5 Likes and 5 Dislikes | My Ford Focus ST

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  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
  • Have I had to compromise changing my Golf GTI to my Focus ST?
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 360

  • @rufusgreenleaf2466
    @rufusgreenleaf2466 10 місяців тому +74

    "Not Chest Hair" 😂 and there's me thinking you'd gone for the Austin Powers look.

    • @thomaselliot2257
      @thomaselliot2257 10 місяців тому +3

      Amusing Ashley was at great pains to point it out. Known as the Streisand effect.😅

    • @sb1056sb
      @sb1056sb 10 місяців тому +5

      Well it does match his beard

    • @sanfordcurtis8242
      @sanfordcurtis8242 10 місяців тому

      I thought it was when the video started 😂

    • @rufusgreenleaf2466
      @rufusgreenleaf2466 10 місяців тому

      @@sanfordcurtis8242 I think it's a wind shield for his mic. Still 🤔😅

    • @paulsengupta971
      @paulsengupta971 10 місяців тому

      I was going to comment on the new chest wig until the banner came up in the video! 🙂

  • @BoeingvsAirbus1578
    @BoeingvsAirbus1578 10 місяців тому +23

    Great review here Ashley. My advice as an engineer - don’t be tempted to allow the torque of the car to drive it in too high a gear. 5th at 30mph is not healthy for the engine. Research Low Speed Pre Ignition, caused by a common driving error labouring direct injection turbocharged petrol engines. You do not want LSPI to kill your piston ringlands

    • @Aaron70235
      @Aaron70235 10 місяців тому +2

      My motorcycle instructor was also guilty of this. Constantly in 5th gear around town just because the torque allowed for it. You're labouring the engine unnecessarily and the difference in economy is neglible. Page 1 of every car manual is "don't labour the engine".

  • @harrisonhealey1679
    @harrisonhealey1679 10 місяців тому +9

    One thing to remember is the car is brand new and mpg consumption is always high in the first 2000 miles. My current 1l petrol took about 4,000 miles before I started getting decent mpg 45 - 50. My diesel car took 10,000 miles before I regularly started achieving 60 mpg average. When it was new I used to get 40mpg max.

  • @i3d3
    @i3d3 10 місяців тому +46

    Exhaust sound being audible inside the car is a significant help with clutch control. I hardly ever look at my tachometer when manoeuvring (prefer to look around) and being able to hear if I gave it too much or too little gas is so helpful.

    • @wrightwoodwork
      @wrightwoodwork 10 місяців тому +5

      ​@@Mk7adxm you feel the biting point not hear it

    • @wrightwoodwork
      @wrightwoodwork 10 місяців тому +3

      @@Mk7adxm you should still be able to feel the biting point without the load exhaust. Sitting on a hill with no loud exhaust or tachograph and hand brake on when you lift the clutch, you be able to feel the car rock or squat down at the rear. That's the biting point . The exhaust note is more useful knowing when to change gears

    • @DjDolHaus86
      @DjDolHaus86 10 місяців тому +8

      Does anyone look at the tach when manoeuvring? What are you expecting it to tell you?

    • @carlhunt-gg5sm
      @carlhunt-gg5sm 10 місяців тому +1

      Pretty sure the exhaust sounds heard in the cabin are fake or artificially enhanced in both the Golf and Focus? In the Golf at least it literally plays a fake electronic exhaust noise through the speakers. Think I'd rather not be lied to by my car and get them deactivated! Just enjoy hearing the real thing..

    • @Thb202
      @Thb202 10 місяців тому

      I've just switched to a manual A4 and with it being so insulated the first week was really hard trying to find the biting point

  • @OutlawJackC
    @OutlawJackC 10 місяців тому +26

    Hate how everyone is trying to use touch screens for everything now, putting tech where tech doesn't belong
    In my 2007 corsa I can change the radio volume, station, fan speed, temp, vents, and rear demister without taking an eye off the road, purely feeling where the buttons are

    • @rufusgreenleaf2466
      @rufusgreenleaf2466 10 місяців тому +1

      Same with my 2016 Fiesta, the controls are fresh but still basic and i like it that way.

    • @r3h4n786
      @r3h4n786 10 місяців тому

      Same with my 2001 Toyota Mark II, alot more usable

    • @Andy_ATB
      @Andy_ATB 10 місяців тому +1

      And the screens are getting bigger - not good at all' some resemble tablets/PCs.

    • @OkenWS
      @OkenWS 10 місяців тому +3

      @@Andy_ATB Taking your eyes off the road to adjust GPS on a dashboard tablet - illegal... taking your eyes off the road to browse Spotify or fiddle with your a/c or driving modes (in something a bit posher like a Cupra)... perfectly legal. Makes no sense, does it? Irritating to have a government and MOT that is asleep at the wheel.

    • @OutlawJackC
      @OutlawJackC 10 місяців тому

      @@OkenWS it's a bit more complex than that
      Im not aware of anything stating adjusting gps is illegal. You are allowed to use a phone or whatever while driving aslong as its in a proper mount and NOT hand held
      But dangerous driving, or driving without due care and attention is something to be worried about
      Depends on the situation

  • @grahamnutt8958
    @grahamnutt8958 10 місяців тому +10

    The colour is absolutely fine.
    Despite, thus far, a worse record for Fuel consumption Ashley can legitimately claim that his car is Green.
    Oooff - time to grab my coat 😂

  • @steob20
    @steob20 10 місяців тому +9

    As a focus st line driving instructor I'm envious of your ST, however the price of that model here in Ireland puts it out of reach for most people.
    Not keen on the colour but I'm biased as I'm on my third white focus, keep up the great work, I'm picking up tips all the time, thanks.

