and at peace, and can have fun and enjoy ourselves. Driving is never a chore or mundane when you are an enthusiast, and add a powerful sporty car to the mix, and we are in heaven. Us car enthusiasts are a really lucky bunch. Do you understand now...? Cheers

[@thefarmerguy7899]

Wow

[@kelvpoon]

I wish my mum will give me a hug

[@joeborg8895]

I think the price is more like $50k not $45k

[@waggaclint]

Give it 6mth or so and the Ford dealers will be doing deals on them I’d say

[@FalconXE302]

@@waggaclint 45 before on-raod costs... between 49 and 51 inc on road costs.

[@FalconXE302]

@@waggaclint ... not likely... it's one of the ST range and don't get imported in numbers as they are niche cars. The deals are to be had on the shopping trolly models.

[@GriffDawg94]

Ford focus mclaren

[@GT-bs5qu]

Until you get a transmission failure. I had one, lovely to drive. Reliable? NO.

[@stevemk4st649]

They have only been out about 12 months so how can you say that.......?

[@FalconXE302]

@@stevemk4st649 ... seems there are a few jealous trolls commenting here with silly "expert" opinions. I assume from your "name" you own one...? I'm picking up an Orange Fury manual in 2 days...!

[@wombat458]

we can se how hard you need to smily upp that face.

[@rodrigosantana5108]

Ford - Fabricação Ordinária Revisão Diária

[@FalconXE302]

FORD - Primeiro no dia da corrida (First On Race Day) But some would say... FORD - encontrado no depósito de lixo (Found On Rubbish Dump) Sorry... I cheated... I used Google Translate...LoL... Also... I love Ford... :-)

[@kierenalvarez]

This guy just shouldnt be reviewing a hot hatch. What a patronising review.

[@letsseeif]

boy racer alert

[@Philbyyyy]

50k car for boy racer?

[@Trickygixer007]

Boring