[23tommy]

Not sure what to think of this yet. Quite powerful, good price, kind of funky looking and only in four door?




Compared to the RS500, the ST drops a cylinder in favor of a less powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost four generating 252 hp and 270 lb-ft. Fortunately, it's also a lot less costly, starting from just $24,495 delivered – a price that shades the far less powerful 200-hp, five-door Volkswagen GTI ($25,365). In fact, the ST is nearly as powerful as the Golf R while offering more torque (VW's all-wheel drive hot hatch registers 256 hp/243 lb ft) for a lot less money – the R starts around $35k. Subaru's AWD WRX is an interesting option, too, with more power (265 hp) but less torque (244 lb-ft) for more money ($26,345). The ST's closest natural rival, however, is theMazdaspeed3 – ironic, as it rides atop the last-generation Focus' platform. The Mazda carries a marginally bigger stick, though: 263 ponies and 280 torques, coming in at $24,795. http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/2...-drive-review/

[neeclindy]

Looks quite nice. Nothing amazing, but definitely not ugly. A remap should see 300HP out of this aswell, so it would be a quick car.

[panholio]

The back end is a bit of a mess, but looks OK is ST spec I suppose. They're good value I think, even if we're paying comparatively more £'s over here. I think UK spec is 247bhp/250lb-ft as well, but might be wrong. Last generations natural competition was the Astra VXR, which the latest model is 276bph/295 lb-ft, and is better looking...

... but costs about £27k

[AlistDakisa]

^And it drives better
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTdHQ...&feature=g-u-u

[adariseediups]

Looks quite nice. Nothing amazing, but definitely not ugly. A remap should see 300HP out of this aswell, so it would be a quick car.

I think 300 would be the max this car could have without sacrificing handling too. I think I am going to test drive one of these soon, as my Fusion is on the brink of death. I had the transmission replaced about a month ago and it's already screwing up.

[Caliwany]

6 or 7 years ago this would have been pimp. A 250hp hot-hatch is average among the performance versions today. The Cobalt SS has 260hp, but its over 500lbs lighter. The Mazdaspeed6 is near the same weight, but its 270hp and it has AWD. The Mazdaspeed3 is FWD but has the same 270hp engine.

Ford has a great thing, they are just late to the table with it and it lacks any punch because of that.

I do wish we had the Astra VXR here.

[RooxiaNof]

The Astra looks and goes very well. It is cool beans.

[qQVXpYM6]

Basic trim in the UK would be $34,570. **** off Ford.

[Attaniuri]

Basic trim in the UK would be $34,570. **** off Ford.

There's no amount of shipping or tax that can explain all that. Best not to even look.

--- Post Update ---

6 or 7 years ago this would have been pimp. A 250hp hot-hatch is average among the performance versions today. The Cobalt SS has 260hp, but its over 500lbs lighter. The Mazdaspeed6 is near the same weight, but its 270hp and it has AWD. The Mazdaspeed3 is FWD but has the same 270hp engine.

Ford has a great thing, they are just late to the table with it and it lacks any punch because of that.

I do wish we had the Astra VXR here.

6-7 years ago the original Focus ST came out over here. 222BHP Volvo T5 engine I think. Middle-ground performance back then and is again now. It proved popular anyway.

[rouletteroulette]

No more five potter though, love the sound of the 5 cylinder motor.

[siflversonemunk]

FWD bah.