Living with the Ford Focus ST - Extended Test

In our latest extended test, we lived with the 2016 Ford Focus ST for over a month. During our time with the car we learnt that a bicycle will fit in the boot, you can control everything including the climate control with your voice, the seats are super supportive and the car is actually quite tail happy...
Enjoy and let us know your thoughts on the car below. Do you own a Focus ST? Or thinking about buying one? We'd love to hear from you.
0:00 Intro
0:52 Pricing
1:04 Interior Features
1:14 What are the missing features?
2:00 Boot Space
3:12 Interior Features
5:24 Driving Experience
5:54 Engine Description
6:05 Fuel Economy
6:21 Performance description and rival comparison
6:54 Torque Analysis
8:02 High Speed Experience
10:01 Overview of driving Ford Focus ST
10:40 Outro
Full specs on the 2016 Ford Focus ST here:
www.cars.co.za/compare-cars/Fo...
Find a used Focus ST on our site here:
www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Ford/F...
We can help you find a new Ford Focus here:
www.cars.co.za/newcars/Ford/Fo...
Filmed at the Killarney Racetrack in Cape Town, South Africa.

[@sometoastxd]

When he said "462,900" for the price I was shocked. Then I realized this was South Africa.

[@lungisani8113]

You're wrong. The Rand went shit when the Apartheid government was hit with sanctions across the globe for their racist policies and laws

[@william2668]

@morton christie educate yourself

[@william2668]

@morton christie educate yourself.

[@AR-fw5bn]

Rand is shit because the world is racist

[@grassyknoll9647]

Half a mil..bargain lol

[@karinagarc92]

It's the best exterior color I've seen on the st.

[@TheRowlandstone73]

Agreed. Stealth Grey FTW.

[@solly7929]

My favourite car!! Thanks Ciro and the team for yet another wonderful review.

[@DeltaWhiskeyy]

I picked up my new Focus ST-3 last month, it was a showroom model so I wasn't able to put many extras on it, but it did come with rear parking sensors and sat nav. If I had ordered one from the factory, a rear camera was also an option. That aside I found this video interesting since I came to the same conclusion about the car... I can drive it like any other road car, it is comfortable, practical and surprisingly economical, but it has the power that puts a smile on my face every time I get a bit heavy footed!

[@Carscoza]

+Darshak Whittaker Thanks for the comment, we hope you have many happy days with your ST

[@dailylife6935]

I have over 13k on my 2016. my only complaint is the side bolsters on the thighs crushes my nuts. I'm 5'10 and 185lbs. Other than that the car is great:) Oh, every now and then when the car is moving and shifted to neutral before coming to a stop it will bog down like it's still in gear. It's only done that 2x though.

[@Simpletoncardco]

I too have experienced that in the 2016 St currently have 14k miles and have experienced it bogging down twice.

[@dailylife6935]

When getting on it a little and shifting quickly from 3rd to 4th or 4th to 5th have you noticed a lack of power even thought the gage shows boost? I'm going to have to call and make an appointment for it. When it does it all you have to do is lift your foot off the gas and push it back again and it works fine, but it shouldn't be doing it at all. It's dangerous when passing cars on 2 lane roads with limited dotted lines for passing and the guy your passing doesn't want to be passed.......

[@Simpletoncardco]

I have not experienced that at all luckily but i know what you mean one of my buddies has experienced what you experienced in his Focus St.

[@wilkywilky7814]

I just bought a ST3 2018 model and it dose have sat-nav, parking sensors and review camera, I’m very happy with it.

[@myZisfantastic]

I have the ST 2016, same color but black rims, with a rear view camera(here in Europe you can get the option), very useful! I love this car, well done Ford! Thank you for the review Cheers

[@wa11pon33]

God I wish they offered this color on the ST in the US. It's just on the RS here. It's by far my favorite color.

[@leviathon74]

I have had my ST since october 2013. almost 120,000 on the clock, had no dramas so far apart from a faulty engine mount. other than that no probs Aussie Focus STs have SAT NAV, REVERSE CAMERA. it eats WRXs for dinner and golf GTI's for dessert. When you plant the foot, u cant help but smile. For has done an awesome job with this car. Only gripe i have is the shit turning circle.

[@JaixBlud]

leviathon74 same in the uk mate. Looks like South Africa Ford didn’t wanna make the effort with what we have as standard haha

[@AndrewSmith-sy7ws]

@@JaixBlud I don't know what Gti's you racing where ever you are but here in South Africa the Ford ST is literally the slowest of the Hot Hatches, everyone here goes for the Golf 7Gti nd Golf 7R. even at drag race events the ST are getting destroyed by little Polo Gti with DSG. Even a quick KZbin search Golf 7Gti vs Ford ST all i see is the ST losing every race.

