Should You Buy a FORD FOCUS ST? (Test Drive & Review MK3 ST2)
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2022
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Today I'm in this 2012 Ford Focus ST. Let's see what it's like...
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#highpeakautos #FordFocusST #FocusST - Авто та транспорт
The ST is your best mate, the RS is the bell end they bring out one night and you tell them never to invite them again!
Thanks for your wise words!
Im.in my 50s and I've got an focus rs . I want to enjoy my freedom before we are told what to drive . Every time I get in my car I smile . I'm not a robot yet and I'm going out kicking
Back in 2016 I went out to buy a blue ST3 hatch, the only ST3 that was local to me was a red ST3 estate at a Ford main dealer, I’d never considered an estate but once I drove it and saw how much better it looked over the hatch, I ended up buying it and absolutely loved it. Was a really good all rounder.
What happened to it?
@@cdb5001 I sold it to buy a VW Arteon when they were launched.
@@m44ktsHey, bit late, but was it reliable? How long have you got it?
have any majore issue for owning it?@@m44kts
I love this guy, he’s just so honest and non biased
7:34 is exactly why I’m wanting one of these. I’m new to being a dad but still want a newer sporty car. This car has it all for me for now. Practicality for daily driving and sport for when I just want to have a good drive
I was actually waiting for you to review hot hatches, and the RS brings so many memories, most probably going electric like the Megane RS Trophy, which I wanted but luckily when I asked for it Renault claimed its production stopped. What a car, what a sound, what a thrill. Theres something about the RS, Trophy and Type R which make them the undisputed kings of hot hatches. Please review more of those, we will miss them. Great review as always.
Had a 2015 mk3.5 in stealth grey and still now has to be the best car I have had. With the moutune mp275 kit really brings it alive. Did 30k in it without an issue. Great review 👏 👌
Good honest review. I have a 2013 ST which I have had for five years. Great car for driving and as a day car.
A genuine drivers car.
Nice work Matt. Enjoyed this, great little run around the ST.
Another top review Matt. Agree with everything you've said about it too. Great all round family car, and available with a decent Tdci unit too!
Great video! I've had a 2013 ST-3 in the same blue for 9 years, put over 110,000 miles on it and it's never once missed a beat. No issues whatsoever..... Oh apart from those bloody door seals 😄 I've loved every mile in it though, brilliant car.
Bought an ST3 brand new in 2006, terrific car ( if you enjoy driving ). You're dead right about the cheesy grin Matt, it's still on my face today.
Had a Focus ST Mk2 2010 face-lift model. Was a 5door hatch, with all the bells and whistles, and in white. I had it for 2 years, and still dream of it... At night and day
I actually own a completely standard electric orange focus ST on a 2006 plate as a second car , I can honestly tell you that 5 pot is so much fun to drive and it’s quick .
Great video mate always look forward to your reviews very informative and chilled
Had the MK3 ST3 petrol for 3 years great car get one you won't be disappointed, only real upgraded needed is the mountune rear engine mount (roll restrictor) makes the drive/gear changes much more precise and lees wheel hop.
Traded it in for the M4 ST petrol a year ago and its like having two cars, leave it in normal mode for the shopping run etc then flick it into sport mode for a B road blast keeping this one for a while.
Yes... they are fabulous fun! Especially when you put a limited slip diff in. I did look at the RS, but as I was 48 nearly when I came to making a choice (a very low mileage ST Mk3.5 version), I did it on the basis of which I'd look least a knob in! 😁
Since then, I've tuned mine (better induction, intercooler, full Milltek Sports catback and sports cat, RS clutch & flywheel and PumaSpeed 280bhp tune, rather than 247bhp. It is now incredibly swift (sub 5.5 sec due to the LSD aiding traction and dialling out torque steer). Brilliant driver's car. The ST is a firm driving car, but the ride in an RS, well, you'd feel more comfortably being dragged along along the ground face first !
I love it!
Fast Fords always deliver smiles. Great value too. Those rubber strips are easily fixed, I used a small strip of black gorilla tape and it worked for years!
Yes, I loved my 15' Focus ST. Was a great daily driver and track car. Traded it in for a 2017 performance pack Mustang which was a big boost in performance, but late at night I still wonder what my Focus ST is up to now...
Was the Focus reliable? I'm thinking of getting one.
