Is The Mk2 Ford Focus ST More Than A Car Park Hooligan?

[@cupidstunt22]

I see this has been fully Gary’d

[@waxy954]

Mixed brand tyres....says it all really. Spend less on crap mods and take care of the things that matter!

[@mrwick7961]

this, first thing i did when i got mine was put some pilot sport 4s on , changed the car completly

[@A43R3W]

Facts

[@eltea01]

There's just something about 5 cylinders that you can't beat

[@Tigermoto]

I have a 5 cylinder diesel and even that sounds great (comparably.) 5 cylinder cars just sound better

[@i.s.3458]

M140 6 cylinders, you certainly can.

[@dungareesareforfools]

@@i.s.3458 I have an M135i, and I actually think the 5 sounds better than the 6.

[@ianwalters11]

Tully2001 totally agree. I’ve had a turbo 5 cylinder 2.3 T5 Volvo 850 and a 2.0 low pressure turbo 2.0 S60. Love how they sound and engines do ridiculously high mileage with regular oil changes. Sold the 850 with 259000miles on the clock and the new owner ran it for another 3 years. Sadly I had a freaky electrical burn out on the S60 (the dashboards can occasionally go haywire and need re-soldering) but on top of this the burn out was extensive and was going to cost a fortune and way way more than the car was worth, so I reluctantly had to scrap it. The engine was of course flawless and was on about 160000, so barely run in for a Volvo 5 cylinder.

[@gmain1977]

Any muscle car with a V8

[@davidoldridge3138]

Shame you couldn’t find an unmodified one to try.

[@alientje97]

barely exist anymore

[@MyJarrus]

hahaha no one can hahaha

[@Ricepudding91]

I have a standard one, 70k miles too

[@terrificspokesman7416]

You could take it back to standard

[@floppydorito1408]

@@MyJarrus I have one

[@wpjohn91]

Back in the late 2000s this. The astra vxr, megane rs and the civic type r were every teenagers dream. Takes me back

[@R-Tap]

Out of that lot I still love Megane RS.

[@andrewmelia2008]

Very true,, I wanted a vxr,, got to drive a St when I was about 19,, fastest 4 miles I had experienced at that point in my life 😂

[@jameslloydcole8783]

The only one that drives good is the Meg

[@S55M3]

They all still are, seems the ST, VXR and type R are the favourites

[@leedavis1101]

Mk5 gti too plain and slow got nothing going for it

[@garethratcliffe758]

I have a facelift one in stock form and I think it’s great the power is definitely more useable and I definitely plan to keep it stock

[@Bongo4611]

Same. Have one with 60k miles on and it's immaculate.

[@rogerbarrett9920]

Agreed -The only ones that will become classics and keep their value are the ones that have been well cared for and are standard. The example that is being tested is an 18 year old's dream but I'd avoid it and keep looking.

[@mathewwade1415]

I always planned to keep my facelift stock. Untill I had the chance to drive a remapped one and it changed my mind!. The difference with just a good remap was unreal! Shame the clutch didn't like it 🤣🤣. I have the original ECU file so when I decide to sell I can have it back to total stock form as I know most look for this when they buy one

[@casparharte]

I have the S-Max with the same engine (5 cylinder 2.5 turbo St). I want more smooth power, because when it starts boosting the wheels spin, but other wise it is just trying to get to boost. I am exaggerating, I has not bad drivability. Realistically, I just want the power smoothed out. Going down the upgrade route will lead from one thing to the next in problems, although is temping sometimes.

[@casparharte]

@A World Under A Spell You are right they are thirsty (12-20Mpg combined). IMO there are a few essential upgrades, like the upgraded intercooler, inlet plenum, definitely a quality tune maybe pistons/con rods and a valve job. I would use an exhaust with a sports CAT, but not a straight pipe. This one looks OK to me, the hood vents actual help this engine. Not sure about the wing, if it does something then I am up for it. But it does seem like the power map is wrong and the pops are not for me.

[@MartinJones123]

In regards to the clutch and pedal feel, this car has definitely had those played around with... The MK2 ST/ XR5 Turbo has a very easy to use clutch when stock, and it's difficult to stall...