[@omanstyles2449]

i live in the US and have an ST3 2016 and mine came with a rear camera. Good Vid

[@ShenghongZhang]

Wow, backup camera is standard in US. And nav is standard in ST3.

[@MrBillrookard]

yup. My 2016 Focus ST has both backup cam and Nav. Only thing it doesn't have is a sunroof.

[@batts1150]

I got reverse sensors and camera on mine in the Uk

[@elmin2323]

Glad we get sync 3 and rear camera and lane assistance in australia

[@HuevoDuro702]

how much? here in America fully loaded is $29,000 American

[@Khronos_Aion]

elmin2323 in US. We have the rear cam not the lane assistance.... but I have ST2 so I don't know about the fully loaded

[@consideringorthodoxy5495]

Huevo Duro702 Yeah I got a little confused at first but once I saw that there name ended in .za I figured they lived in another country with terrible currency

[@reillyd1]

Got sensors and satnav with mine, dude got ripped off lol

[@altraigovender5900]

2017 focus st3 comes with parking camera sensors ect and new styled rims with electric seats for driver an passenger seats.

[@PROJECTDRIVEN1]

All day & everyday lit!

[@genavieve994]

the 2017 ST 3 now comes standard with SatNav and rear camera, carbon fibre trimmings and an upgraded infotainment system.

[@mbizzle.]

Thinking of picking up a 2014 one

[@gonedeep43]

Interesting that the ST3 doesn't come with Satnav or a backup camera. My 2015 ST3 here in America does come with those.

[@ducke295]

I think every other country but yours has the backup camera and navigation...and the ST2

[@various8423]

I'm looking at one at mo, just waiting for the garage to contact me to view it, its a 2016 2.0L ST-2 diesel, has just 6,000 miles, has satnav, only problem no reverse parking sensors, but these can be fitted in, as I will. Looking forward to test drive, hopefully next week, also will be my first diesel, if i buy it. So lets see eh?

[@oceanhome2023]

I have a 2018 ST what I really miss and wish I had is a LSD Limited Slip Differential

[@jackwgn]

One annoying thing is the cup holders so close to the shift knob if you have a regular size cup it gets in the way

[@dham99]

or a beer bottle... :D

[@myasingh9455]

u can push the bottom back to mk the holder longer

[@jamesmcclendon3932]

The Focus RS is the best hyper-hatch for it's money! One of the best kept secret is Ford doesn't promote the RS like they should because if people looked at the upgrades compared to a stage 3 tuned ST, people would bypass the buying the Focus ST!! Focus ST owners love to tune their ST. From the money they put into tuning their ST, save their money and get a RS! The RS is less than $10,000 more than the ST with all the options and upgraded package, but look at the upgrades the RS has over the ST! let's look at them: 1. 100 more horsepower 2. All wheel drive 3. true sport mode unlike the ST 4. Track mode 5. Drift mode 5. Lauch Control 6. you get the popping sound from the RS when in Sport, track, or drift mode 7. Awesome torque vectoring system. All those upgrades for less than $10,000 more than the ST! Wow! Better get a RS before Ford realizes how they really underpriced the RS!

[@Khronos_Aion]

My ST has reverse cam? Maybe difference between euro nd US

[@alveshannaicker5038]

cars . co za I love your videos 😊

[@billyburne522]

I drive a 2006 st,I put a high workforce air intake kit,obd2 chip and other bits and pieces but I want to enhance the province of the engine if you know what I mean any tips,I haven't got a bit budget so any help would be great!! Ross ireland?

[@IsaacPetersen112]

epic soundtrack!

[@deanesau9106]

Wish I had the name

[@dredverone]

I have 2015 ST 2 and it came with back up camera and satellite radio. Parking sensors? I'm too good of a drive to use those. lol

[@oliverjeffery320]

What MPG was your getting when living with the st ? As I have herd they are not what ford claims

[@jeromecarter6760]

The newer version of the ST does have the rearview camera. I just test drove one on 9/3/2016.

