Richard Hammond Reviews The Ford Focus ST170

[@soundseeker63]

Still the best looking Focus IMO and a bargain now, if you can find a good one! The RS totally overshadowed the ST, so it has been somewhat forgotten, plus the subtle looks mean most people won't discern it from a regular focus. It's a good value and understated drivers car for those who aren't looking to show off.

[@canyonrunner9275]

Mk1 focus still one of the best handeling cars to date! SVT owner

[@Mike10074]

totaly agree m8

[@Mike10074]

+Andrew Damzen i have normal diesel mk1 focus and my focus is handeling better than tuned golf mk4.

[@casualagent7250]

Canyonrunner92 Not many of us SVT owners out there, mine is Black...

[@touncy1533]

bone stock/minus the touch screen 2002 red svt

[@lollol-xp4mc]

@@Mike10074 mk4 golf was real bad

[@mickwrinkles2318]

The independent rear suspension made this a really great handling car.

[@edim108]

These Cars are truly something to behold imo. They are cheap, reliable and dependable, and at the same time their speed is great and their handling is superb! These are FWD cars that fell like AWD on road. The Ford Focus is one of those milestones in automotive history, that really sat the bar for all the other cars after it. It was the first car of its class to use Independent Suspension all around (something Volkswagen Golf didn't have up until the Golf 5). The Focus is an engineering masterpiece and an amazing car, but what's most important is that it always was the Car of the People. It wasn't made to be exclusive and to make you feel rich. It was made to be cheap, practical and a joy to drive! It should be of no surprise that I love Focus! It is Amazing all around! :)

[@DublinDan]

I bought my first car recently 2006 ford focus zetec 96,000 miles... Solid car

[@99ron30]

I always looked down on them as common as muck boring cars. But since driving one I know realise how fantastic they are.

[@ImCeatra]

@@99ron30 same, never looked much into them, until I started searching for a first car and everyone was mentioning the Focus. Thinking on getting either a 1.8 diesel or the 2.0 gasoline. ST170 are overpriced here in Portugal sadly

[@sonicbooomboy]

Everyone seems to hate these, but if you value steering and handling over power, you will like them. They are fun to drive at any speed, and so you can enjoy yourself without feeling you're going to jail or hospital anytime soon. Which is nice.

[@EricSabinaLove4Ever]

Agreed, i test drove a basic 1.6 zetec and honestly the steering feel shocked me as I expected the car to feel like shit but taking a corner in this car is really fun, it's not like it'll handle the corner at silly speeds but it's the feel you get from the drivers seat.

[@jeprerderwererwer56]

The Zetec engines are amazing.

[@99ron30]

I wish Yamaha had helped design the 2.0 like the 1.6 though.

[@gerryr1893]

99 ron I turbod my 2.0 zetec it’s an absolute animal

[@keidicko]

😂😂😂

[@matthewking5612]

It wasn't 170 bhp, more like 150.

[@ben6bh]

had one of these recon it handled better than my st225 was brilliant down back roads so easy to drive

[@geordiefooda5218]

Agreed. Lost it a couple of times in my ST225 but the 170 you could throw round corners side ways.

[@brickhead48]

This car is not the quickest thing about admittedly, but imo it looks great and handles superbly. Iv had mine for a few months now and it will set off quick enough, 0 to 60 in as near as makes no difference 8 seconds, and it will easily sit at 80 in 6th gear with an average mpg on the motorway for long distance trips. Get it on some lovely country roads though and it really comes alive, you can chuck it into the bends and the grip is brilliant. And as others have mentioned, the engine performs best at 4000 rpm higher. If your looking for something that can drag race everything at the lights and win, then there is better options (Civic Type R if you have abit more cash) but the ST is a good car if you want a good balance of speed/handling and when you get one in decent condition for £2000 you cant really complain.

[@andrewconnolly3567]

bit like a Golf GT TDI 1.9

[@benduke4454]

Lol not really like a golf tdi at all!