Nice review Matt, hopefully you’ll hit 200K subs before the end of the year. I’d definitely pick the estate version of this and agree that the ST is just enough ‘Baz-mobile’ to have fun! 👍
Another great video matt keep em coming 👏
I’ve literally just brought one today pretty much the same colour and wheels, it’s a st3 2013 with 59k on the clock it’s been religiously serviced every 12 months very clean car I paid £9800 for it, I did see your st on trader last week and I know you don’t sell crap and you sort any issues a car has, it was the distance just to far but lovely car though,you sold that quick and well chuffed you did a video on it, thanks dude 👍
After one year pf having it, tell us how it has been
Thanks for the video, always wondered wondered what these cars are like
Had a 55 plate ST. Loved every second in it. Only issue I ever had was a cell failure in the battery. Other than that it was perfect. Cried when I had to sell it
I remember when Top Gear had to use a fake 61 plate Focus “ST Style” in the Sweeney movie. The Focus ST had not came out yet at the time
It’s was a 1l ecoboost
@Matt Hargreaves Yh
I remember when Hammond done the fake flip and Ray Winston and Plan B pretending to crash land 😂😂😂
Owned a mk3 st3 estate for 3 years. Love it.... bikes, paddle board etc all fit in for a week in Wales then get to drive some of the top notch roads once I've unpacked the luggage and mrs.
Mid pipe delete for cheap way, non performance enhancing sound improvement only mod done.
You spot on with the door seals my wife's 2013 focus suffers the same problem but I sorted it with some tiger seal brilliant stuff and dries in 1 -2 hours and it's still stuck after 3 years
Ive had 3 focus's and never had that issue ever but certainly ive seen plenty that do
Great and very informative review 👍
I've recently bought a 13 Plate Panther Black ST-2 Estate. Loving it so far.
I owned a 2016 ST3 for a few years. Really good engine and handling! The ride for daily commuting is to harsh. Also torque steers like crazy
Great analogy, the RS is the lad who gets you all in a fight when you're out for a drink, the ST is the lad who is a bit brash but draws people in and then ends up going home with a bit of a dog but tells funny stories about the subsequent nob rot when you're out next.
Haha yes
Hey matt, the other week i went in one of these but the wagon, going through wales and racing bmw m5s.
Good video have a good day!.
Fab cars, the perfect compromise between practicality and smiles per mile! You didn't mention the sound Matt, I think they have a great exhaust note!
Great review - I really like that generation ST but now you must do a review of the RS - they are an amazing machine 👍
Love all the top quality videos as always! Could you review the Mazda RX-8? thinking about maybe treating me self to one if there any good. Cheers for Essex!
Love the RS focus with the 5 cylinder lump in it..
This channel reads my mind.
Do love a fast Ford, this one is up there with the very best
Have you done a review on the Fiesta ST? I heard its also very good fun to drive 👍 Also comes in that blue that i think is one of the best colours for any car.
love the vids as always Matt would be great if you could get a few VXR models on the channel im a big supporter of them. love the corsa, astra and insignia vxr
JD bag on wheels - perfect summation of what I used to think of these
When the other RS passed you….it looked like (for a split-second) you were about to shift it into “pursuit”. Enjoyed your video. Thanks.
Nice video I enjoy watching and supporting your Chanel keep it up
The weather strip issue is so true especially on the rear drivers side door, I see it all the time!!
I absolutely love your reviews, like nothing else on UA-cam. Love the honesty
But
Please please please!!!
Do a review of the Honda civic sport plus!! (2017-2021)
Brilliant car. I agree the colour is spot on too. Adding this to my Auto trader list
Have not watched the upload yet mate, but as always when I watch it later it is defo going to be Top Quality 🙏🙏 Cheers Matt 👌👌
Thanks very much! 😉
@@HighPeakAutos You are always more than welcome mate 🙏🙏
Have to say I was not expecting to see Claude Greengrass in a vid about a Focus ST haha love it
I miss my mk2 ST so much. I’ll get another one one day!
deep impact blue is the best ford colour imo. my first car (mk8 fiesta st line) is in it, my mams kuga was deep impact blue before she got a jag, my dads st was deep impact blue too, but that was back in 2013
Brilliant all rounder, very reliable too if you look after them 🦁
Great had one back in the day the post 15 cars were the best of the bunch imo
I’ve been driving my 2014 ST1 for 6 years now, and can’t find anything in this video to argue with. The only fault I had with the car was poor visibility when backing. I was able to retrofit a rear camera and link it to the OEM display, so that’s sorted. This is the single reason I’d suggest a higher trim version….But I am 6’5” and didn’t want to loose the inch of headroom a sunroof would have cost. That is one thing about these cars…there is no picking and choosing of options: you get one of thee trim level, full stop.
