So the Ford Focus ST is a reality... - Page 51

tbert · 10-08-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harv

What about Tue!?!!

Public transportation....Or telecommute!

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Harv · 10-08-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbert

Public transportation....Or telecommute!

Okay, you've convinced me, this Tue problem isn't a real issue.

tbert · 10-08-2012, 05:02 PM

Never was...

Coati · 10-08-2012, 05:10 PM

Miwage, Tue miwage, is wat bwings us togethaw today.

soslow · 10-08-2012, 05:49 PM

Here's to typing on your phone and not proofreading.

Doh

schweezly · 10-16-2012, 07:36 PM

So I stopped by the local dealer on the way caused saw they had a few. Only one on the lot, a silver with partial Recaros, Sony/Nav, moonroof, keyless entry/start, etc... A few thoughts after my 10 minute drive:

It's a tight but comfortable interior. The Recaro driver seat wasgreat, but I'm not a big dude (5'10", 175lb) and I was snug in it. I can see why bigger people are having trouble with them.

Clutch was nice. Fairly effortless. Not much heavier than my car.

Steering was, from what I remember, on par with the 2011 WRX I drove. The 6 speed was crisp but throws were slightly long. Also, for how I was sitting, the even gears were pretty far back. I think in a longer drive I'd have to adjust to not be as close. It was a little annoying, but I guess I'm used to the short throws of the Veloster (one of a few compliments ill give it).

Car pulled hard throughout the powerband. It's a much more even pull than the WRX and came on early. Didn't put me as back in my seat, but I also didn't use the "over boost" button. Torque steer was non-existent. They did a good job with that.

To sum up my crappy review...I really enjoyed the car. At a sticker of $28,700, it's not cheap and up against a limited WRX at that point. Tbh, if I was buying a car and had to pick one I don't know which way is go. The interior of the ST is a much nicer place to be though (IMO). It would be a great daily driver.

silver arrow · 10-22-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schweezly

So I stopped by the local dealer on the way caused saw they had a few. Only one on the lot, a silver with partial Recaros, Sony/Nav, moonroof, keyless entry/start, etc... A few thoughts after my 10 minute drive:

It's a tight but comfortable interior. The Recaro driver seat wasgreat, but I'm not a big dude (5'10", 175lb) and I was snug in it. I can see why bigger people are having trouble with them.

Clutch was nice. Fairly effortless. Not much heavier than my car.

Steering was, from what I remember, on par with the 2011 WRX I drove. The 6 speed was crisp but throws were slightly long. Also, for how I was sitting, the even gears were pretty far back. I think in a longer drive I'd have to adjust to not be as close. It was a little annoying, but I guess I'm used to the short throws of the Veloster (one of a few compliments ill give it).

Car pulled hard throughout the powerband. It's a much more even pull than the WRX and came on early. Didn't put me as back in my seat, but I also didn't use the "over boost" button. Torque steer was non-existent. They did a good job with that.

To sum up my crappy review...I really enjoyed the car. At a sticker of $28,700, it's not cheap and up against a limited WRX at that point. Tbh, if I was buying a car and had to pick one I don't know which way is go. The interior of the ST is a much nicer place to be though (IMO). It would be a great daily driver.

Stock suspension and tires are much better in the ST also, IMO. The ST just feel better. It will be interesting to see what they can do with a tune.

schweezly · 10-22-2012, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silver arrow

Stock suspension and tires are much better in the ST also, IMO. The ST just feel better. It will be interesting to see what they can do with a tune.

Agreed.

After thinking about it, 2 things bothered me:

1. It was a tight interior. Made a WRX feel roomy up front. That said, I might have just needed to adjust the seat more.

2. Shifter was further back than I'd want. Getting into 2/4 was slightly awkward. Again, see comment about seat adjustment above.

I do think the gearing/torque curve are better for around town than a WRX, but that's not hard to manage.

thejordan · 10-22-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schweezly

Agreed.

After thinking about it, 2 things bothered me:

1. It was a tight interior. Made a WRX feel roomy up front. That said, I might have just needed to adjust the seat more.

2. Shifter was further back than I'd want. Getting into 2/4 was slightly awkward. Again, see comment about seat adjustment above.