[@donnienall626]

the US version does, we do not have sensors though.. I have every option available but not sensors

[@lSwainsonl]

my st3 has sat nav parking sensors and rear view camera standard in the uk :s

[@oceanhome2023]

I have 2018 ST and my only gripe is that it does not have an LSD . Which means it’s terrible in snow . Aside from that l love everything about it. Since most of us now drive FRD cars we automatically know how to control it . It is very quiet inside and you can easily go over speed limit with out noticing it . Just picked up a ticket in UTAH There goes my car insurance . Thank you UTAH

[@DnBDubstepManiak1]

So why can I add a rear camera and parking sensors in the car configurator?

[@dham99]

Yeah.. Just picked up a 2016 ST1 and mine came with reverse/backup camera. I guess the European version didn't for some reason? I didn't want the parking sensors (because I know how to drive) and the leather Recaros weren't better for me, than the cloth sport seats. Ive had it a few weeks now. Love the car and I've already found myself wanting a little sound improvements out of it, so Ill look into downpipe, cat back, and intake. Then keep it as is for the 5 or 6 years I'm paying on it. Still a great looking fun car regardless where you buy it! I like it in every color too, but I picked up the Race Red :D

[@dham99]

update myself... at 15,000 miles my car is still wonderful to drive. No main issues and Ive done catback exhaust, green filter, front stress bar, and am considering drop springs (to close some of the factory gap). The RMM, tuner, dp, and FMIC will most likely wait until after the warranty has expired. I still give this car a 9/10 for a daily driver and the CNT Racing exhaust has made it A LOT more fun to drive...these are way too quiet stock (even after deleting the resonator).

[@jimkorne6834]

dham99

[@carterkraus1413]

I think things might be different for the UK spec because the features that are missing come standard in the US spec

[@TheRowlandstone73]

Oof! Love that growl! And the colour!

[@thecrazydutchdog]

My ST from end of 2014 has a rear camera and parking sensors. also, just buy the navigation sd card for full navigation.

[@OurSouthAfrica]

surprising him being track driver never noticed car overheats pretty easily, dont suggest you do a lot of late braking as it eats brakes for breakfast and if you dont know what you are doing the car the car will tell you quickly with the back end coming out. The Recarro seats are nice i hope they are more comfy in Leather as for the cloths seats on a 12 hour shift are back braking QQ

[@MonkeyBrainSushi]

My 2016 ST-3 has sync 3 , navigation and a rear back up camera!

[@DRFilmCo]

'this is a 13 model genius.

[@ericasantiago5221]

DRFilmCo that's definitely NOT a '13, it specifically says 16 in the video description box but it's pretty obvious if you look at the body. The proper answer would be that this isn't a US version of the car so unfortunately for them, they do not get the same features as we do.

[@NoFoxGivenWaitWhat]

ordered mine with all extras heh :)

[@neillee4253]

ST3 in UK spec has rear parking sensors and SatNav as standard.

[@genavieve994]

Neil Lee it's now standard in SA too

[@gazg00]

Genavieve Padayachee yaaaaay!!!

[@rboosted1761]

We have it all in the United states as well.

[@jachinchetty2412]

@cars.co.za please review theGolf7 clubsport

[@mgvbr2s5x8]

I'm in the US and ours definitely has backup cam and nav

[@peterpan6821]

MattBostic They're in South Africa, and theirs definitely don't.

[@mihaibrezan912]

I have a ford focus st 2016 and i have back sensors and rear camera so its available on ford focus st 👍

[@jaemate21]

Great review as always.I have however noticed that most if not all of the cars you guys do are Gauteng registered vehicles.Arent there any vehicles down there in CPT?Its like over a 1000 kilos from here.

[@Kavi4GP]

All have HQ in JHB and the biggest market is JHB

[@Kavi4GP]

Well most

[@Carscoza]

+jaemate21 Hi there, well spotted. The press vehicles are usually JHB registered but the fleets are based here in Cape Town.

[@jaemate21]

+Cars.co.za thanks for clearing that a little bit.

[@nsoper19]

seems like south africa just got shafted. in europe you can get all those extras. think satnav is standard actually

[@NoFoxGivenWaitWhat]

i set up mine and put everything in it even the camera and pdc

[@jimboy6284]

Af got parking sensors on my mk3 st and my passenger seat 💺 in lecky as well

[@JaixBlud]

My 2013 Focus ST has reversing sensors as standard, how strange

[@cmphoto_]

I have that model, I have both parking sensors & a reversing camera. You get a bit of a strange spec over there in SA! We do here too in Aus, it's like an ST2.5 - we get sat nav, rear sensors & rear camera standard but no electric seat at all. No options here, can't even get the bigger black wheels either.