[@Darylrb1983]

"Near as, makes no difference" phrase always makes me chuckle

[@AW_2000]

NutriFIT nutritie si fitnes Sounds like you might have a problem with yours, easily feels like 8 to me.

[@ABLO_dnb]

I loved mine when I had it. Great car, most bang for your buck in that range of car imo

[@MillosMusic]

top car, miss mine so much.

[@paraskevaspapantonakis]

I used to have this ford focus 3 years ago and I could not believe how is this even possible I passed a holden v8 ute after that I was proud like eat my front wheel drive power.

[@matthewking5612]

150 bhp?

[@97gti5]

Had mine 3 years now, great all rounder when you learn to drive it like needed to get the best. Even when I upgrade I won't be parting with it in a hurry

[@Mx64MaxyImpress]

First Focus Generation from 1999-2004 are probably my favourites because it looks so pure "sports" hatchback. Becoming the continuation of "Escort" in rally Especially,the "RS" version which is special road going "rally" with Sonic Blue color with 200+ HP

[@fordrscosworth]

imperial blue

[@cossiefordman720]

Failed to mention that Cosworth actually tuned the standard 2.0 Duratec engine

[@skul1974]

This was my 1st decent car and chosen back in 2003 after the Civic Type R and Leon Cupra were considered and driven! Mine was a bit of a bargain at £11k but only 6 month old (£5k saving on new) and whereas the Cupra looked better it was a bit skittish especially in the wet and I thought the Type R was ugly (like a door stop) and had OTT styling! Not the fastest car I've owned but coming from the 1.25 Fiesta Zetec it was a huge step up! However, I haven't driven a car that felt as surefooted on the road and could take corners at ridiculous speeds! The steering is still the best I've driven with so much feel and communication! Better handling than the Ibiza FR that was scary especially in the wet, Renault Clio 192 Cup (close but not as good feedback resulting in less confidence), Leon FR 2010 and 2013 and my current Golf GTI Performance Pack! All of the above were faster (the Clio and Golf really much faster) but I still think that the introduction of electric power steering has robbed cars of that engaged steering of the Mk I Focus best seen in this ST170!

[@Ep3homda]

What about the ford fiesta st150 for handling

[@ant16rst]

I love my st170. Sticks like a fly on shit through the lanes!

[@Tom-vw7lz]

Ich fahre seit sieben Jahren nen 03' ST170 und kann nicht verstehen, warum einige auf diesem Modell rum treten. Von wegen keine Leistung. Das Auto ist super. Es hat mir nie groß Probleme bereitet, fährt sich auch mit 180Tkm noch super. Es macht Spaß mit ihm zu fahren, wenn man nicht immer den Dicken markieren muss. Die ST170 werden immer seltener und daher behalte ich jedenfalls meinen Focus solange es geht.

[@samueltoulorge4217]

i am french i,have a three doors st170 ,option grey magnum and automatic clim; love ....

[@oscarzt1652]

any other st170 or svt owners out there know whether this is an impy blue or a print blue car? the old camera colour quality isn't doing it for me

[@creakid]

1:37 Duratec? It's Zetec! Duratec 4-cyl is designed by Mazda.

[@kennethfrazee2540]

The zetec was occasionally marketed as "duratec" but yes, completely different motor. Which sux because that 2.5 swap they do with miatas would've been easy on an svt or 170.

[@Ineedyoulou]

I had the 1.8 zetec.... The only car I could trust... Always started on the button and never had any problems with the 4 years owned.

[@locumania]

What's the difference between mk1 st and rs all from the first generation?

[@mikeormond7883]

About 10 grand 💰

[@drewhunter4821]

one problem with the st170....it didnt have 170bhp at all, it was around 145bhp. ford admitted this 6 months after release and put out a silent recall. since hardly anyone heard of the recall, most of the st170s that are still around today would be most likely these models and the mileage wear now would have taken that down to 125/130bhp. if your wondering why it didnt have 170bhp? the max bhp you could squeeze out of a 2.0duratec? 170bhp...not a very wise idea for a car company to sell a car with the engine maxed out so it never was.