I do think the gearing/torque curve are better for around town than a WRX, but that's not hard to manage.

interesting comparison with the WRX. i wonder how much better the mpgs will be on the ST than the WRX.

schweezly · 10-22-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejordan

interesting comparison with the WRX. i wonder how much better the mpgs will be on the ST than the WRX.

FWIW, I owned a 2011 WRX for about 8 months (and an 05 wagon for 3 years prior). I liked the overall feel of the ST more in my limited drive, but that may be due to the WRX feel for the last 10 years wearing on me.

MPG on the ST seems varied so far, based on what 1 forum has in a 150 post thread. I wouldn't be surprised to find people averaging around 25. Highway people are easily pulling 28-30. I averaged 20-21 in my WRX's over that 3+ years.

I don't claim to be an expert in any way. In fact, I'm probably the opposite.

One thing I'm interested in is handling in snow and bad weather. One thing reviews are saying is that you can get the backend out slightly by lifting off the gas in a turn

UKscooby · 10-22-2012, 01:35 PM

Took a very small test drive this weekend. I found it a bit cramped inside but I'm not a small guy. It was easy to drive. And that's all I have as it was a mile long drive with a crabby salesman.

What was more up my ally was the new Fusion. Very nice car but headroom is terrible. Lower the seat enough to have an inch of clearence and the dashboard is very high and you can't see over the hood. It wasn't available for a test drive. Very roomy, nice dash layout, but not very supportive seats. Rear space was fine but getting in and out was difficult, there is a high sil to step over.
It looks fantastic. Its very nose long with a nice swept back profile which makes is look huge. Its definitely something I'd be happy to put in the driveway, in awd form. This was a loaded Titanium with a 2.0 ecoboost and sticker was $34k and change.

Calamity Jesus · 10-22-2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schweezly

FOne thing I'm interested in is handling in snow and bad weather. One thing reviews are saying is that you can get the backend out slightly by lifting off the gas in a turn

My MCS handles the winter just fine.. despite being quite tail happy when pushed.

thejordan · 10-22-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKscooby

What was more up my ally was the new Fusion. Very nice car but headroom is terrible. Lower the seat enough to have an inch of clearence and the dashboard is very high and you can't see over the hood. It wasn't available for a test drive. Very roomy, nice dash layout, but not very supportive seats. Rear space was fine but getting in and out was difficult, there is a high sil to step over.
It looks fantastic. Its very nose long with a nice swept back profile which makes is look huge. Its definitely something I'd be happy to put in the driveway, in awd form. This was a loaded Titanium with a 2.0 ecoboost and sticker was $34k and change.

The hybrid version is suppose to be a prius contestant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by schweezly

FWIW, I owned a 2011 WRX for about 8 months (and an 05 wagon for 3 years prior). I liked the overall feel of the ST more in my limited drive, but that may be due to the WRX feel for the last 10 years wearing on me.

MPG on the ST seems varied so far, based on what 1 forum has in a 150 post thread. I wouldn't be surprised to find people averaging around 25. Highway people are easily pulling 28-30. I averaged 20-21 in my WRX's over that 3+ years.

I don't claim to be an expert in any way. In fact, I'm probably the opposite.

One thing I'm interested in is handling in snow and bad weather. One thing reviews are saying is that you can get the backend out slightly by lifting off the gas in a turn

yeah I understand. the GR subarus don't feel the same as the GDs either. can't wait for the new fiesta either.

Black-Falcon · 10-22-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schweezly

Agreed.

After thinking about it, 2 things bothered me:

1. It was a tight interior. Made a WRX feel roomy up front. That said, I might have just needed to adjust the seat more.

2. Shifter was further back than I'd want. Getting into 2/4 was slightly awkward. Again, see comment about seat adjustment above.

I do think the gearing/torque curve are better for around town than a WRX, but that's not hard to manage.