[@ReplicantBattyman]

sounds like the usual fast ford situation - decent daily performance car ruined by the chav previous owner

[@S55M3]

I’ve been wanting to buy one and looking on Facebook they think that the mods add value to it, I might have to consider something else unfortunately

[@ReplicantBattyman]

@@S55M3 yeah shame really, almost every one seems to be extensively modded and terribly. everytime i see 'forged' in the description i just roll my eyes and move onto the next ad

[@HaiDeuZ]

@@ReplicantBattyman I am getting mine really soon, 100% stock, orignals rims, no mods, perfect *.*

[@BigUriel]

@@S55M3 You could consider the Volvo C30 T5, same engine and basically the same chassis but far less chavvy car and easier to find a stock one.

[@S55M3]

@@BigUriel I’ve decided on a golf R now mate

[@sportzntouring]

06:55 For those who don't lip read "Those bloody pops and bangs!" 😅 I love it, some hate it. Some only hate it when it's not mapped in by the manufacturer but herald the drama when it comes as standard... Such a marmite thing.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

Should have driven a standard one or one mildy modded that wasn't tastelessly modded. They look decent as standard but lots of people have no taste hence the dipped cam cover and chavvy exterior bits. They are great cars but most have been ruined now.

[@Roadwarrior92]

Yeah this one looks horrible

[@jonost24]

I've got an MP260, RS clutch, Turbo back & sports cat, B12 suspension, shortshifter, and no chavvy body mods and had it for 9 years. Best all round car I've ever had.

[@Roadwarrior92]

@@jonost24 I need a rs clutch at some point in the future

[@jonost24]

@@Roadwarrior92 People say you always stall first time when you have an RS clutch. I didn't have a problem. I had the work done by DS in Hull, a 320 mile round trip, but I've had no problems. You've also got Pumabuild & Matt Lewis motorsport + others obviously

[@mathewwade1415]

@@jonost24 I contacted the ones you mentioned and others and average £950-£1250 for the full clutch kit and install. I found all the part numbers and managed to get the kit for £515. Contacted a local clutch specialist and got it fitted for £225. 2 years later and still perfect

[@lordofkiwi5144]

I did 190.000km with my ST, stage1 with intercooler and exhaust (no pop and bangs), upgraded brakes. An almost perfect daily with plenty of torque, a nice sound, very reliable. Only the fuel economy is pretty bad. With a stage 1 traction isn't an issue at all on dry roads.

[@dungareesareforfools]

I've had mine for 9 years and I still love it. It's totally standard, and what you say about it being a good everyday car, and refined is true. I've been to the south of France in it several times, it's really comfortable, nowhere near as bad on fuel as most people say (I've even had 40mpg + on a 250 mile motorway trip), and in most respects other than outright performance, in practice, is a better car than our BMW M135i (the 'proper' 3.0 one!). Plus, in my opinion the 3-door mk2 Focus is by far the best looking shape so far.

[@dungareesareforfools]

@Hell N Degenerates That's not far off what I see - typically 35mpg on a mix of motorways and A-roads, about 28mpg when just running about.

[@John-y3s]

I love my 135i twin turbo ❤ nothing better

[@Salgandarin]

Contender for the most gentle pull away.

[@MilitaryHistory2011]

Amazing cars ruined by the council estate crew that get them on finance from dodgy dealers and immediately take them to be pop bang remapped

[@bhughes1986]

They pop and bang as standard. I’d still get (an unmodified) one. Great cars if a little underpowered nowadays.

[@TheStruggleBus43]

@@bhughes1986 Can confirm they pop and bang as standard, especially on the overrun. Fortunately it's not too intrusive, so it's still fun when they do it.

[@M135iboost]

Had two of these, one of my favourite engine/chassis combos ever. Silky smooth 5 pot with a predictable chassis. Simply brilliant car.

[@bbsheppo]

Ford ran a discount program for its employees. The 'best' car you could buy on it was a focus ST. Everyone bought them and sold them for profit, hence why there everywhere.

[@TheM5Dog]

Pops and bangs are council. Some of the changes to the outside of the car are terrible. I really like the standard looking ST, a few subtle touches here and there, light tuning, none of that pops and bangs bollocks and I'd happily own one.

[@johnmitchell2269]

I doubt any council would appreciate pops and bangs.

[@OpeningBatsman]

A young surgeon I used to work with had a gorgeous '09 (?) ST of this ilk, standard and black. We went for a staff lunch and he drove us the couple of miles to the pub; it was long shot from the same generation Focus my mum had with that awful 1.8 diesel! I hold this man directly responsible for the Fiesta ST2 I now own and I haven't seen him in 5 years 😂

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Finding the compromise on tuning is generally quite easy if your of the older generation. My SAAB 9000 Aero 2.3T is 310bhp, All suspension has been re-freshed and upgraded. But feel it not far off standard. Performance but quiet "ish" exhaust. More modern big brakes. Its smooth, supremely comfortable. Fast, doing 70 to 100 in just 3.5 seconds (on a runway of course). And is averaging 37 to 40mpg weekly. Its in that perfect sweet spot for me.