    • @Baloovanz
      @Baloovanz 10 місяців тому

      Im just waiting for a focus st line x in desert island blue. Was meant to be delivered to the showroom last week. Looking forward to it. I would suggest a full blown ST is a little eccentric for learners. Nice car though and i actually do like the green.

  • @artemkatelnytskyi
    @artemkatelnytskyi 10 місяців тому +5

    I wasn't a fan of the colour initially, but it is growing on me. Also the styling of this car is excellent!

  • @samstockley4588
    @samstockley4588 10 місяців тому +5

    It blows my mind that there are learners learning on an ST - which is great, as it probably would have given me a bit of confidence opting for an ST over the Fiesta ST line I went for - and tend to use in Sport mode for a bit more punch out of the 1.0 Ecoboost. Just watched your video on smooth acceleration and look forward to applying learnings.

  • @smilerbob
    @smilerbob 10 місяців тому +5

    Having owned a few Ford vehicles (mostly 9+ years old) I can say the rattles are things that you get used to. I have found in my Focus Mk2 and also a C-Max with the same body design, the door rattles were the clips that hold the trim and window mechanism in place had a small amount of play. If you do ever have to pull the trim off, I found small elastic bands around non-moving clips reduced the noise
    One thing I do like about Ford cars is the repair bill, should anything need to be repalced, is a lot smaller than other makes and a lot of parts are OEM available.
    The economy will increase over time. The engine and drivetrain should last you well if looked after. My old diesel had over 250,000 miles before it became slightly smaller with a rear end shunt and my current 1.6 petrol has over 155,000. No leaks, original clutch (on both) and just the usual suspension parts that wear and tear over time like drop links and wishbones
    Happy motoring in your new car 👍
    (And before I forget…that van didn’t move over as the driver couldn’t see you. The colour of your car makes it hard to see! 😉)

    • @bastiaan-st
      @bastiaan-st 8 місяців тому

      I just can't get used to the rattles, so whenever I hear one, I'll locate it and use some black fabric tape to solve it. Other than that they are great cars.

  • @jonrellim
    @jonrellim 10 місяців тому +5

    Color is nice! I hate that a massive majority of cars is now white, black, or grey. Bring the colors back!

  • @HillJamie17
    @HillJamie17 10 місяців тому +12

    A lot of these ups and downs I can relate to my Fiesta ST too. I love the car but there are a few rattles in places which can be annoying but on a performance side, it doesn’t have the torque the Focus does but the actual torque delivery seems pretty similar. I like the fact I don’t have to work through the gearbox everytime I want to get going. I’m getting around 35-40mpg in mine which is a bit different to the Focus but obviously the Focus offers a lot more space 👍🏼

    • @Mr330d
      @Mr330d 9 місяців тому

      Remap it 👌🏻

    • @kevinmills5293
      @kevinmills5293 8 місяців тому

      I’ve a Puma ST in mean green and although not as much torque as the Focus, it is still very tractable and as he says, it reminds me of the torque from a diesel. The suspension is pretty firm which probably contributes to the rattles and creeks which are pretty annoying. I’ve had it over two years now and the economy has been around 38mpg. When new, it was considerably less and took about 8k miles to properly losen up.

  • @Sha-Ayo
    @Sha-Ayo 10 місяців тому +8

    I love the colour, so many cars nowdays are a shade of grey, it's nice to be a bit different.

    • @rufusgreenleaf2466
      @rufusgreenleaf2466 10 місяців тому +2

      I have a Fiesta that's a weird shade of blue, it stands right out when washed. Stands out too much to be honest.

  • @jasoncrook1
    @jasoncrook1 10 місяців тому +1

    I own a MK 2 pre facelift Focus ST on a 06 plate and it’s a absolute dream of a car , with its 2.5 turbo 5 pot Volvo engine stage 2 mapped with KMS Thunderstorm exhaust, it performs and sounds amazing, and if the seats are Recaro you’re ST you don’t need to worry about the bolster mine are original on 70 thousand miles and are like new 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

  • @davidwright1605
    @davidwright1605 10 місяців тому +3

    Not sure I'd go for green but really pleased its not the boring grey which seems so dominant at the moment. I drive an orange car FWIW.

    • @88balloonsonthewall70
      @88balloonsonthewall70 10 місяців тому +3

      The grey color does hide the dirt on the car a little better wich also keeps it nicer looking for longer.

  • @davidhayes4777
    @davidhayes4777 10 місяців тому +8

    Great car Ashley,colour reminds me of the stuff I used to clean my hands with in a factory, Swarfega lol!

  • @davespillane4968
    @davespillane4968 10 місяців тому +3

    Love the colour. Different and fairly rare.

  • @chrishughes62able
    @chrishughes62able 10 місяців тому +6

    I think it's great seeing a fairly high spec car being driven so well! It just goes to show that if you've got a nice looking, sporty, fast car, you don't have to be a 🔔end! And you can still enjoy your driving! I think I do like the green colour too!

  • @amandarussack8591
    @amandarussack8591 7 місяців тому +2

    My favourite colour for this car is the fantastic red.

  • @masonfuller7848
    @masonfuller7848 10 місяців тому +1

    imagine learning in a focus st :O
    had my 73 fiesta st for 2 months now, absolutely love it, some of the same gripes, the seats can be awkward although comfortable, and the economy isnt brilliant, but for such a well built drivers car theyre all small things that are easy to overlook when you really enjoy it.