[@gerryr1893]

Drew Hunter bull bag

[@dylanhzimmerman]

it did make 170 at the crank, yes it was about 145 at the wheels.

[@steveo8533]

What a pile of crap

[@drewhunter4821]

@@steveo8533 ahh fuck off. no-ne asked for your opinion.

[@eddiejones.redvees]

My wife has still got her 2003 ebony she has had it since new it is running well it has 65000 miles on the clock been Serviced every year the biggest problem it has was the water pump went witch we at surprised because it was Supposed have been changed with the cam belt at 10 years old it has now had 3 battery’s and the odd bit of trim screw back on also the tires Degrade before they were away

[@Numbuh_4WD]

anyone know the name of the song?

[@woooster17]

Handles nice...Only had one for a short time, & then bought a new ST225 which is obviously another level up.

[@amysharp6572]

134mph my dad had a 3 door and we was doing 150mph on are way back home from hoilday 😂

[@smokinaces7191]

Ye my 1. 6 said top speed 115 I got 121 out of it. Wasn't really going down hill and it is bog standard 17year old car 👍

[@soundseeker63]

150 on the clock, maybe. probably an actual 138-140.

[@steveo8533]

Was he being towed?

[@samaniegodennis]

Reliable point A to B car...my daily driver

[@sprlpy318]

2010 _2020 .all good)) I'm happy))

[@respectedgentleman4322]

2001? Driving an 02 plate.

[@robjones721]

Respected Gentleman 2002 plated cars started in September 2001-March 2002 then 52 came along in April - August

[@AW_2000]

Rob Jones Wrong. 51 started September of 2001, 02 started in March 2002 then 52 in September

[@robjones721]

Pentium III not sure how I got that wrong 😂 in my head I wrote it how you did

[@rubrown1397]

I Love The Music!!

[@gsoup7850]

The only car still currently taxes and MOT'D is the Audi, says it all. Couldn't check the polo.

[@nrs796bs]

Nice car nice video NICE🐹

[@crezzlin]

Anyone else here after watching Drivetribe 🤣🤣

[@Focusonbehind]

I have a 2.0i 130hp and took on a ST170, Performance was pretty much the same.

[@jonny8860]

😂

[@Dragunov302]

wonder if this would beat a mazda mx6 v6 in a drag race

[@codykamminga9667]

Flat4Fan I think it would

[@michalbures859]

MX6 is lighter, more torque from bigger engine and better aerodynamics...HP the same tho but still more chance for mazda

[@mrstickyboi4898]

u said 2001 when the license plate is EY02KVJ

[@liamroberts8833]

Very good car because my mum has one but my dad has a diesel car

[@nrs796bs]

GTI/ sport/ S/ ST 😋

[@13ishmaverick]

was this before he joined top gear

[@cheesyeurotrance95]

yes

[@timpriddy349]

Is he saying hes 40 here

[@marcustaylor670]

None of these cars are much more desirable than my old MK2 Golf GTi or MK3 Astra 1.8 Sport. I'm after a cheap trackday car now and the ST's are cheap. All of these do seem pretty boring at least to look at, good sleeper cars like my Astra was.

[@action963]

Golf are unreliable and overpriced..astra aren't bad

[@nrs796bs]

Richard Hammersmith CAR😘

[@clivemitchell4316]

Hammond, not Hammersmith 🙄

[@NaveedAhmed-vw1nw]

What is the music because i like it

[@Numbuh_4WD]

me 2

[@carsnracing8200]

Penis music

[@massi3376]

Focus mk1 1.8 tdci zetec best car ever.

[@ericgeorge5483]

A RENAULT AT NO' 1? Oh for fucks sake.