You know, I really think this is what bothered me about the gearbox (unlike what I said before, that it didn't feel good). I would have to echo the "cramped" feeling in the front though...it made me feel a little claustrophobic, but I think it's just a matter of getting used to it. I did really enjoy test driving it, and if I could afford a new one I would have bought it over the MS3. But alas, baller on a budget.

schweezly · 10-22-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black-Falcon

You know, I really think this is what bothered me about the gearbox (unlike what I said before, that it didn't feel good). I would have to echo the "cramped" feeling in the front though...it made me feel a little claustrophobic, but I think it's just a matter of getting used to it. I did really enjoy test driving it, and if I could afford a new one I would have bought it over the MS3. But alas, baller on a budget.

I drive a Veloster. Even with my seat all the way down, my head is about 2-3" from the roof. If I jacked it up and opened the moonroof, my hair would be blowing in the wind. Plus the whole roof is glass. That doesn't sound safe

Cababah · 10-22-2012, 03:07 PM

Is the ST using a Chinese made getrag for the manual? If so, that would be a major bummer. Ford has had to (and still does) replace a lot of these in the 11+ mustangs.

thejordan · 10-22-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cababah

Is the ST using a Chinese made getrag for the manual? If so, that would be a major bummer. Ford has had to (and still does) replace a lot of these in the 11+ mustangs.

Nope. The MT-82 is made in the Chinese plant for the Mustangs. The Focus models are made in the German plant (Getrag 285) similar to the Mini Cooper S.

soslow · 10-22-2012, 04:38 PM

American Muscle!*

*made in China

renegadeSTi · 10-23-2012, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yotsuya

Your lawn looks terrible.

I wish I was home this summer to take care of it. Sadly in CO it's hard to maintain your lawn I've tried growing grass in that front lawn multiple times but looks like I need to lay down sod.

Well the significant other likes the Focus ST so far. I can't wait to get a chance to drive it myself.

BacDoc · 11-15-2012, 08:46 AM

So how do those who bought an ST like them so far? I'm seriously considering picking one up today. Its black and is 201A option group which I'm OK with. Checking on a white 202 package before I pull the trigger.

markman · 11-15-2012, 08:52 AM

I finally got up close and personal with one of these things the other day... is it just me, or does it look kind of like a big toy? I mean that in a good way. It looks like a scaled-up Hot Wheels car or something. I couldn't put my finger on exactly why.

I liked it, a lot. I'm not in the market, but if I was I'd definitely be taking one for a test drive.

schweezly · 11-15-2012, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markman

I finally got up close and personal with one of these things the other day... is it just me, or does it look kind of like a big toy? I mean that in a good way. It looks like a scaled-up Hot Wheels car or something. I couldn't put my finger on exactly why.

I liked it, a lot. I'm not in the market, but if I was I'd definitely be taking one for a test drive.

I'll agree with the looks...except its less obvious on black. Which is my favorite color.

I'll probably wait a year or two for them to get out kinks. Plus, I'm sort of sick of driving stick right now (maybe cause my car is slow as balls)

It's a fun car though an would make a great DD'er

markman · 11-15-2012, 09:11 AM

Yeah the one I saw was yellow, which probably exaggerated the toy-ish looks. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Rice & Gravy · 11-15-2012, 09:28 AM

^ There are I think 3 yellow ones at Ford dealers within 30 miles of me. I may go check one out and test drive one for s&g.

BacDoc · 11-15-2012, 09:38 AM

Yeah it certainly has some lines. The black and blue show less of that while the yellow one really stands out.

10-16-2012, 07:36 PM	#1256
schweezly Scooby Specialist Member#: 187013 Join Date: Aug 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: northbrook, il Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Veloster	So I stopped by the local dealer on the way caused saw they had a few. Only one on the lot, a silver with partial Recaros, Sony/Nav, moonroof, keyless entry/start, etc... A few thoughts after my 10 minute drive: It's a tight but comfortable interior. The Recaro driver seat wasgreat, but I'm not a big dude (5'10", 175lb) and I was snug in it. I can see why bigger people are having trouble with them. Clutch was nice. Fairly effortless. Not much heavier than my car. Steering was, from what I remember, on par with the 2011 WRX I drove. The 6 speed was crisp but throws were slightly long. Also, for how I was sitting, the even gears were pretty far back. I think in a longer drive I'd have to adjust to not be as close. It was a little annoying, but I guess I'm used to the short throws of the Veloster (one of a few compliments ill give it). Car pulled hard throughout the powerband. It's a much more even pull than the WRX and came on early. Didn't put me as back in my seat, but I also didn't use the "over boost" button. Torque steer was non-existent. They did a good job with that. To sum up my crappy review...I really enjoyed the car. At a sticker of $28,700, it's not cheap and up against a limited WRX at that point. Tbh, if I was buying a car and had to pick one I don't know which way is go. The interior of the ST is a much nicer place to be though (IMO). It would be a great daily driver. Last edited by schweezly; 10-16-2012 at 08:05 PM.