I looked at a number of hot hatches before deciding the ST is a clear winner in bang-for-buck. An ex-GF had an Audi TT, and I honestly prefer my ST….partly due to headroom issues, but also for the gearbox.
Hi Matt the ST has carried on with the 2021 ST now taking over from the RS. Someone I know tried it out on the Hay plane in NSW Oz . Only did this due to loads of rain over weeks that had turned this dry scrub into something from Ireland. What am I on about well there is no speed cops but there are kamikaze Kangaroos,however due to the green land they were not straying onto highways . Got to 130 mph then the wife put the brakes on. Ford have always produced great hot hatches to complete with VW and the Japanese. Good easy to understand video loved it.
Hi Matt, I think you were a little 'harsh' on the Focus RS. My son has owned two over his driving career the second of which was a brand new fully spec'd(incl sunroof) in black. It cost £34500 in 2017 and he sold it to WBAC in May 2021 with 26k miles for £29,500. Admittedly it was in immaculate condition with zero damage and not even a kerbed or repaired wheel. On a separate matter I first posted a comment having viewed your review on the 640dGC and I am pleased to report I am now the owner of a 640d Coupe in white with Vermillion Red Nappa leather and Panoramic roof. I've now changed the colour of the 20" wheels from Silver to Satin Black and changed the tyres to Kumho Non Runflats...... a transformation(in my opinion). The car is totally brilliant!! Look forward to more excellent reviews😊.
Half of the 6.8sec 0-60 time would be getting to 20mph before the turbo spools up. My Alfa is the same. Slow off the line. Lightning in the mid range. Love your work 👍
Great video I had a MK3 focus before, Matt please do 2013 face lift e class convertible ❤️
Got 2016 St3 in T/S had it 5 years never missed a beat
As a guy who doesn’t like hot hatches Matt, I think they are starting to convince you….. 👍😂 as someone who loves a hot hatch, they just do everything so well. I had a Focus ST, which actually wasn’t one of my favourites, but as an all round car they can’t be beaten as a genre.
I've got a Stealth Grey ST3 17 plate with Black 19 inch wheels and I love it. Even though I like the car your driving it's the older version and it doesn't look as good as the later facelift version
I had the st3, same colour, traded it in for the evoque, now I love my evoque but can't help regretting getting rid of the st3
Great review as always. I noticed you have a Mazda 6 in stock any plans for a review on that? High Peaks high quality.
I've been driving a 2016 ST1 for 6.5 years. I've tastefully modded almost every aspect of it aside from cosmetics, and tuned it, and never had a problem. Best car I've ever owned. Always let it come down to idle before moving after initial startup. Don't go into boost until the oil temp gauge has moved. And never floor the accelerator in 5th and 6th gears and it'll last forever. I've got a build kit and aspirations for a big turbo mod some day... But as is, it always puts a smile on my face.
I blew one of these up. Same spec same year same color. With just a Ford racing tune. I was at 125 in 5th and lugging the engine. All the sudden oil lights and spuddering. Sent to dealer where they replaced the turbo for 3k and then found the bad engine. Then 5k later engine was replaced. I soon totaled it while passing out at the wheel. Disaster.
Don't floor in 5th and 6th, never heard of this, how come?
@@hc5253 Low speed preignition (LSPI). But shouldn't be the case at 125 (mph?) in 5th I guess.
I had to chuckle.when you mentioned the rubber weather seal. I was gluing and using duct tape to re-stick my Mrs Focus seal issue last weekend .
Great Vid 👍👍
Only reason I sold mine was the ride was a little too harsh for me, dealt with heat soak during the summer so a bigger intercooler is a must, plus a short shift kit.