[@jasonsidwell1528]

I’m 50 and have facelift version to this with section 59 exhaust also,it’s about 320 bhp now but still great fun has a daily driver,puts a smile on my face every morning

[@another3997]

The question is, do your neighbours appreciate the exhaust every morning?

[@jasonsidwell1528]

Good question,cold start is very loud so leave garage door down until revs drop,it’s not too bad then

[@manofbeard]

I had two of these. Both ST3’s which were as Ford built them. No added extras, just the standard Volvo 5 cylinder 221 BHP. I never experienced any sort of lag, especially at the throttle. I am always of the opinion that if you want to upgrade and ST then save up and go for the RS. That aside i always enjoyed driving the ST. Solid, reliable and fairly economical if you drove them modestly. Where I live there are plenty of hills so they were always great to drive up and down dales. Great cars, great times.

[@styusuf5671]

Have been waiting for a review on an ST for ages, his reaction was what I expected tbh but glad he didn’t slate them. They are awesome cars, have now sold mine after 3 years of ownership but I really do miss it.

[@klasseact6663]

I'm 50 years old and love how this car is modded👍🇺🇸😉

[@PoloDaBear]

Finally a car I can relate to on the channel! My dad had a red MK2 Focus ST back in the day, no mods on it though, he was too sensible for that!

[@ChrissyThePoo]

My inner 18 year old loves these cars. My current self also loves them but without the pops and bangs.

[@dedge12858]

Had one for about 5 years. That 5 pot is really characterful and I honestly don't know what I'd replace it with for reasonable money. Definitely more fun than the BMWs I had previously. This does not seem like a good example, by the way.

[@Sindor33]

The wholesome 4 cylinders vtec Integra Type R could replace it easily, but maybe not for reasonable money anymore... I know, I had one.

[@dedge12858]

@@Sindor33 Hmm, not a bad shout. I was thinking CTR because hatchback but think it would feel weedy in the mid range. Plus they don't sound that great.

[@DatFunnyStuff190]

@@dedge12858 super reliable though for the ctr

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

I got a drive in a totally unmolested standard one and it was superb ! Great steering car and sporty without being harsh - Lovely note when you pushed her - no crappy pops and bangs. Pity you didn't get a spin in a proper one ! Hard to find one that hasn't been dickeyed with!

[@bmac5085]

First mods that you do with any performance car is put a set of proper performance tyres on it. Michelin pilot sport, or good year asymmetric make a big difference driving a car like that.

[@MrGwaldo]

Very true but judging by how many fast, expensive cars we see with poor tyres fitted, not everybody got that memo. I’d wager that my 182 trophy with Michelin Pilot Sports for summer and Michelin Alpin for winter would keep up with this despite having less than half the power.

[@callumg_0147]

I was lucky enough to have had a 320bhp one at 18, Kept it a year then sold it a few months back, I'm currently looking for another one 😂 They just put a smile on your face and are such an easy car to drive.

[@mrwick7961]

i have a st3 and its basically standard, is runnin about 260hp and it hardly spins at all. has been lowered and handles very well, loves a back road, shame u cudnt find one that was basically standard. there alot of fun

[@philiphutchinson4210]

Mine is original in Performance blue 2007 75000 miles all original... love it.. not been messed with at all...

[@crooky1811]

I bought a 57 plate ST500 brand new and i loved it, Not powerful enough as stock though with all the boost control the stock car has to stop the gearbox getting too much grief in the 1st three gears. Flash tuner sorted that and made it a much nicer car. Eats front tyres and drinks huge amounts of fuel but it drives really well. Great car to own.

[@benh8944]

I had a 2010 face-lift model. The interior was better but I preferred the early models exterior. After not long I had the mountune 290 kit added, as well as the RS Clutch. If you go past just a remap, it becomes quite expensive to keep the car reliable. Clutch and uprated drive shafts for example. Think this could be why myself and so many opt for the mk7 Fiesta ST now. Up to around 320bhp, the car will run fine with standard clutch and internals. Also a lot cheaper to run, I see easily 10-15 better mpg in the fiesta than I did the focus. My fiesta is stage 2, around 240bhp. But once you've had that 5 cylinder sound, it is hard not to miss it.

