How capable is a Mk2 Focus ST? Is it fun?

Just how capable / fun is my 13 year old Focus ST? Watch to find out 😀

[@richardts8858]

Everything you said i agree with ,stage1 map does make all the difference in the power band for these cars but you do get torque steer ,need to hold on tight with a 3rd gear hard pull or your in the ditch.But as long as its driven safely its a cracking drive.

[@ryan976david]

Literally just picked up my ST at the weekend and apart from a boost issue I’ve found with it, I love it already.

[@rugbydaydreams9678]

the ST225 rear end has a mind of its own. just hard raced my st rear end :) cracking video

[@volvos60bloke]

Love the way you move the gear lever x

[@ajwest3081]

I have the same age ST3 - completely standard. On the ride/suspension front, I think it’s perfectly tuned for UK roads, it’s firm enough to push hard on B roads yet soft enough to be comfortable. Nothing worse than an MSport style ride bouncing down the road with even less grip…… Engine and sound as you say is hard to beet. Put some all season Michelins on mine to give it all year round and wet weather use-ability. Look forward to some more content on this car !

[@robc9136]

Great car. My brother had one from new. Loved the seats in these too

[@CarFocused]

These seats are much comfier than the CS seats and are also heated (leather ST3)👌🏻👌🏻

[@grs4458]

Super video! Get yourself; Cobra springs, white line rarb whiteline anti lift kit on it & it makes it a whole different car. Oh and definitely some good rubber 👍

[@mrwick7961]

mine has eibach springs, short shifter and a stage 1 map and its a totally differnt car. puts u in the back of your seat from 3k round to 6k

[@freemoyoyo]

I put a koni STRT suspension kit on mine, was a huge improvement and still very comfortable, was less than £500 if I remember, so definitely worth a look

[@rowan662]

I'm about to do the same with my ST this weekend

[@CarFocused]

Because it’s a car I put my 1 year old in sometimes it does need to remain fairly softly sprung. I do like how comfy it is on the standard suspension.

[@freemoyoyo]

@@CarFocused yeah I'm in the same boat. Regardless, I think hard suspension on our crappy roads is pointless, it just upsets the car too much. I own a mk5 gti pirelli at the moment, which I've just put koni adjustables on, kept on their softest setting are very good as well.

[@CarFocused]

@@freemoyoyo sounds like a good shout then 👌🏻

[@dehv]

These and mk4 mondeos are mint for a bit of performance and all round practicality!

[@grimm_gen]

I've been watching many of your videos lately! I'm from Canada so we never got the mk2 ST and RS here, but god I love them! The 5 pot is hands down one of the best sounding engines ever made! I currently have a 2.3 ecoboost Mustang, same powerplant as the mk3 RS. I like it, BUT, it doesn't bring me the same joy the sound of the 5 pot does. This is why I am planning a 5 pot swap into my ecoboost Mustang!

[@CarFocused]

That’ll be a first I’m sure! Good luck!

[@saveourplanet6051]

Needs a limited slip diff , as doesn’t like going around roundabouts or getting off the spot in my opinion. I believe the first version made in orange will be the future classic

[@carlostheimer6505]

Gaz whiteline anti rollbars front and rear make a missive difference plus the eibach and bilsteins on mine perfect.diff next for myself for getting the extra power down

[@CarFocused]

Little touches go a long way 👌🏻

[@chrisbaxter5041]

Best upgrades for these is a intercooler and a stage 1 map we have to also appreciate these are upto 17 years old if you can pick up a tidy car for around 5k it's worth a punt just for the sound 😀

[@shaunsnyman5107]

A decent one with low km goes for up to 10k they are more populer then new gen

[@davidwood4271]

I love my st mk 2 it's bog standard and it's staying that way, great video by the way ❤️👍👍

[@CarFocused]

There’s nothing wrong with them as a standard car. I am very tempted to leave it as it is 😁

[@davidwood4271]

@@CarFocused just do odd bits to it, you've always got the RS of death for extreme power 👍👍

[@Hodgmeisterpro0209]

Mine too mate. Don’t plan on doing anything but looking after it

[@Sam_weld]

Probably the best move, as bog standed ones are worth a small fortune these days!