I wanted a fiesta ST3 but they were all ragged, I found an st1 that was the underdog spec wise but an older lady had it from new so I bought it. I totally agree with you re spec, everyone wants this and that most of which they don't need or use, I quite like the simpler more basic set up and buying a good car rather than spec is A1 advice
Just traded in my 2019 kuga st line in for the 2014 focus st. I have to say. So far im am absolutely loving it and have absolutely no regrets so far. Cant seem to get more than about 23 mpg out of it at the moment but thats probably just my spirited driving and very short commute to work. For anyone looking at buying one if these id highly recommended it. Dont really have much else to say as this video has basically touched upon everything i would have wanted to say
Just sending back my leased 2021 Kuga St line and brought a 2018 Focus St3 today!
my mate has the RARE estate version - loves it
Had a Manual gear diesel Ford Focus when I toured Ireland for 2 weeks back in 2015. Had loads of fun with it. Wish they had them here where I live (We have almost only automatics here).
Was thinking of getting one to upgrade the Mk5 GTI. I think it’ll come down to engine in the mk2 vs. everything else in the mk3.
Haha that bit about the rubber door seals hanging off. I had guessed before you said it 🤣 Has to be up there with Audi and their A3's rear wiper reliability.
Mk2 owner but I do like the mk3. I was tempted by a mk3, but the 5 pot in the mk2 done it for me.
Hoodie and ripped jeans... nailed it! Theirs a reason the focus is seen everywhere!
I just don't like the living room. And I'm all in for the performance. Brilliant video as always chief. Thanks. Good shout on the rubber.. Ahem. Seen that before.
Great car! I had the MK2 (volvo 5 pot) and the later MK3 ST3. The mpg on the later ST3 was much better than the MK2, but around town realistically mid 20's average and on the motorway between 33mpg and 36mpg at very best! And I don't have a very heavy right foot? But still a very together car and a lot of fun to drive.
That sounds petty low mpg, even for a hot hatch.
I went the other way, had THE MK-3 ST3, then a Kuga ST line before lockdown. Sold that, back to commuting so currently own a MK-2 ST. 😀
@@ChrisLitton VAG hot hatches get 30, Merc ones must get less than that. RS3 gets 28-30.
@@ChrisLitton I wish mine did that, 1jz gte 20-22mpg or 35 on a run
Which one do you prefer overall? I'm a mk2 owner but I do like the mk3. Haven't owned or driven a mk3 though.
And Matt if you want an even more comfortable ride, reduce the tyres to 17" and fit all weather tyres, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
That is what my mate did after riding about on 18" alloys and he hasn't regretted it, even better fuel economy.
I also detest the trend that higher spec cars must come with bigger rims. Should be optional.
Matt, seen my first latest model Focus (68 plate) with the drivers side rear door weather strip hanging off. First of many no doubt…
I’m picking up a 67 plate focus st-3 this week it’s only done 16,430 miles in the same colour part exchanged my black 65 plate st-3 diesel with 100,000 miles on the clock but it’s still running strong had a new battery, belt,brembo discs and brakes mot till march next year full service history.
Great video & review..
Plenty of info .. id love an st but they are expensive here in Ireland ...
For the moment my 1.0 Ecoboost Zetec will do
Its fast enough for what i need
I have owned my ST-2 from New in 2013. Done 36k miles with unfailing reliability. Bought new fir £20k and Autotrader is suggesting circa £13k today, so if I sold it for that it would have cost me £7k for 9 years trouble free motoring!
By far the best car I have ever owned. Btw, you were right about the abysmal turning circle, but that is the only negative I have encountered during my ownership. Can't recommend the car enough.
the other negative is they're a fav with the chavs, although that was more the last mk2 really as they have moved onto a seat fr and golf r these days.
The Mk2 is the one to have with the volvo 5 banger. Although suffer from rot
Definitely I have a diesel ST3 .. in grey .. bloody love it
I like the 3 gauges on the top of the dash. I think VW like it too because they nicked the idea for the revamped Scirocco
i had a 3 door 2.0 Focus back in 2001 and it was ace to drive
I’m going to be honest and leave a rather lengthy comment to reflect my 3 year ownership of a mk3.5 st
Firstly I bought the diesel variant due to higher mileage and needing the economy. I bought it as a family car for our little family, needing economy, space and reliability. It was between a GTD and the ST. I drove both and found the ST had the edge due to the driver feel and the seats (full leather in the 3)
First thoughts were as you described, not the fastest but it’s no slouch. It had a great feel on full boost and is brilliant on corners. It does start to feel lacking after you’ve driven it for a while but I can’t grumble when I pay £20 road tax, low insurance and mid 40 mpg.