  • @ibs5080
    @ibs5080 10 місяців тому +11

    Looking forward to watching this at the hotel later tonight. Greetings from Day 2 of 3 at the huge NEC Classic Car Show. Two halls done yesterday, four more to do over the next two days. Stopped off at the IAM Roadsmart booth yesterday, though haven't as yet signed up for the course with a view to taking the advanced test. But had a very interesting chat with two of their observers, one of which mistook my mum for my wife! Made her day, less so mine. I took it all in good humour and asked him "Hmm..so how's your observation skills, Mr. Observer". Anyhow, looking forward to seeing this latest video this evening Ash. Now back to this fabulous show. Hope everyone's having a great weekend. Stay safe folks.

    • @thomaselliot2257
      @thomaselliot2257 10 місяців тому +1

      A smooth operator 😊 BTW I was right , your mileage does go through the roof. One Hundred Thousand miles 😮

    • @ibs5080
      @ibs5080 10 місяців тому +1

      @@thomaselliot2257 Now you have me wondering. Did I mistakenly write 100,000 miles for annual mileage driven? If so, I actually meant 10,000 miles.
      It's been quite an incredible 2 days at the show so far, with one more day to go. Mum and I have already covered around 4.5 halls, with one and a half halls to cover tomorrow Sunday plus a revisit to some desired areas. Fortunately the final hall is the smallest, though still quite large. Then Monday we go Birmingham Centre for the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany. Hope your weekend is going well.

    • @thomaselliot2257
      @thomaselliot2257 10 місяців тому +1

      @@ibs5080 you put 10,0000 🙂 get to sleep you'll be tired 😴

  • @Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj
    @Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj 10 місяців тому +3

    An individual mode is a MUST HAVE for performance cars in the UK. Having dampers in sports mode in the UK is too firm (most performance cars). Also, some cars steering can feel weird with artificial weight in sport too.

    • @gs188
      @gs188 10 місяців тому +1

      I know exactly what you mean. Traditionally performance cars had faster steering which makes it more direct with sharper feel but the tradeoff was it usally made the steering heavier, especially before the days of power steering - somehow this has now translated into manufacturers adding unnesisery weight to electric power steering in sport mode “because its sporty” whilst the speed and feel that you actually want remain as numb as before, if anything it makes what little feel you get be further masked as your just fighting the extra weight.

  • @step0601
    @step0601 10 місяців тому +3

    I had a MK3 Focus RS and although the ride was very firm it coped with speed bumps and pot holes very well. Ford are still creating great hot hatches after all these years but alas, not for much longer with the EV tidal wave approaching.

    • @colinjones2505
      @colinjones2505 10 місяців тому

      Same here. Got shut sadly, due to unwanted attention, especially by so many seemingly wanted to 'race' you all the time, especially at traffic lights. I deliberately drove away from them like Miss Daisy most of the time, oh, and nervousness of leaving unattended, and hence, lack of use. Such a shame, as I loved it. Your ST colour is great, and like you and many others I talk to, I hate all these disraction inducing touch screens

  • @FlavourlessLife
    @FlavourlessLife 10 місяців тому +1

    I like that it's green.

  • @gav2759
    @gav2759 10 місяців тому +3

    I'm beginning to think I'm not the typical British male driver. I have little invested in, what is my wife's car. I took as much interest in it's purchase as I did the tumble dryer. "I'm off to buy a car" she said "you coming?". "Nah, ye're fine" I said. A perfectly splendid conveyance it is too. Drives like a dodgem and it's quiet, which I like, because I hate the thought of unnecessary noise, intruding on others. From what I understand it's a bit of an up market fellow. it certainly has lots of buttons, that neither of us ever press, which collect dust efficiently enough. As for the colour, hold on I'll have a look outside.......Red.

  • @williamfence566
    @williamfence566 10 місяців тому +1

    Colour suits the car, and agree with the need for a car to make a sound. I've just changed from a 14 plate to a 69 plate , same manufacturer and the newer one has been back 3 times . I think money spent on safety tech meant a compromise on quality elsewhere to make the profits. Oh. Also my car has physical climate buttons. yes!!!!

  • @merseamoto3098
    @merseamoto3098 10 місяців тому +1

    I think that is a beautiful car you have there. Love the fact it’s green especially. Prefer that over a golf any day.

  • @PaulGibbons13
    @PaulGibbons13 10 місяців тому +2

    Hi Ashley great video it’s an unusual colour I like the colour of your car 😀👍

  • @gordonnodrogthomson
    @gordonnodrogthomson 10 місяців тому +4

    Ash, surely one does not purchase an ST and then worry about fuel economy. You can't have it both 😏

  • @SilverShamrock71
    @SilverShamrock71 3 місяці тому

    It may be worth adding that the Golf was an ex press fleet car which likely saw a fair bit of track duty and this was likely the cause of the reliability issues

  • @steamhammer2k
    @steamhammer2k 10 місяців тому

    I had a focus then went to a golf, the lack of rattles, creaking, crashing suspension, squeaks was very refreshing

  • @robertsmith7423
    @robertsmith7423 10 місяців тому +1

    Hi Ashley, I think if we make to many comparisons to our previous cars we wouldn't change them. Fuel eco is better if you drive in Sports mode,mine is always in this mode and I get around 36/38 mpg every tank but also on a run I get 43mpg@ around 50mph and then the power outways the ride. Like others have said it will improve with miles. And my Mk4 2020 has NO rattles at all,but I am a retired fussy Mechanic.😂

  • @RushfanUK
    @RushfanUK 10 місяців тому

    I really like the colour, I have a Fiesta ST in the almost electric blue that Ford did and I like these out of the ordinary colours, one of the four Golf Gti's that I previously owned was yellow, my ST is a 14 plate and I only do essential milage in it as I am a full time carer for a family member, it's only done a squeeze under 22,400 miles, Ford got these cars right in terms of driving experience.