[@ericgeorge5483]

***** Just not my cup of tea I guess.

[@nrs796bs]

👏

[@nrs796bs]

🐀🎂Richard👌

[@carmadme]

The GTI-6 pisses all over this I'm afraid They have both aged well and the Ford does have the better interior but it should it's a generation newer exterior wise it's much of what you like but I think both still look rarther good In how they drive though... The engine in the '6' has much more low down tourque and readily sprints for the redline gearing is perfectly spaced to keep you right in the power band The Ford on the other hand is more laid back it's good but not as good and found myself having to floor it and having to stir the box to get the same feelings out of the car The Ford also dosnt quite have the same amount of feeling through the wheel as the pug the Ford actually handles better but i found it didn't inspire the same confidence as the pug And as for how they ride the pug is tought without being uncomfortable whereas the Ford will start to become wallowy and tiresome on uneven roads it also tends to tramline and you have to fight it more to stay streight on our roads when the pug is noticeably better at handling these conditions The Ford is a fine car but gets the hot hatch balance slightly wrong in my book more cold leftover pizza than fresh from the oven and hot It's good there's nothing inherently wrong with it And the focus might even be the better hatchback But when we buy a hot hatch we want it to be a drivers car as well and the pug is simply better at bringing joy and a smile when given an open stretch of road in front of you while still fufilling our hatchback needs completely well My mate had one He had been in my pug and driven it a few times and thought it might be quicker I still thrashed him after a few weeks of ownership We swapped for a month before meeting up again and there's is no doubt the pug is the faster and better car something we both agree on We swapped back and I pissed all over my friend He commented after that he just didn't have the confidence to really push as he did in my pug his Ford feeling numb he needing to build his trust and relearn the car Whereas the Peugeot fits like a glove a rare car that just feels right the moment you step into it

[@nrs796bs]

🙋🍻🐼

[@michaelinfante587]

Ford had a history of quick boring looking cars - Cortinas, Escorts and Fiesta

[@astront917]

typical ford cheap rubbish, not a sports car at all, awful shape and rusts like hell good Old ford mass made junk.

[@mark-1rc502]

astront917 My old man has a 2003 170 owned It for the last 9 years , I've not seen any rust , it's rather good Nik for a 14 year old car .

[@kishanjadeja6894]

Mark C probably never driven like that .....

[@mark-1rc502]

Kishan Jadeja Well it don't get thrashed unless I use it once in a while . But I like fords my grandad loved his Granada console , Mk3 cortina gt. he didn't like the mk4 cortina crusader . I had a Mk 3 1.3gL and a mk4 xr3i I've had Sierra 4x4 2.9i . Mondeo ST 220 , Mondeo mk4 and Now Mk3 Focus ST . I can't see why people don't like fords there good cars . I've had BMW 320i and 325i 320 big ends went . 325i tappets rattled after a few years Both cars the speedo never worked .

[@kishanjadeja6894]

Mark C same here with a 320i only had 68 on the clock was nice, but had to crapped it for£1300

[@mark-1rc502]

Kishan Jadeja Yeah I dunno what mileage but I was prepared to have my 325 sorted out I kind of liked it 325i sport . Someone took that decision away from me when they crashed into it and wrote it off.

[@johnmcluskey]

I don't know how Ford created this and called it a performance car?? Just drives like an early focus and you had to kick its arse to get any sort of performance out of the thing. The gearbox was also useless driving about town and shocking at low speed whereas a focus Zetec with a 5-speed was fine. This car was really the low point of the mk1 focus. Just shit really.

[@christianbuczko1481]

Wtf are you on about??? The gearbox is awesome, in town I use 1,2 and 6th. 1&2 accelerating, 6 for idling at 30ish. In 3rd 4th and 5th, at those speeds it wants to accelerate and you end up speeding if you twitch on the throttle. It's also smooth, and precise changing gears...

[@robinj5]

I own both, a standard 2.0 Ghia and an St170! You don't know what you are talking about!

[@360nastybusiness]

You haven't a clue

[@stephennoble2647]

I owned one of these new from late 2003 53 reg for nearly 6 years. Gotta disagree with you. Certainly wasn't the fastest thing on four wheels. But the gearbox was excellent and it handled like it was on rails. It really wasn't the "low point" of the Focus mk1 series and it definitely wasn't "shit" Sure there were faster alternatives, Civic type r for one, but as a good all round package and for having some fun on the back roads in, it was superb!!

[@matthewking5612]

ST170, another crap Ford engine.