Simple modifications can make this car so much better, things like a remap, bigger intercooler, coilovers, LSD, uprated engine mount, short shifter, sticky tyres and other little styling bits.
You mention childish bits, including the RS, to be totally honest, I love that in a car, I want to feel a bit childish, having fun and being playful and enjoying life. I get that from this car. And on days when I’m just not feeling it, I still look back at it in a car park because it looks great in that blue. There’s no denying after a good polish it really does shine up beautifully.
If you’re on the fence about buying one, they really are worth a try but like you say, it’s got to have all the bells and whistles, if not upgrade your infotainment system, there are guys around that retro fit on the forums for a cost, usually not too much. That way you get better nav, bigger screen and dab might actually work lol.
All in all, it comes to preference. There are your Golfs, Leon’s, A3’s and yeah, they might be quicker, more “upclass” but I tell you what, the focus is full of character and that is why I won’t be selling mine for a very long time.
Thanks for a great review!
Chavs car. Sorry
@@sandersson2813 No more Chav than a Golf R
@@neutralcorner5950 Agree, that is also a chavvy car, so why would you drive one?
@@sandersson2813 Suppose most cars have a image associated to them. Like most Audi owners are sausages but suppose not all are. Similar could be said of BMW. Not all Golf R owners are Chavs but a lot are. If you like a car you should just get it regardless of the image? Otherwise just a bit of a sheep?
@@neutralcorner5950 I think it says a lot about a person. Who for example would want a modified car?
Nice got an st2 with cruise control. That’s a great extra. The dials on the dash are great . Especially oil temp. You don’t boot it till it’s warm
Great humour and info. A pity that you are not sold generally on hot hatches, since they make great driving (and generally understated) cars.
Water leaks in the boot is a problem to great video as always the old 2.5 was over a 1000 here in ireland road tax haha
The Focus ST is a great looking car, I really like it!!❤️.
I love mine ...i just think its a grate shape for a car grate drive ...fast a.s.f. luv it.
Run one of these for a year same colour 2014 ST2 54k have to say always puts a smile on my face. Handling is amazing yes the acceleration is rapid mines been in to Mountune with their MR300 package and the middle box delete unrated filter bit of a beast! Ride is hard though and they like to drink but other than that had some fast cars over the years but this has to be in the top 4! Door weather strips are a joke as stated think Ford must glue the on with chewing gum? Good quality glue soon puts them back in their place..
So well deserved having 190k subscribers Matt but definitely worth double that, keep up the great work..👍🏻
"The fuel tank is a 62lts which'll cost you about £870s" Absolutely hilarious but true statement!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Living near the former Ford Europe HQ at Brentwood, this used to be a Ford town for decades, but you see far more Audis, BMWs and Mercedes nowadays. The small Ford's are still popular here though, particularly the Focus. I could probably live with this one, although it's not nearly lary enough for the average 'Essex boy'.
I have never been in a MK3, but my dad has bought and sold plenty of mk2 st's, and I think there great cars really I believe a MK2 in either the metallic blue or the "asbo" orange, will hold its value quite well and become a collector vehicle in many years a nice example anyway,
I think if your after a hot hatch there probably not going to loose a lot
I also think there very comfy and I'm for sure a large build,
The T5 is a great engine if you also have lots potential to tune I remember when I was about 12-13 my dad bought a asbo orange st3 which had a printout for 485 bhp on the outside completely standard apart from a modified exhaust which was a nice system to be fair it didn't sound like a bees nest or a cheap pop and bang map, he had a S3 at the time and I actually believe it felt a bit more stable at speed or when trying to drive like Ken block round a quite round about
Anyways great review as always mat keep up the work
I had two of them, both Mk3’s in black, traded in the first one to get the facelifted mk3, they were both excellent. Haven’t got one now, I drive a rather more sensible fiesta these days……..I’m regretful.
Good review as always Matt. We have they exact car on a 14 plate. It has the Revo stage 2 and is very rapid. How would you advertise this? We are having trouble generating interest on a modified car. I guess yours being stock made it easy to move on? They really are a performance bargain.
Great car right up to the point an RS pulls up next to you at the lights.
Would be interested in a MK-4 review to see how it compares...
The sunroof, cruise control and powerfold mirrors are all options on the ST-2.