  • @GooberProject
    @GooberProject 4 місяці тому

    Had one to replace my scirocco while it got repaired, absolutely shocking car. gearstick felt like it was bendy and all felt naff. Had a supposed amazing B&O sound system which has put me off B&O in anything for the future. Was heaven when my rocco was finally repaired! Don’t even want to look at another ford ever again.

  • @alanpotter7988
    @alanpotter7988 10 місяців тому +1

    I had a ford puma which is very similar to yours, mine had a rattle coming from the top of the dash, on the forum it was thought to be a loose airbag bracket but the dealer said it was the instrument cluster, fords seem to have battery shut down messages with some flattening the batteries, I got rid of mine when it had a new engine fitted due to an unusual noise and the scarcity of the parts needed to fix it, it was quicker just to fit a complete engine ( according to ford) , I totally lost confidence in it and the dealer, nor ford , would warrant the engine other than the few weeks left on the original warranty, that said, they are lovely cars and I hope you have trouble free motoring for many years…

  • @b1gd312
    @b1gd312 4 місяці тому

    Had my frost white car just over a year, drive other more premium brand cars and you realise how firm the suspension is on our crumbling road network, my wife hates it, even speed bumps on our estate you need to slow to a crawl to get over, starting to get fed up with being jiggled down every road we go down, taken out lots of cars in the last year all circa £40k (two year old), M340i/M240i, CLA35 Merc and the suspension is miles more compliant and plush in those vehicles, always been a Ford guy, had so many, even father being a transporter driver for 35 years for them, but now its time to move on for want of more comfort, I'm only 41 and didn't expect to be finding issues with the firm ride at this age.
    I also get 19mpg on the school run in stop start traffic, which I find really bad for a 4cyl, expectially when the 6cyl B58 with more performance and heavier car is much for eco friendly.

  • @jfergs.3302
    @jfergs.3302 10 місяців тому +1

    'Stuck with' sounded a little harsh, but colour-wise, yeah, nice.

  • @sibriers5254
    @sibriers5254 10 місяців тому +3

    I have a new 2023 Focus ST Line X 1 litre 155 hp mild hybrid, its really nice to drive, looks just same inside as yours apart from the seats, took me time to get used to the touch screen, it's definitely distracting to have the climit controls on the screen and not physical buttons, Love the heated seats and heated steering wheel, I also keep it in normal mode most of the time. Wanted the same colour as yours but couldn't get it on the ST Line X so i chose the black. Really enjoyed watching your videos over the last year, it has really helped me to be a better driver. Look forward to see your review of the focus after owning it a while. All the best Ashley.

  • @reece005
    @reece005 10 місяців тому +1

    Looks nice like the colour it's abit diffirent

  • @richardeggett9432
    @richardeggett9432 10 місяців тому

    I had a VW fox until i needed motability van, it had no electronic devices everything was manuel i loved it. nothing to go wrong nothing went wrong, i drove over 30.000 miles in it not even a tyre change, serviced at every service schedule brilliant little car. had to get a mobility car or would of still had it. i only got got it because my focus was too big for the wife to drive.

  • @nickwragg
    @nickwragg 10 місяців тому

    I have owned 3 ford's mk2 Ka, mk5 fiesta and mk7 fiesta St and I have loved all of them.

  • @djiminitraveller
    @djiminitraveller 10 місяців тому

    I’ve had a number of Focus ST’s! My current one is the pre-face lift one, so I have the Recaro’s not Ford Performance seats. Also, I have the smaller Sync 3 Screen and therefore have buttons for climate control! In regards to economy, I use the power when needed, like slip roads on to motorways etc, or overtaking vehicles that are not driving to the speed limit and therefore have to take steps to pass them. So primarily drive in Normal mode (slippery when raining) and never in Track Mode! With all that said, I’m getting 35.6mpg! Yes I do a lot of motorway/dual carriageway driving, but also lots of round town! My mate has the same model as you and he said he was getting 22mpg but he said he rags it a little! Also, if you have learners I assume some rev a little more than normal drivers, which would drink a little more! I love my ST and for the money it’s one of the best hot hatches out there….great choice! 👍🏻😀

  • @Refrn
    @Refrn 10 місяців тому

    Been watching you for a few years now driving a mk3 focus the whole time and it’s nice to see that you got a mk4. One thing I see that the mk4 doesn’t have that my mk3 does is the honestly very effective blind spot mirrors.

  • @RikAindow
    @RikAindow 10 місяців тому

    Some good points Ashley!
    I have a 2007 Mondeo Titanium X sport pack which has sport type seats. I'm also 6ft3 and 23 stone, was 25 at my heaviest. The car has done 223k and the seats still look perfect so don't rule out the seats in your Focus just yet. :)
    Mine is a diesel though so has very wide gearing to take advantage of the torque, so I'm only in 3rd at 30. 4th or higher at these speeds is actually bad for fuel economy and also the drive train. I know yours is petrol put I'd think 5th gear at 30mph may make fuel economy worse.
    The interior quality is pretty good. The worst I've found is some rattles caused by screws coming loose with age. Simply tightening them up solved most of it.
    If you remove trim panels, say, to fit a dash cam, ensure the panels are warmed as some of the plastic clips break easily. Finally. If you get any water ingress, I can highly recommend Fernox LSX as it is quick and easy to apply, and can be applied to wet parts (water helps it cure). It's about a fiver at Screwfix..
    What happened with your Golf's exhaust? Did you put it back to stock before the car went back to the dealer?