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10-08-2012, 05:02 PM	#1253
tbert Scooby Newbie Member#: 43357 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: unwrapped Vehicle: 2004 Smug 46MPG 2006 Clown Car	Never was...

10-08-2012, 05:10 PM	#1254
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10-08-2012, 05:49 PM	#1255
soslow Scooby Specialist Member#: 95027 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Harrisburg, PA Vehicle: 2013 BRZ Because slow car	Here's to typing on your phone and not proofreading. Doh

10-22-2012, 01:35 PM	#1261
UKscooby Scooby Specialist Member#: 33287 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: West Michigan Vehicle: RIP Nik I will always miss you	Took a very small test drive this weekend. I found it a bit cramped inside but I'm not a small guy. It was easy to drive. And that's all I have as it was a mile long drive with a crabby salesman. What was more up my ally was the new Fusion. Very nice car but headroom is terrible. Lower the seat enough to have an inch of clearence and the dashboard is very high and you can't see over the hood. It wasn't available for a test drive. Very roomy, nice dash layout, but not very supportive seats. Rear space was fine but getting in and out was difficult, there is a high sil to step over. It looks fantastic. Its very nose long with a nice swept back profile which makes is look huge. Its definitely something I'd be happy to put in the driveway, in awd form. This was a loaded Titanium with a 2.0 ecoboost and sticker was $34k and change.

10-22-2012, 03:07 PM	#1266
Cababah Scooby Newbie Member#: 220319 Join Date: Aug 2009 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: San Jose, mang Vehicle: 2011 mulletmobile gt smoker's white	Is the ST using a Chinese made getrag for the manual? If so, that would be a major bummer. Ford has had to (and still does) replace a lot of these in the 11+ mustangs.

10-22-2012, 04:38 PM	#1268
soslow Scooby Specialist Member#: 95027 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Harrisburg, PA Vehicle: 2013 BRZ Because slow car	American Muscle!* *made in China

11-15-2012, 08:46 AM	#1270
BacDoc Tone Patrol Member#: 75141 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC	So how do those who bought an ST like them so far? I'm seriously considering picking one up today. Its black and is 201A option group which I'm OK with. Checking on a white 202 package before I pull the trigger.

11-15-2012, 08:52 AM	#1271
markman Scooby Newbie Member#: 93623 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: sometimes I poop too much Vehicle: then I get tired	I finally got up close and personal with one of these things the other day... is it just me, or does it look kind of like a big toy? I mean that in a good way. It looks like a scaled-up Hot Wheels car or something. I couldn't put my finger on exactly why. I liked it, a lot. I'm not in the market, but if I was I'd definitely be taking one for a test drive.

11-15-2012, 09:11 AM	#1273
markman Scooby Newbie Member#: 93623 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: sometimes I poop too much Vehicle: then I get tired	Yeah the one I saw was yellow, which probably exaggerated the toy-ish looks. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

11-15-2012, 09:28 AM	#1274
Rice & Gravy Scooby Specialist Member#: 39569 Join Date: Jul 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Eastern Panhandler, WV Vehicle: 09 Acura TSX 6spd doodoo brown	^ There are I think 3 yellow ones at Ford dealers within 30 miles of me. I may go check one out and test drive one for s&g.

11-15-2012, 09:38 AM	#1275
BacDoc Tone Patrol Member#: 75141 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC	Yeah it certainly has some lines. The black and blue show less of that while the yellow one really stands out.