[@kbro1849]

My st came with sat nav, reverse camera and sensor's

[@tamas2057]

I got the 2016 st2 with rear cameras..wish I got the st3 though haha

[@normanlivesey6041]

my ST has a reversing camera and sensors, 2017- UK

[@benst2594]

Im also surprised as to how he got RS taillights!?

[@thomasoleson2651]

I don't think they are bro. Or maybe in Europe that's standard. Idk. They r tight though.

[@cameronm4201]

All Aussie Focus have camera, sensors, Sync 3, aeb, ldw,

[@tommyodayiv9734]

How they have recaro rear seats😕

[@VoluntaryStone]

I have a rear view camera in my 2016 ST-3 as well as GPS. Weird. I'm here in America so maybe that's it.

[@DeFreshS10]

so I know this video is old, but y'all need to update this video. The ST3 package came with satnav, rear camera and sensors... Video is misleading.

[@dham99]

it's prob different in different countries. In the US, my ST1 has a backup camera. We also have an ST1, 2, and 3 in the USA. He said they only get the ST in ST1 or 3. Different markets.

[@Axel1058]

Do Astra OPC please.

[@AR-fw5bn]

Error 404 not found

[@chrisorr3919]

I test drove an st2 last week here in New Zealand. I liked it but the st2 seats gave me a sore back

[@chrisorr3919]

But this one had parking sensors and a reverse camera. A 2018 model

[@satturatedphat]

I have the reverse camera on my 2016

[@mrsmith5846]

Does it come with apple car play?

[@carsonreeder3167]

Mr Smith The 2017 does

[@carspottingaccount416]

And the stain on the headrest?

[@sjf2853]

my ST1 has back up camera (usdm)

[@VAspeed3]

Seems to me what people call torque steer is actually just wheel spin on one side, which causes the car to pull in the direction of the wheel with the least traction. If traction is even, there is very little torque steer in any gear. Actual torque steer is a thing of the past.

[@barlogdark]

lol i just ordered parking sensores and back camera on my st3 package

[@generalmachine2997]

just to let you no you can get parking sensors and sat nav and revers camera as my wife has got a st 3

[@peterpan6821]

general machine If you are also based in South Africa, like this channel, then they made an error. If not, your comment is pointless.

[@jakekuehlthau3015]

I have a 2015 with a back up cam so what is he talking about?

[@gazg00]

Jake Kuehlthau my mate, this review is from South Africa. Everything he said at the time is 100%. The spec levels have been addressed now and are on par with overseas models.

[@l_bonza7555]

What's this type of paint?

[@lSwainsonl]

stealth gray

[@udoggaming6568]

lol mine has full electrics both front seats are electric and heated have a sat nav and rear parking sensors and rear camera, and the ST come in 3 variants 1 2 and 3 lol

[@jorgegil3770]

That sucks in the us my st3 has navigation rear camera

[@mrlooneycooney8948]

probably the only 'performance car' that i can my gf agree with lol

[@4octets951]

which one is better, ford focus st or ford focus rs?? tyia

[@Ichibuns]

RS. Duh. What kind of question is that?

[@Outlawz1971]

Rs not worth it lol it cost like 25k more interior is the same just different body and bigger motor

[@derekgardin1512]

4 Octets and AWD and 100 more hp, bigger brakes.

[@Hankblue]

@@Outlawz1971 It should have had an upgraded interior, but it's still priced about right for a 350hp car

[@FocusRS500]

Ummm in Australia we get reverse camera, sensors and navigation....what planet are u on?

[@arturk2335]

I have sat nav, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, heated steering wheel on my Focus ST. I think your regional Ford representative decided to not make those things available.

[@gazg00]

Artur K that has been addressed now and the spec levels are on par with overseas models. Just shows you how the SA motorist was being ripped off. It might have even cost Ford a good few more sales in this country.

[@krasnaludek298]

I like this colour gray, but we don't get. Ony RS model can have this colour.

[@benst2594]

My ST came with a reverse sensor.. how is he saying it never came?

[@peterpan6821]

The Notorious Marksman Are you also in South Africa, like the reviewers?

[@benst2594]

Peter Pan nope I'm in the middle East.. we get the same spec

[@Richard1976]

Great colour, should have black wheels

[@allnewpauly]

I had a UK spec ST3 in stealth..in the UK we get satnav and reversing camera as standard in the ST3. But only Sync2. The US gets Sync3. If Ford are truly making "world cars" now, surely spec levels should be similar? Aside from all that, good review guys.