  • @meuriggreatbanks4237
    @meuriggreatbanks4237 10 місяців тому +2

    Driving instructors should have a basic car for teaching students, you only have got this car for you and not ur job which is not great . When I learned it was in a base model fiesta not a sports model .

  • @keithhedley1392
    @keithhedley1392 10 місяців тому +1

    Have to agree with points 1/2 I've got a mk 4 and the only reason I haven't swapped it in for a 4.5 is the seats and the lack of buttons I struggle with moving radio stations on mine 😂 I'm getting 27 mpg on average now

  • @MrJimbobrude
    @MrJimbobrude 10 місяців тому +1

    I can confirm that a stage 1 Mountune map makes the engine even more versatile. 330PS and 515 Nm. Pulls like a train.

    • @HarryG98
      @HarryG98 10 місяців тому

      how will the garage / finance company like that? I’ve got my focus coming very soon and i’ve always had tuned/fast cars but this will be my first financed one

    • @connor6585
      @connor6585 10 місяців тому

      Any mapping etc or mods to any new car will void the warranty, my mate bought a S3 last month brand new and his warranty just got voided because he's mapped it etc, would imagine its the same with finance company but i always buy my cars out right so i'm not too sure. @@HarryG98

    • @paulsengupta971
      @paulsengupta971 10 місяців тому +1

      "Pulls like a train." You mean 0-60 in about a minute? 🙂And people say things corner as if on rails - as railways are famous for their tight corners...

  • @WillMorgan89
    @WillMorgan89 10 місяців тому +2

    Watch out for the window buttons. My 3 year old Active estate with only 12k miles have all cracked and falling apart. Quite a common issue. As soon as they crack, get a warranty claim in! I love the way my wagon drives and it ticks all the boxes as far as practicality is concerned, but the quality of the vehicle and some components definitely falls far from the mark!

  • @Richard_Barnes
    @Richard_Barnes 10 місяців тому +1

    I miss the sound of my Subaru I will say that. I don't think my neighbours do though. I used to start her up in a garage at 5.20am in the morning! 😆That exhaust rumble was epic, I loved it. 8 superb years with that beast. It's just a shame I wasted £10k on modifications when 1/3 of that spent on driving courses would have made it much more fun and saved me a fortune! 😄 Nice car Ash' I do like the ST 👍🏻 I had my S3 gearbox remapped to keep it in 5th at 30mph as it was always hunting between 5th and 6th if the revs dipped. Launch control is fun, 😆I ain't used that in ages. I think I kinda miss a manual gearbox for fun driving as well but also can't beat the S3 power and 'flappy paddle' gearbox either.

    • @Richard_Barnes
      @Richard_Barnes 10 місяців тому

      On a totally boring 'anorak' note - over my 12 yrs (88,300 miles) of S3 ownership she's cost me £19,254 in V-Power and what used to be Nitro+ petrol 😆(yep, I really do have an Excel sheet going)

    • @liam00
      @liam00 10 місяців тому +1

      I don't think many cars beat the Subaru on that front. But if I hear/see a Corsa making a racket I get slightly angry.

    • @Richard_Barnes
      @Richard_Barnes 10 місяців тому +1

      @@liam00 oh yeh, nothing quite like a Corsa with a bean can open exhaust on it 😆

  • @Paws4thot
    @Paws4thot 10 місяців тому

    As general point I agree about touch screens and the loss of muscle memory controls.
    As a specific, I like the green but miss the old "ASBO Orange".

  • @TheMuddatrucker
    @TheMuddatrucker 10 місяців тому

    If there’s something specifically uncomfortable with the seats, there are specialists who can alter them and make them more comfortable.
    The same person will also re-stuff the worn bolsters and make good any wear & tear, say once every 12 months or so.
    Had new Subaru’s back in 2004 & 2006 both with Recaro seats, lower lumber was too much for me and non adjustable so had a firm alter them and the results were fantastic on both cars. I used them to refurb both front seats before selling and it made all the difference.

  • @SilverShamrock71
    @SilverShamrock71 3 місяці тому

    I swapped my leather for an Alcantara steering wheel, seemed like a good idea at the time

  • @philmoffett366
    @philmoffett366 10 місяців тому +1

    I’ve had my focus ST for 2 years after previously having the mk3 focus ST and hand on heart the quality of the mk4 isn’t quite as good as the mk3 which I had no issues with at all but this mk4 I’ve had 2 new front lights units one rear back light unit all fixing points snapped know idea why but was told by the ford technician it was due to the slamming of bonnet and boot🤷🏻all new window switches after they one by one snapped and a new catalytic converter!

  • @blackwallstudios4123
    @blackwallstudios4123 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for this video. I'm looking to move on to a focus ST I currently have the Mk8 ST which, for a Ford seems to be be built well but I've heard Ford may have cut some costs in their newer models so thank you for this review!

  • @Pro_Blunder
    @Pro_Blunder 10 місяців тому +2

    I got the pre facelift Focus ST Mk4. Agree with all of this except mine has buttons for climate control etc. love the green of yours tho and I can agree it does make going swiftly almost too easy 😅 Glad you’re enjoying it!