[@lastexile1187]

Mines a 58 plate running 350hp for over a year now, still on original driveshafts with no issues. So many get ragged and end up mangling driveshafts. All it takes is a bit of common sense and theyre fine, and I do drive mine hard when i can.

[@benh8944]

@@lastexile1187 58 was the face-lift year wasnt it? Think they had uprated driveshafts as it goes, was the earlier cars that suffered more.

[@lastexile1187]

@@benh8944 yea facelift. I doubt that, the shafts all have the same part numbers afaik. I plan to get more power from it and im not going near "uprated" shafts as theyre all fairly shite too, Ive heard they wobble and vibrate etc etc.

[@willpickman2763]

I would still choose a st170 over one of these, not as much power granted but they drive pretty much perfect in my opinion. Definatly worth driving if you get the chance too before they become too rare

[@Generalkenobi325]

I wish he’d do a review in the 170 , I love mine perfect all rounder

[@neilmcguinness4422]

I bought a 2003 ST 170 as a tax rebate funded stop gap car some years ago now after the head gasket on my Subaru Impreza went, and boy did that thing handle and ride and steer magnificently. Torque was lacking but it was rorty and swift when revved out, and what it lacked in straight line muscle it made up for with speed through the corners. Such an enjoyable car to own and drive.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Most advertising makes me want to not buy the product/use the company, so it's worth saying that the way sponsorship is handled on this channel is always spot on. Also, yet another awesome sounding car, I'm happy ☺

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou Terry. It is difficult striking a balance - especially when it comes to YT ads which I have limited control over - but I try and think of it from the viewers perspective

[@mathewwade1415]

I have the face lift ST3 2008. Owned for nearly 3 years and usually change cars every 3 years, but this time I'm not. Im still addicted to it and love driving it every time I take it out!

[@TheMadTatter]

I'm still amazed that you produce such concise reviews and professional pieces to camera while being hassled by that Tribble all the time

[@cupidstunt22]

That’s the trouble with them

[@charlien8148]

Would love to see you review a stock 1. You dhould try pull together a 00's hot hatch series - mk5 gti, astra vxr, st, mps and see how they perform 15 years later! Think one be surprised at how well they still drive

[@michaelyounes29]

Good shout...

[@Deebo1985]

MK1 Leon Cupra R also

[@JD-eq4dp]

I had a Focus ST 2. Kept it for 6 years, fantastic car. Go easy on the mods & it'll be great fun to own & drive. I had the Mountune MP260 & cat back exhaust. Its all you'll ever need.

[@Roadwarrior92]

Sounds like mine apart from the exhaust. I just bought a de res box instead. I've had mine 4 year's nearly and I'm finding it hard to move on!

[@marcdelaunay1]

Best mod he can fit is a quaif diff and Yokohama’s ad08’s all round! Got them on my fiat coupes and work fantastically with a few hundred bhp fwd! Great vid as ever!✌️😍☝️

[@bhughes1986]

Had two of these. A 2007 and a 2010 facelift. Great cars.

[@MrHappyraver]

Revo knuckle is the suspension that is used in the mk2 focus rs to help with torque steer.

[@brandonwillis9820]

I love the term hooligan hatch.

[@JackCampbell1999]

My 2010 facelift ST is standard apart from a tune and a catback exhaust. Exterior is standard apart from de-chromed foglight surrounds as they look tacky and had all the plastics done in gloss black as the original plastic had started to fade. Have recently refurbished all suspension bushes, had a fresh set of Pilot sport 4s all round and it handles like new, all the badges have been replaced and the bumpers have been resprayed and bodywork detailed. The car is in near perfect condition despite using it to move my mountain bike around and is pretty much the perfect car for a 21 y/o. To anyone thinking of buying don’t let the negative stigma put you off. In the real world a nicely kept ST gets the right kind of attention from everyone and people are always surprised when you say it has a 5 cyl :)

[@Corvolet5]

Sweet looking car, sweet engine sound, good handling. This car is actually perfect as an inexpensive alternative to the newer ones. But jesus christ, those Golf Mk7 GTI-like pops and bangs should be prohibited by law...

[@Roadwarrior92]

They actually pop and bang from standard. Not constantly though

[@Corvolet5]

@@Roadwarrior92 Yeah, exactly. I don't mind them being here and there, but not incredibly obnoxious and every 3 seconds like you see and hear them at the Wörthersee in masses. Then again I'm more of a 6-8 cylinder person, preferably N/A.