[@gazg00]

Paul Groves surely......but they are not. The spec has been addressed now and we now receive what the others do. Just shows you how the SA motorist was being ripped off.

[@andredednam2127]

And i went and bought this very same car. Now I know at least why the motor died on 105,000km

[@jachinchetty2412]

ill agree the st is really good and stuff but you just cant beat the germans...i would take the gti's anyday

[@RandyHartono]

Blind behind and Javanese direction Compass

[@justforkicks3348]

I got a 64 plate reverse camera and sensere

[@goodnewsmusic.5638]

Mine has the park pilot and all the ST 3 models here in Germany come with a rear camera and navigation 😊👍🏼Sorry SA. That is definitely unfair on Ford's behalf 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Alex-lm1uc]

lol rear camere is available and is 150 euros, parking sensors also... what the heck ?

[@WESTPRINGLE]

yeah I noticed that error

[@peterpan6821]

Fairly sure they don't use the Euro in South Africa, or are you suggesting everyone there should privately import a European model?

[@beetfarmer8933]

Who actually uses their car's built in Nav? I've never ever even thought about using it. I always use my phone.

[@dailylife6935]

I always use it. It's rite in your face and comes through the speakers. Plus it won't fall on the floor....

[@donnienall626]

and doesn't drain the phone battery

[@Keidoupe]

Beetfarmer89 its a much bigger screen than your phone's which requires less focus, no pun intended

[@Keidoupe]

Beetfarmer89 its a much bigger screen than your phone's which requires less focus, no pun intended

[@jokerrhe]

agreed some built-in NAVs the screen is bigger but the maps are smaller and harder to figure out the roads as there are no names, etc.. even in the Land Rovers it's a waste

[@True77]

I'm 6'4" and cannot get my bike inside my Focus without taking off the front wheel. (FYI for you tall people)

[@mrhawk1924]

I like my veloster turbo Hyundai on my channel. 2016

[@insaneflux]

The European version has backing camera, sensors and gps...

[@insaneflux]

...and lane assist, reads speed signs and auto hi-beam

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Poor spec compared to UK version , no camera? No sat nav or parking sensors? No tinted windows? This is a ST1 not ST 3 in UK

[@anumrehman5847]

I am a kid when I ganatobee big I gana get ford focus st

[@noohall9213]

I like the look, atheistic love

[@bretthelms1427]

backup camera is standard lol

[@MAXpaowers]

Found your lost twin @Jimmy Kimmel

[@monikafutyra4086]

Jakaś bieda wersja

[@hotdog0073]

sorry dude but your description is incorrect...firstly you get st, st2 and st3. they do come fully loaded with rear sensors and cameras amongst other things. just saying.

[@AR-fw5bn]

hotdog0073 no this is another region (a better region )

[@gazg00]

hotdog0073 this is a South African review mate, we only get ST1 and ST3 and at the time the vid was made, we also never got the features that the ones that you have. That has been addressed now and the features are on par with overseas ones. Just shows you how the SA motorist was being ripped off, for the equivalent money you pay.

[@babbypanda4986]

There are 3 ST levels ST 1 ST 2 ST 3, I own a ST 2...

[@gazg00]

babbypanda not in SA, where this review was made. St1 and 3 only. At the time of this review the spec levels discussed were spot on. This has been addressed now.

[@kaylinclaudepillay268]

I reckon the less powerful Golf Gti PP will have this St on a track and is a better road car as well.

[@krasnaludek298]

No, Ford Focus ST beats the Golf all-around. The VW looks outdated next to the Ford and my last VW was rubbish with so many problems. My 3rd Ford and no issues.

[@cquiroz420]

My mk4 20th had and still does have problems. I love my st2.

[@AR-fw5bn]

Krasnaludek "beats the GTI all round" , u mean st gets beaten all round from interior quality , 0-100 times , value in 2nd hand market and ease of driving

[@gazg00]

😣 another GTI moron.

[@veegizzlemilliken6441]

I pulled off on one of these ford focus STs the other day someone driving a ST tried to get me off tha line but i dipped they ass lololol.when i looked over he was shaking his head and I was like" Yea Bra " dont try me lololol !! I drive a 8th gen 6spd accord exv6. coupe.

[@liamrobinson5612]

The st-3 is definetly £462,900 1:00

[@AR-fw5bn]

Liam Robinson 462 900 rands. Learn the currency it's the only one that matters

[@gazg00]

Liam Robinson Rand, my mate, Rand.

[@Mathewmartialart]

so in south africa you basically get nothing when the rest of the world gets everything