  • @geoffbaker4452
    @geoffbaker4452 9 місяців тому

    Having just completed a speed awareness course, I would never encourage anyone to do 30mph in 5th.
    I find it easier in 30 zones to stick to 3rd gear. Our instructor encouraged us to do just that.

    • @ashley_neal
      @ashley_neal  9 місяців тому +2

      They must have been a very poor instructor then as all vehicles are different.

  • @geetee4037
    @geetee4037 10 місяців тому +1

    The ST was always poor on fuel, especially the 5 cylinder Volvo engine.

  • @OkenWS
    @OkenWS 10 місяців тому +3

    Totally agree on individual mode and the steering. Even worse, in the top spec Fiesta Active, Ford arbitrarily never put in the 'Sport' mode until they added the newer SYNC system and added the starter motor. Can't imagine why other than to give the ST-Line a unique selling point other than its boy racer look. The steering, on the one hand sometimes I want a completely unresponsive feel like my Civic, mainly for motorway driving. On the other hand, I love how much feel you get when you're on rural or bumpy roads. I know when my load distribution or tyre pressures are wrong because the steering either goes dynamically neutral/unstable (exacerbating deviations instead of smoothing them) or it 'follows' features such as utility trenches and potholes and causes swerving. But I can feel it all. In my Honda I would not have felt a thing, just the car jumping around.
    The Hybrid Focus (and Fiesta I'd imagine) is even more annoying, not having individual mode - the regen aggression is tied to the drive mode rather than being a customisable feature which IMO it should be on all hybrids, though I note I don't think the Mk4 Toyota CVT hybrids we see everywhere had them either.

  • @leeh4722
    @leeh4722 10 місяців тому +1

    Looks a nice car. Fords are a so much better than they used to be….my 21 plate Ranger has now done 109000 and has only had a ad blue sensor fail so far

    • @honeybadger3902
      @honeybadger3902 10 місяців тому

      Did they ever sort out the soldering issues behind the ICU? Ford used to be terrible with it as they don't use lead in their soldering so it's much more common for the connections to fail.

  • @shaunsnyman5107
    @shaunsnyman5107 3 місяці тому

    The focus st mk2 is still the legend

  • @leeholden8658
    @leeholden8658 10 місяців тому +2

    Nice video. But Why do people not slow down or move lanes (if they can) when approaching a slip road ? to let others join. It’s as if they’re saying ‘I was on this road before you’ 😂

    • @user-mv5zt8qd9l
      @user-mv5zt8qd9l 10 місяців тому +1

      Laziness. Many people drive to the mentality of "priority over safety and consideration"

  • @jordanthompson9676
    @jordanthompson9676 10 місяців тому

    The only thing I was super envious of in the MK4.5 was the interior of the 4.5 with the virtual cockpit and big infotainment but i am strongly against buttons on the screen so i think in that respect i prefer the MK4. I do think the 4.5 overall has a better interior than the 4

  • @paulsengupta971
    @paulsengupta971 10 місяців тому +1

    I think the colour's fantastic. Just the thing for a turbo-nutter car.

  • @jonfrench7133
    @jonfrench7133 10 місяців тому

    You have to change your technique for getting in and out with bolstered seats. Effectively lifting you weight over the side bolster and dropping into the seat, NOT sliding over the bolster. Lots of videos on this believe it or not, try the technique of left foot in, grip the steering wheel with your left hand and place your right hand on the sill so both arms have your weight whilst you position over the seat.
    Sounds complicated but it quickly becomes second nature. Harder to do for the passenger though…..

    • @cdg3818
      @cdg3818 Місяць тому

      I go i left foot first, left hand on centre console arm rest , then head in next and use the wheel to lift myself into the seat. Seems to work well but not sure what happens when i get a dodgy back. Bolsters on wife's lease Puma ST took a battering with no care paid at all, but actually cleaned up fine and no damage when we took car back. So maybe they will wear better than expected.

  • @ambiva
    @ambiva 10 місяців тому

    I actually had all the driving lessons in a Ford Focus ST, my instructor has a white one probably previous generation. At the beginning I thought the car is too powerful for beginners but at the end, I kinda like the Focus ST, fun to drive with enough power to accelerate to speed limit in no time 😂

  • @Wetthewhistle
    @Wetthewhistle 10 місяців тому

    I agree with your interior review, I find fords interior plastics feel a bit cheap and have no rugged feel to them.

  • @Mk7adxm
    @Mk7adxm 10 місяців тому +1

    Love a Focus ST, think a Focus ST will be my next car, though a Mk2.

    • @jaybooth9168
      @jaybooth9168 10 місяців тому

      I have a mk2 St and absolutely love it.

  • @TheBadVideoMaker
    @TheBadVideoMaker 10 місяців тому +1

    "NOT CHEST HAIR" - That made me laugh.

  • @wendyhopkins2902
    @wendyhopkins2902 10 місяців тому

    The colour would put me off for a start lol 😆, having had a ford fiesta, would never go back to Ford , will stick to my E.V niro level 4 for comfort 😊

  • @adamb9569
    @adamb9569 8 місяців тому

    I currently own a gti and seriously considering an st really put me in the mood 😂

  • @Mattf121
    @Mattf121 10 місяців тому

    Thanks for the interesting video Ashley, but no, not too keen on the green colour, as you sked. Iwould have gone with either blue or black myself. Personal preference though...