[@amato5232]

The only car I regret selling. My 2007 blue st2 with mountune mp260 kit and exhaust, it was perfect. Sold it for a 2013 st3, worst decision ever. God the noise was beautiful

[@Roadwarrior92]

😂

[@crg92]

I like the RS but can no longer get away with ST's after seeing so many badly modifed ones 😬 Get the equivalent volvo and have the same performance with a bit of class!

[@ReplicantBattyman]

C30 t5's seem to be in way better nick and cheaper than STs

[@casa-35]

@@ReplicantBattyman Definitely, most STs are now ragged to the moon and suffering bad rust. Much like the T5, can also get a 3 MPS which shares the same platform and isn't nearly as chavy + it has the 2.3 Turbo that ford used in the 3rd Gen RS.

[@amonero1]

@@casa-35 you can still find great examples . I bought mine for 5k 77000 miles 2008 with the intention of tracking it but it’s actually too good to strip out . Yeah there’s loads of chav ones but some gems about still

[@casa-35]

@@amonero1 oh definitely, seems like you did get yourself a gem. Good conditions ones are now fetching a nice price specially if they are in Asbo Orange. Saw an Orange one with 10k Miles, showroom condition going for 12k

[@S55M3]

@@casa-35 doubt it’ll sell though

[@SA-zoom1]

I just bought a 1 owner from new 2007 ST, in mint condition, with dealer approved Mountune stage 2 and totally standard. Was double the price of a modified one, which are two a penny and usually dog rough.

[@TekkenBones]

I think the MK2 Ford Focus has aged BEAUTIFULLY. The other day, I saw a super clean 2009 facelift Focus Zetec in a deep ocean blue colour and it genuinely looked great and still very modern. I think they've aged better than the MK1 focus. Now, regarding the ST... I think they'll become future classics but specifically the original pre-facelift models because they were unique compared to the rest of the range (before the facelift). THEN the trend kicked in whereby manufacturers starting offering bog standard models with sports bodykits to look like the performance version and thats what happend with the facelift ST. You'd struggle to tell them apart from the a Zetec S. But the original pre-facelift ST was completely unique looking compared to the rest of the range. And if you have super clean one, fully stock, in electric orange, I think you need to take care of it as the value WILL go up.

[@wody21]

I own an unmodified, Pre-fl mk2 ST which I bought last year from the first owner, it has done 220k+ kms (136k+ miles), and the car is pure awesomeness. Only "mod" is a Bluetooth module installed to the original Denso Navigation media thingy. I tried not to use the car in the winter (because extremely salty German roads... I drove less than 500 km in the last 3 months), already bought a new set of (=4 pieces, not only for the front axle) Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres, and I'm waiting for good weather... :) I will eventually drive it, but also try to keep it in the current (or better) condition.

[@4lc0n22]

Had a MK2 before my m140i, loved it for the noise! Had teh MP270 map and Mountune exhaust. That was the perfect power for the car IMO this seems way over tuned really.

[@nallanw4329]

How’s the comparison between that and the 140i? Worlds apart?

[@davidwood4271]

I've got one totally standard and that's the way it's staying

[@MichaelJones-ob3bv]

Had an orange one and loved it but had been messed about with, which needed loads to put right, so sold it and got a scooby, decided to go back to one of these as prefer the 5 cylinder sound and hopefully will get a better one

[@carlbishop77]

5 pot sound FTW cant beat it, reminds me off audi group b rally cars in the 80's

[@MetalHead1904]

I've noticed recently in the UK there are lots of ST's. I see around 5 a day at least!

[@ThexMJT]

They are crazy cheap now, anyone can buy and insure them now

[@MetalHead1904]

@@ThexMJT yep.

[@jmw0368]

That’s because the UK is home to so so many chavs!

[@Tombrosapien]

The UK is 75% chav 😆

[@MetalHead1904]

@@jmw0368 🤣🤣🤣 if it was relatively stock it would be great!