[@bonk352]

@@CarFocused I'd leave the ST as standard because this is it's true personality, comfortable, fast and refined with it's own character. The mk 3.5 RS has a different character but any tuning would benefit this car

[@djbrad1000]

Turbo is great and can hold boost to 1.8 bar or bit more with forge actuator am running mod x r/s mapping and it transforms the car also I use the rs injectors for fuelling Breaks could do with braiding break lines .

[@johnjackson2349]

The biggest draw to a focus st is how easy it is to live with day to day. Brakes are ok at best and the suspension is on the soft side but then its not a RS with track focus in mind. I would say with quality tyres 270+bhp and 430nm of torque is fine without a LSD but going beyond that I'd imagine you would loose drivability with an open diff

[@elxggs1237]

Yeah very accurate I've got 305bhp but fucking 540nm of torque and ho my grip is worst enemy into 3rd once it grips hold on lol

[@johnjackson2349]

@@elxggs1237 that's alot of torque man, the highest fwd car I've owned was a mk1 focus rs with 300bhp and enough torque to make the clutch slip on a cold day, and that was a nightmare in 1st and 2nd even with the lsd, I will say while my mk2 focus st didn't have the speed or power of the rs it was far more capable putting the power down, I think the heavier engine over the front axle definitely aids traction

[@euanscotland]

Good timing 👏 love these cars. I've got one myself. Lots of mods Had a few over the years. I dont think there is a better car for the money out there.

[@CarFocused]

You certainly do get a lot of car for your money!

[@euanscotland]

@@CarFocused I recommend a torque mount upgrade. Airtec. They are only 80 quid and you will notice the difference. It's likely one of the cheapest bits you can buy for the car 😅 Great value for money!

[@CarFocused]

@@euanscotland I already have the Mountune one installed mate as the standard one was beyond buggered!

[@euanscotland]

@@CarFocused nice one. 👌 keep up the good work 👏

[@cupra2Jock.]

Went out in a dream science 305hp one, 3rd and 4th gear are fucking awesome!

[@Roger-ff3cu]

Marvellous...

[@chrisryanst]

Told ya loads of times get a quick shifter kit there cheap like £60 from airtech and easy to fit plus you could review it etc and once on the ST you'll want one on the RS guaranteed 😉

[@INSANEripsaw]

Another great video mate 👍, mine is standard suspension I think but keeping as it is as have a little one due in April 🙈 so need to keep it comfortable for the wee man lol 😆

[@CarFocused]

Thanks mate! I have a 1 year old and I must admit I’m enjoying the comfort of the standard suspension. Have you fitted the isofix adapter kit from Ford? Easy install and very handy with the baby seat for fixing into the car.

[@INSANEripsaw]

@@CarFocused 😳 No not yet is there not isofix in it? Had it in my last st but that was an 2009 plate ,going to nip out and check the car to make sure 😂 thanks for the heads up

[@CarFocused]

@@INSANEripsaw no mate not as standard - Ford supply a bracket for about £15 I think just two bolts in existing holes 👍🏻

[@INSANEripsaw]

@@CarFocused Ye just checked and doesn't have it ,lucky you mentioned it will have to order it and get it fitted before he's due ,much appreciated for letting me know 🙌

[@CarFocused]

@@INSANEripsaw no worries mate they’re on eBay - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Ford-Focus-MK2-IsoFix-Child-Seat-Restraint-Anchor-Mounting-Kit-1357238-/393331656832?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[@stephenstyles4938]

Yes short shifter will make the difference lowering springs 🙂❤

[@posniknelb6114]

Not too low. 25mm drop. Unless you want to eat through driveshafts every few months

[@charlotteanddavestorey6553]

The one thing I love about my 2006 ST , it’s all real , pops , bangs non of this artificial computerised stuff , you have to drive the old school ST . Mines just flown through an mot at 16 years old , can’t go wrong with them . Although I must admit it will never be a match for my velar .,

[@jhopsi]

I have an 06 XR5.. Australia's ST. Absolutely love it. I look after it, but I am expecting the engine will need replacement in the next couple of years so I'm saving for that.. will never be getting rid of this car 😂👍 I love the sound of the 5 pot too.. those pops and crackles 👍