  • @MrAspire82
    @MrAspire82 10 місяців тому

    The rattles through the doors can be fixed . They can fit a baton between the door skins which makes it better

    • @thefiftyfour
      @thefiftyfour 10 місяців тому

      So, wtf were the Ford development team doing?!? 🤨
      Typical cheaply built chav box

    • @MrAspire82
      @MrAspire82 10 місяців тому

      @thefiftyfour wouldn't go as far to say chavbox.. but I'm sure there was definitely a conversation about "value engineering" 🙄

  • @jkd4568
    @jkd4568 9 місяців тому

    I got in my mother in laws 71 plate fiesta and the back windows were MANUALY winding.... that's honestly what id expect in a Citroen. I was a bit shocked.

  • @carnivorejayy
    @carnivorejayy 10 місяців тому

    I just got my first car a focus 2015, really fun car to drive

  • @RicardoPetrazzi
    @RicardoPetrazzi 10 місяців тому

    Trade-off's trade-offs! some good positive points about the car for sure. I see what you mean about the seats though, that may get more irritating over time.? - And on the subjective subject of colour......I'm not a fan of that particular green, but each to their own 🙂 My own preference is that older blue they used to do, or perhaps black.

  • @josephmarsh8235
    @josephmarsh8235 10 місяців тому

    Your focus is fantastic Ashley! And yes I do like the colour you have. I was quite surprised to hear what you said about the rattles and the build quality being a bit bad. To be honest, I thought my Ford, which I bought used and is a 2017 model year and has over 55,000 miles, was rattly at the sides and wasn't built perfectly. It surprised me that even a new Ford could be similar. My Ford has bad plastics, piano black plastic, metal and leather as it's a vignale model, and by the way, my Ford is a Mondeo hatchback, and I love Mondeo cars a lot. My Mondeo is also quite powerful as it has a 2.0 diesel with 177hp and is AWD with a 6 speed automatic and to honest, I was concerned about the fuel economy going through the roof with AWD and an old auto gearbox. However, my fuel economy has been between 48 to 57mpg and great to drive. I should also say, even though new cars have so many controls through screens only nowadays, Mondeos have the controls through screen and through buttons, like my heated steering wheel is through the screen only, whereas things like my AC, volume, fan speed and some more can be done through both. I do love Ford cars, but it's sad to me how sadly we have to say goodbye to any new Mondeo, Focus and even the wonderful Fiesta. I'll never forget the time I passed my driving test for the first time in a Ford Fiesta.

  • @ChrispyNut
    @ChrispyNut 10 місяців тому

    As someone with moderately high noise sensitivity, I must disagree that engine / exhaust noise is a net positive.
    It still needs a fair bit of work, but I much prefer artificially produced sounds, piped directly into the cabin through the speakers, so it can be enjoyed and utilized by only those within the car, rather than forcing it on hundreds to thousands of people every day (where its mixing with all the other engine noises creating a terrible noise).

  • @issigonis975
    @issigonis975 10 місяців тому +2

    Not sure about the colour but t might be because so many cars these days are just bland compared to the good old days of strong primary colours.

  • @J1mston
    @J1mston 10 місяців тому

    I remember you looked at an i30N when you were shopping so I’ll run down you negatives and compare them with my Kona N which isn’t that much different.
    Seats, you’d probably have the same complaints. Should note that in the Kona N the seating position is high up so that may change things a little.
    There are proper buttons in the Hyundai!
    Hyundai has some really good customisation options. That being said, the ride is hard even on the softest.
    Fuel economy, mine gets worse than yours. I average 21 mpg. With you being a better driver I think you’d be able to match what you get in the focus.
    I think interior materials are probably comparable. I’ve had no issues with rattling/build quality other than a third party tray I’ve put in the centre console.
    I still think for your purposes that the ST is the better choice even if I like the Hyundais more.

  • @bofor3948
    @bofor3948 10 місяців тому

    Totally agree about the development of screen based controls. Give us switches and knobs. Can't use a mobile to call or text, but changing car settings? Will soon have to pull over to change them. Daft! I like the colour had a fiesta in Squeeze Green.

  • @alexfirth
    @alexfirth 10 місяців тому

    I've always been a Ford fan. My parents recently swapped their top-spec Puma for a Cupra Formentor and, believe it or not, I miss driving the Puma, a lot. Ford have always dialled the handling which made the Puma fun to drive, the Cupra is just plain and the software is horrendous (same at a MK8 Golf). I think people nowadays are just buying V.A.G cars for the badge without considering if there are better options out there. I'll certainly be getting a Fiesta ST at some point after my experience with various Fords.

  • @nowiplay2
    @nowiplay2 10 місяців тому

    Not usually a fan of the fords, but this one is really nice. Enjoyed the video

  • @patrickhowell5578
    @patrickhowell5578 10 місяців тому

    23mpg, I used to get that out of the 2.5 -5 pot St I used to have, which was poor, but understandable with that engine!

    • @harrysamwel3665
      @harrysamwel3665 10 місяців тому

      Well I don’t know how he drives but I drive pretty normal. With mixed usage I get about 27-31mpg. In city driving it’s not great with 23-25mpg. On 45-60mph roads I get above 40mpg. Have gotten as high as 45mpg on a trip once. Spirited driving of course won’t go above 30mpg.. Even as low as 20-23mpg.

    • @jaskajokunen3716
      @jaskajokunen3716 7 місяців тому

      @@harrysamwel3665 I would think the mpg would be better since its newer car 🤔my 04 volvo gets around 28 uk mpg in mixed driving and it has 350hp, but if i also floor it everywhere ive gotten around 20mpg

  • @ChrisPatrick-q6k
    @ChrisPatrick-q6k 10 місяців тому +1

    I like it, nice low seating position, dark interior, high waistline. 😊
    How many miles has it done, could the mpg improve as it loosens up?