[@mgtkr1]

block mod is where the open deck is reinforced using shims to stop the liners moving and resulting in h/g failiure i think

[@Matt-go7ss]

Chav mobile of the highest order and now in the hands of the underclass. In 10 years time they'll be about 50k and deemed a classic

[@Roadwarrior92]

That's pretty rude of you to say.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I will always love these because of Volvos contribution

[@5amH45lam]

I fondly remember, around 10 years ago, driving my friend's _RS_ across Saddleworth Moor. In about 27 seconds... _RAPID._

[@pokerclown7922]

Loved my one, didn’t love the regular trips to the pumps tho

[@nickwelch1148]

Still have my 2009 Facelift ST which I replaced a 1.7 Puma with (damn I loved the Puma though). My ST is totally stock with just over 50k on the clock. Its been well looked after and still puts a smile on my face when hitting a good B-road. It was a toss-up between this and a Type R when I got it, as there was a 10 month wait for an RS. No regrets though. I can't deny most of the ones I see are chavtastic, with ill-advised mods and over-powered setups, but stock as a daily driver with a bit of performance it's still hard to beat for the money. Granted, I'd have to drop upwards of £30k to find a similar car from new now though.

[@aaronbiggin1103]

I learnt to drive at the same time as you and everyone one I knew then was learning in a mk2 focus, while my instructor had an ibiza gti. That was a fun car to learn in.

[@SimianWonder]

I had a 2006 ST3 about 10 years ago. Lovely thing as standard, wonderful seats, nice steering feel, but never felt as quick as it sounded. A quick remap later, 260 bhp and around 280lb ft was plenty. There are plenty that look like they've been crashed through Demon Tweets, but it really was a great all round daily. Oh, except for the fuel economy. That was always pretty awful.

[@joem8213]

I've had an st2 and a st3, really loved both cars. Only thing that annoyed me was i felt like i was sitting very high up, would be so much better if the seat could drop abit more. The 5 cylinder sound is amazing, mine was standard.

[@dazlad1972]

I've a mk1 st170 and same issue whit the seat height

[@ca9968]

I remember when these first hit the South African market and the South African Police Flying Squad took delivery of a few hundred of them and then sent them in to be chipped and re-mapped...I had an Opel 200TS at the time (The car that the same unit of the SAP had some 10 or so years before) I used to be out and about and the cops that had served in the "TS Era" would always flash me and pull me over, what always followed was them wanting to have a look at my showroom, pristine condition limited edition Opel while they moaned and groaned about how their modded ST`s just weren`t as quick as the TS was...usually we`d have a light to light drag race with the cop cars blue lights going, never lost a race against one and actually got invited to go on a ride along with the cops on a night shift in their ST..that thing MOVED!!!! 220kmph on the needle on the highway between Boksburg and Edenvale but still couldn`t touch my mighty TS on top end... P.S : Anyone not from South Africa should google Opel Kadett/Astra 200TS to see what you all missed out on in the 90`s...a South African only Opel (Vauxhall) that could run rings around just about anything on the road back then...

[@MichaelDouglas-24]

I wish we got the mk2 over here. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my mk3 but the looks and such, are so unique.

[@stephenmartin2737]

Love that volvo 5 cylinder engine , the best st ever in my opinion!!!

[@petergalbraith3422]

A very interesting video, James, and for what is quite a heavily modified example, not a bad conclusion! It's very easy to overdo it with these cars, as with any I suppose, and having come from a standard Mk2 ST, in my opinion, the sweet spot with these cars (with my RS at any rate) is around the 350bhp mark. Fully agree that artificially generated pops and bangs are silly, the odd 'real one' however I think are ok :)

[@morgman43]

Have just spotted one of these in full RS500 touring car replica livery, complete with "Lambert & Butler" and "Don't drink and drive" adverts. Makes you think the owner would really rather have a Sierra Cosworth.

[@justinsheldon5015]

Bought a 4 door sea grey which was 3 years old at the time. Put the Mountune MP260 straight on, clutch struggled and had an RS one fitted by Ford. I did further the tweeks , with boost pipes, sports cat, air intake by airtec and Ferrita exhaust. Had the Dream Science exhaust system, which made your ears bleed, which was hatefull. Even took the sound symposer out as didnt want fake noise pumped in the cabin. Other than Eibach suspension and whiteline rear ARB , nothing else outside was changed. Looked standard, only slightly louder exhaust and not noticeable at lower revs at all. But had that amazing 5 cyl warble that was just ace when on song. Was sad to let it go and pointless trying to replicate a replacement now as most are barried up and crashed into Halfords, like that one you tested. Great car and now at a price to make them head into hedges with youth drivers.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

It's a great 5 cylinder turbo...👍

[@jmw0368]

It’s a pile of plop! 💩

[@dungareesareforfools]

@@jmw0368 Why?