[@CarFocused]

The engine makes the car what it is - it’s glorious 👌🏻

[@emptyzone8542]

@@jhopsi i have to agree Mate i bought myself ford focus xr5 2010 last year and o my GOD what a beast of a Car this truly is and its so fun to drive wouldn't change it for anything i m keeping this car as well forever if i can help it by the way which engine Oil did you put in your car i bought 0 40w but i keep seeing everyone saying that it should be 5w 40 which one do you recommend for our hot Australian weather i don't want to damage engine thanks

[@jhopsi]

@@emptyzone8542 hey mate that's awesome, congrats on your purchase. They are definitely a tough and fun car.. and one I think will be a classic in the future.. worth fixing for those of us who love them. As far as oil.. it all depends on kms. Thinner oils like the ones you listed are great for newer engines.. but if your car is getting a little up in the kms.. mine is at 200 000, it's best to use 10w40. It's thicker.. will help reduce engine wear and keep the engine cool. Pretty sure my mechanic uses Nulon. My car hasn't missed a beat. Hope that's helpful, mate 🙂👍

[@roberts5368]

Hello mate, I've been watching your vids recently about the mk2 Focus st and I've Just picked my first ever one up last week. To get a stage 1, do I need to do any mods to the car before hands? Or can I just book it in and get a map on it the way it stands Right now? It's completely standard

[@CarFocused]

Hi mate - you’ll want ideally an intake and an intercooler really to compliment the map. At least an intake. Hope you’re enjoying the car!

[@roberts5368]

@@CarFocused see when I looked at a stage 1 intercooler? I put in my reg and it said it wasn't compatible for my car mate? It's on 06 plate..

[@Birmingham_racing]

I would love one as a daily fun car but I average around 700-800 miles a week so can't run one haha

[@CarFocused]

Yea that would cost you an absolute fortune 😂

[@eddiec438]

Remap is a MUST as the stock car is detuned. Eibachs too are ESSENTIAL for less roll and better looks.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

These are great cars for ot much money. A few little mods and it's a great fast road car

[@CarFocused]

Indeed mate, they are a bargain really!

[@jandeusvult2920]

The seats even look a little volvo :D

[@CarFocused]

The seats are 👌🏻👌🏻

[@sagamer_awugf6995]

Our st get wheelspin though 1 and 2nd gear and half of 3rd

[@CarFocused]

Too much power!

[@iankitchener567]

I brought one last week after selling my last one 6yrs ago but have a droning noise from the rear anyone have any suggestions what’s causing it ??? Help

[@CarFocused]

Sounds like possibly a wheel bearing on the way out?

[@iankitchener567]

Many thanks for reply , I’ll have it looked at . Great channel with good content, nice colour your st mines red , first ever red car 🤷‍♂️

[@Fordy_st3]

Short shifter was the best mod I ever did

[@jasonarmstrong554]

Probably go for the suspension upgrade and brakes but I would leave the power stock, mainly for reliability and it seems like it goes well enough 🚗💨

[@CarFocused]

Yea it’s not that slow standard to be fair…

[@damo8754]

Always traction control off lol you'll regret it if you have your power cut mid corner 😬

[@CarFocused]

Yea the TCS is pants. Far too restrictive!

[@damo8754]

@@CarFocused sometimes terrifying 😳

[@19smkl91]

Mine says 43km left in tank, it's why I'm watching and not driving..

[@CarFocused]

😂

[@rh9224]

Seemed like these pulls should of been in 2nd and not 3rd

[@CarFocused]

Are you referring to this video or my 0-60 one?

[@rh9224]

@@CarFocused this, on some of the bends when you was flooring it, it seemed as though it was wrong gear for that. Unless it’s got long gears

[@johnjackson2349]

@@rh9224 the st doesn't really like high revs pulling out of corners, you make faster progress pulling from 4k revs in 3rd than you would 6k revs in 2nd. Also gearing is quite short as you can't hit 60mph in 2nd either

[@CarFocused]

@@johnjackson2349 summed it up mate. Plenty of grunt low down the pull you out of the bends 👌🏻

[@chrisneale5578]

Mpg prob not brill