    • @ashley_neal
      @ashley_neal  10 місяців тому +2

      Possibly, about 1K

    • @ChrisPatrick-q6k
      @ChrisPatrick-q6k 10 місяців тому

      @@ashley_neal It may improve still, I'd wait until it's done a few more miles than that. It's very nice, I especially like the dash, the best Focus IMO.

  • @Chigleybus
    @Chigleybus 10 місяців тому

    I do like those seats though, even with the figure-hugging bolsters. Nice car that. Modern fast hatches are great cars to drive. Turbos are now so responsive you'd be hard pushed to know it wasn't a NA engine, despite the turbo not revving as freely.

  • @stahlschorsch
    @stahlschorsch 10 місяців тому

    I will never get Ford's decision to link the design of the instrument cluster to the driving mode. Is that a thing you can change in the settings?
    I hate that all blue design when it is in normal, would be the main reason for me to drive in sport mode permanently. They probably tried to make it look sporty or something, but it just looks so much more sleek and elegant and also darker. Especially on night rides I don't see myself driving with this bright all-blue display in normal mode all the time.
    They have that in the current generation Fiesta as well. I'm so glad that I have the 2020 version with two actual gauges and only a small screen in between than that full screen instrument cluster.

  • @AUaudits
    @AUaudits 10 місяців тому

    I doing a car review on Tuesday, while my Fiat in Arnold Clark, having new discs & pads all round.

  • @robloxfan4271
    @robloxfan4271 10 місяців тому

    2:00 i like the animations on the screen when you change drive modes

  • @nDoornn
    @nDoornn 10 місяців тому

    Not sure if it on the ST Focus, but in my 3 cylinder 1.0L Focus it will rev up the engine to 1200 RPM when pulling up the clutch before the biting point is even close of being reached and it seems to disengage around 7-10 MPH. Seems the computer detects you want to get away from a stand still and it will provide some power to get away easier.
    Again not sure if that is on this ST as well, but it might be helping the students with getting away easier. It is a joy to use this system when parking the car or in traffic jams, no need to use the accelerator pedal.

    • @OkenWS
      @OkenWS 10 місяців тому +1

      My Fiesta Active 140hp does this but sometimes I wonder if the 140hp 999c drivetrain didn't get as much development time as the others. At 1200rpm the turbo is either lagging or not in yet and the car tries to stall which causes the DMF to judder and rattle under high torque, not good for the car, so I always make sure to be on the gas now whereas I didn't in the early days.

  • @sanchoodell6789
    @sanchoodell6789 10 місяців тому

    Great review of your new motor Ashley but I had to recalibrate the colour saturation on my phone's screen to cope with the Focus's bright green colour!

  • @stevenjones19-m8i
    @stevenjones19-m8i 10 місяців тому

    Hi Ashley,great video,it is a nice colour,suits the car.another thing like with the ST is the digital Speedo,mine has digital and analogue Speedo but I do use the digital more as it's bigger.

  • @Dave-mv3xy
    @Dave-mv3xy 10 місяців тому

    9:37 Agree with your point about electric cars. I have one at the moment and the performance is amazing but it just feels numb

  • @WolfmanWoody
    @WolfmanWoody 10 місяців тому

    Boy Racer's colour that! 😅 Must admit, I really like my Ford Kuga diesel. Getting around 50 mpg, which is nice, and only two very minor complaints. 1) the hand brake light could have been in a better position because the steering wheel spoke covers it at times. And 2) the power socket below the gear stick should switch off with the engine, IMO, and it remains on meaning I can't leave the dash cam plugged in so I hardly use it now. 😡

  • @hoagy_ytfc
    @hoagy_ytfc 10 місяців тому

    It needs an all-wheel drive mode too :)
    I didn't fully realise the benefits of AWD until I got the Yaris

    • @tin2001
      @tin2001 10 місяців тому

      😂
      I went from a Subaru Outback to a Hyundai i20... And yep. You definitely miss it when you don't have it.

  • @gunnern1
    @gunnern1 10 місяців тому

    Do I like the colour? While I wouldn't have chosen green myself, there are so many "boring" (grey/dark/black) cars on the road today that a green car easily becomes a breath of fresh air 😊
    Also, Ford is a US brand, right? And given the number of UA-cam videos that complain about potholes and poor road maintenance in the US, it kinda makes sense that a US car manufacturer would make cars that could cope with those roads. And I believe Germany is known for their good road quality...😉

  • @123MondayTuesday
    @123MondayTuesday 10 місяців тому +2

    Was this video the things you liked about the Golf or the new Ford?

  • @connor6585
    @connor6585 10 місяців тому +3

    Hi Ashley, currently own a Focus mk3 1.6 petrol and its been bulletproof but really like the look of the BMW 1 series facelift (never owned BMW before) how does the Focus compare to BMW as you had a 1 series at the very start if i remember rightly? how is the automatic gearbox in them too? and overall would you ever go back to BMW after Ford and Volkswagen? thanks.

  • @LavisP
    @LavisP 10 місяців тому

    Agreed about electric cars being ‘appliances’. Just expensive milk floats to me.

  • @sillybait1329
    @sillybait1329 10 місяців тому

    It's a nice colour but that's avout the only tging I like, when you had it at a standstill the exhaust sounded like it was fallibg apart 🙄

  • @IDann1
    @IDann1 10 місяців тому

    I did have an old ST and I found the seats very Supportive /comfortable,(but I’m not I’m driving instructor) and you’re getting about the same of fuel economy as my old Porsche, 996.