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@dungareesareforfools The Volvo B52 engine has some weaknesses, especially the Ford version which is cost reduced compared to the Volvo version. Turbo manifold studs snapping due to poor metallurgy, turbos going bad, etc...

[@dungareesareforfools]

But compared to most other relatively modern engines around, especially higher performance engines, it seems to have a very good track record.

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@jmw0368 nope

[@dasstig5274]

Interesting that Even BC coilovers helped sort it a bit. I test drove a stock one, the standard suspension is very soft, so you get quite a lot of body roll and understeer. But the 5 cylinder made a nice enough rumble and straight line performance was quite good with the manual. I could see the appeal, it was quite fun in the way that an overpowered fwd family car is. I thought that left mostly standard but with aftermarket suspension, it would be quite quick and fun on windy roads. But I wasnt looking to buy something to modify at the time.

[@another3997]

There's nothing wrong with body roll on a road car, as long as it is well controlled. This is especially true on typical British B roads, where compliance with the road is far better than battling against it with overly stiff suspension and harsh damping. Many people just assume that stiffer = better.

[@dasstig5274]

@@another3997 Yeah fair enough, I think body rolls feels worse for handling than it actually is. But in the ST It didn't feel well controlled enough in my opinion, I did however only test drive one example for a relatively short time. We have similar road conditions here in NZ, too hard suspension is more likely to launch you off the road due to all of the potholes and bumps that rural roads tend to have.

[@deangittus8926]

If you want to drive one which is more close to a standard ST you are more than welcome to drive mine 60000 miles has been remapped but apart from that everything is standard even the exhaust 🤯

[@Pete_1986]

For the money spent on all those "upgrades" the owner/previous owner could have bought a used Focus RS.

[@FocusST305]

This is the perfect example of a non enthusiast

[@voivod6871]

@@FocusST305 Maybe but buying the car you want makes more sense than getting the car you don't really want then bolting parts from the car you did want onto it.

[@davidhaygarth648]

Doubtful. Have you seen the prices recently ?

[@gooseuk1985]

You would like to think so, but a decent condition Rs mk2 costs a pretty penny. Plus if you're into the tuning game you will want to tune the RS also. Certain mods make these cars even more amazing to drive.

[@amonero1]

This is inaccurate

[@thecreedy]

I love my MK2 Focus ST facelift, such a laugh of a car

[@MrMarkusmulder]

I often imagine that you will cross Harry, from Harry's garage on these roads 😂. Thanks for the video again and stay safe. ✌️

[@markjones338]

I’ve had two mk2 and one mk3 and a mk2 rs all great cars

[@simonbailey2151]

Another cracking review. Beautifully put together.

[@tommyboy385]

Just watching that video makes me want to swap my standard 2016 Fiesta ST 2dr 180bhp for this even though it’s old I actually like the pops and bangs sounds great when you floor the throttle I used to think my was loud but after watching this discovered it is quiet.

[@somervillearron]

if anyone wants a the same or better expierience with less cost,have a look at the volvo s60 2.5t or 2.4 even the 2.3 or the c30 2.5t is basically a focus rs!

[@dedge12858]

Unless I'm missing something the T5 produce the same power as the ST (~225BHP). The RS makes 300.

[@jamesf8864]

Chav wagon, but very competent cars for what they are.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

That’s an understatement.

[@bmw_phc]

The Astra VXR is the ultimate chav wagon.

[@samcourt6228]

@@bmw_phc especially with the 888 exhaust.

[@scottwilson7927]

Quite a negative review I’ve owned one of these for 10 years lightly fettled oem+ it does everything and it’s a great drivers car very analog and gives lots of feedback. Pretty much every brand has chavtastic owners not all sts have to have the pop and bang map and so on lol, this review was a some what slight brand snobbery 😂

[@belly450]

I had one of these for 2 years. was a rust bucket , they all rust to bits in the arches. alternators went, battery went , cam oil seals went , wheel bearings shot , oil leaks from everywhere , various sensors failed , seat rails broke . sounded nice though ha-ha

[@adz0449]

Love my mk2 had 9 years never selling eva !

[@dungareesareforfools]

@Adam Miller SNAP!

[@i.c.d.-videos1901]

Un-modified that generation of ST & RS were awesome! Great power & balance. Yes, under steer & torque steer were on the menu whenever you planted the go louder pedal but easy to master. But the noise off that imported Volvo, trans axle, 5 cylinder is a peach 👌🏻. Such a shame the 3rd generation dropped to 4 pots. Guessing due to emissions, a bit more room in the engine bay & Ford selling Volvo Geely.

[@liam2368]

I was really tempted by a standard ST mk2 as a daily. It is very very hard to find a good one. Instead I opted for the s40 T5 which is a real wolf in sheep's clothing. Far better daily than even a standard ST but can feel a touch mundane at times, im so glad I went with it instead of the ST though. The only thing I miss is the practicality of a hatchback.

[@abowen4951]

Wonkavator best description of handling ever brilliant very clever 👌

[@benpollard2424]

Hi James, I have a MK1 RS focus if you ever wanted to do a video with one?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes! Been desperate to get my hands on one. Email me on [e-mail]

[@isoconfused8744]

@7:37 exactly why I sold my st225.. crap on B roads.. its not that car. St225 is a dual carriage way car, more of a fast cruiser for open raods.. I bought a mr2 2zz swap.

[@djdrastic1]

Get a hold of the Mazda MPS .They were great fun esp the MK1s as nobody knew how quick they were in stock form.

[@richboy900]

Underrated car

[@Althemusicman1]

I've got one in gleaming crystal pearl white, I love the fact not many people know what it is.👍

[@jaysmartin]

Wow that’s a lot of power mods on some cheap suspension and tyres 🤷🏻 but hey we’ve all been there! 🤣 Great review as always!

[@gooseuk1985]

I am not sure Bc coil-overs are cheap. Pretty sure new from most places there 1k. That tyre combination does hurt my heart though hahaha

[@JayEmmOnCars]

£1000 for a full suspension is cheap

[@gooseuk1985]

@@JayEmmOnCars and you can get even cheaper for these cars. Bc are classed as a good set up for these

[@stuee_mk1stuee_mk169]

The Bilstein B14 suspension kit is £740 for these mk2’s... I wouldn’t say that is poor suspension. The fully adjustable Bilstein B16 kit is only £1500. You don’t have to spend loads to get good suspension BC coilovers have a good reputation btw so I’m not sure why you are questioning the quality of that particular brand

[@unknowntm1724]

Ultimate Barry mobile but it does make a pleasant sound thanks to the 5cyl engine.

[@cjhklio]

Jay, I’ve got a totally stock 2007 ST3 if you’d like to review it? Or have a drive just to do a little comparison?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Sure, messaged me on [e-mail]

[@Parkskigaming]

the alloys look remarkably similar to those on a 2012-14 Jaguar XF.

[@jase_llan]

Could they be Jag alloys? They're the correct PCD.

[@Parkskigaming]

@@jase_llan probably, my parents old XF had the same style 18inch alloys, the ones om that focus look powdercoated. they look good though i think.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

They are Jag wheels

[@Parkskigaming]

@@JayEmmOnCars that would make sense lmao

[@Rich.Aardvark]

I prefer my Volvo C30 T5

[@Tombrosapien]

I love those 😍

[@Rich.Aardvark]

@@Tombrosapien Thank you!

[@cologne2792]

They are a brilliant thing indeed. Even the C30 D5 is an interesting concoction.

[@JackCampbell1999]

I have/had both, ST is a better performing car but the C30 is a more classy stylish car

[@s20ttv]

I hated mine. 4 months old from new I couldn’t wait to get rid and ordered an RS which took 6 months. Always sounded pretty good when not overly chav’d up.

[@stuee_mk1stuee_mk169]

How can anyone hate a mk2 focus ST? Just shows how different human beings can be.

[@otacon5648]

There is a difference between modified and chavved out. Mine looks completely standard but is running ‘enhanced’ power underneath. These cars don’t have to be god awful but most pre-facelifts are.

[@johnsaunders8021]

My friend had a black st .I had the orange wrong colour my fault .we both got rid nothing but trouble once one thing goes wrong the rest follows . Took mine to a ford dealer 3 times was told it was something behind the accelerator took it off the forecourt cut out on me that was the first of 3 times Had enough went and got a vw golf ....

[@floppydorito1408]

I’m so glad I kept mine stock, get smoked buy most modern fast cars but they don’t sound as good so fuck it lol

[@simonupex2628]

I wouldn't like to even be in the passenger seat of that car in wet rainy conditions because it would be f****** lethal with that tyre combination.

[@GTFour]

Be interested in your/others driving position feedback. I tested one and felt so high it was more akin to sitting ‘on’ than ‘in’ the car.