The Perfect All-Rounder? Ford Focus ST MK3.5 Review
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- Опубліковано 12 кві 2021
- In today's video I am driving the Mk3.5 Ford Focus ST. Having recently been unimpressed with a modified MK2, I now look to find if the recently facelifted ST has what it takes to be a great daily.
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#Ford #FocusST #Review
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This one is INCREDIBLY rare! All of the weather seals on the bottom of the doors are still in place! 😂
My Mrs Focus 3 has issues with door seals and she has a normal Titanium Nav (1.6TD)
My MK1 no issues with seals coming off.
@@ps36081 they all do, it's a common thing on the MK3/3.5
I bought mine 2nd hand 10'000 miles and both front doors had it😂. Bit of glue and 20'000 miles later still sticking strong... Love mine, can put a smile on my face daily..
@@eamoman651 I have my weather seal on rear O/S tied to the door handle. Keep meaning to put back on but keep forgetting.
Mine have started peeling on the front doors! Mildly annoying, but a bit of glue should sort it out (when I get round to it!)
Fun fact, I got myself a 2017 focus ST-3 in May 2023. This video was a helpful tool in convincing me to get it. Thanks!
Focus’s have always been known for their steering and handling. Happy to see they’ve continued
ford cologne knows their shit when it comes to handling. fiesta st and focus st/rs are just so much fun.
@@Mr.Marbles Honda Type-R are the king of fwd cars except the FN2 Type-R...
It's such a shame they discontinued in the US
Even the c-max's drive insanely well considering the size.
@@arronjohnstracey3280 we have a Transit Custom at the family's company. It's steering is legitimately direct and I kid you fucking not, it's a proper fun van to drive. I don't know how that's possible, but it is!
I love my ST3, late 2017 model and I picked it up last year with a genuine 8000 miles on the clock. Fully loaded, Impact Blue colour, and just the right mix between 'sleeper' and performance looks, especially for a 40-something like me! I also thought the Mk3.5 was a lot better looking than the Mk4 (I seriously considered this), so opted for that and chose to save myself over £10k in the process. What I have done, though, was have an Mfactory helical limited slip diff fitted and, whilst that was going in, upgraded the transmission to have the Focus RS clutch and flywheel. Then, I have had PumaSpeed "breathe" a little on the car (upgraded air induction, intercooling, iridium plugs, stage 1 remap, etc. - nothing crass, no dumb popping, banging or loud blow off valves) and now it is giving 290bhp and 386 lb ft of torque. It feels unleashed, and the diff was definitely the best investment as it dials out most of that torque steer to the point you don't really worry about it. Also sharpens up handling, turn in, and evens out brake and tyre wear
How reliable is Mfactory helical limited slip diff and how well does it perform??. The Rs flywheel and clutch how reliable and how well does it perform?? does it fit with the stock OEM focus st transmission??
had an 18 plate focus st3 for a year now and i must say its the best car i`ve ever owned, love it
Try a FK8 Type-R. Its another step up all together.
@@v4skunk739 great car too 👍 although personally, the st is a better daily.
@@v4skunk739 it looks like a child designed the civic with crayons...
@@nicholasmassey3046 Children designed the performance of Type-R's rivals.
@@v4skunk739 true but big step up in price and running costs too
I love my 2016 ST1 I just turned 40,000 miles. It still puts a smile on my face every day. 😎👍
Even as a Fiesta owner, I "get" the image thing, but we're not all the same, honest!!
Ditto
We most certainly are not!
I had two fiesta st3s both stolen but not impressed with what he says ! Superb drivers cars ,
@@neilbenton1152 I respect jay emms opinion but even he can't say that a mp215 Mk7 st isn't a great car 👍
Same with BMW wankers.......I dont own any Oakley's for one
I had one for a while, I had it remapped (the increased turbo boost was wicked) and have to say it was the most fun car I've driven to date by a long way, better than my current Golf R, and the infotainment system voice control was excellent! I'm hoping to get the fun back with a mk4 MX-5 which is on its way....
I just got the mk3.5 (Stealth Grey - actually turns some heads!) - coming from an older Mercedes I'm hugely impressed. It's really clean-styled inside. The bodywork and angles are really aggressive but not over the top. It feels amazing to steer and such a joy to drive. It can be a little devil though when you hid the back roads, it wants full throttle. It tells me so, every time i do. :)
The 2.5T engine was awesome. I had a Mondeo with that engine in it, and other than the expensive cambelt job, it was a dream
Purchased a Race Red St like this 1 and never regretted buying it. Just a lovely car to have and to use.
Love my deep impact blue Focus ST. I was looking at Fiesta ST's but I had similar opinions on the "boy racer" view as there are so many kids locally with them. The Focus feels more powerful, a lot more grown up, abit more refined and has more room for the mrs and kids. It delivers in every aspect. Great review
After driving a 18' focus st3 for over 2 years, ive come to really appreciate this car and how well it performs. I have a heavy performance background. Grew up racing, my father and his father are Porsche mechanics, as well as myself, and have driven a ton of performance cars both brand new and old, from Ferrari to Ford. This isnt a car to scoff at, i love this car, and its performance rating is well above its price range.. as a road vehicle that performs similar to a track car but still all the comfortably of a well made hatchback, this little hatch has checked a ton of boxes that enthusiasts can get behind.
Had my 67 plate for 6 months. Done 7k and loved it. Really good balance between power and handling that always remains on the side of fun. Hard to beat as a value, fun daily.
I’ve owned one for almost a year now! 2015 ST3. These are sooo amazing! Comfortable, fast, great economy, and they look so good. Especially the one in this video with the aero. I believe these will be appreciated long term, especially here in the US since Ford pulled out most of their cars. I want to keep mine forever!
I've had mine since new 5 years now, honestly couldn't be happier with it as my sole car. It still makes me smile, both looking at it and driving it. Just wish I had more opportunity to use it this past year!
Currently watching this while in my 14 focus st 😂 just bought my focus last June and absolutely love it. Pretty cool to see what the Europe version of the ST looks like! Great review, man!
the estate version of this car is a hidden gem, especially given how stupidly priced the new 2.3 focus is id have this any day
Definitely mate, one of the FastFord magazine guys has the Focus ST estate and recently fitted the new mk4 ST alloys to it and it looks excellent.
The 2.3 engine is also known to be more brittle than the 2.0 ecoboost. One of the reasons I passed the RS by
@@n0w3lly90 How so, once the revised head gasket is fitted? I'm a regular on the UK Ford owners forum and don't remember seeing many "my RS engine has gone pop" type threads.
Well I wasn't expecting such a glowing report on this car but I'm glad it did as these ST's are one of my favourite looking hatches and also a great price too.
I absolutely love my focus, it has such a sense of fun around it while being livable. It comes alive in the backroads as if it wants to be driven and when you turn the torque vectoring system on the cars ability to turn in is unbelievable! It feels so tight and precise thanks to the chassis and recaro seats. I have no complaints about this car, but after watching this video I wish it wasn't winter so I could clean it out
Had the Diesel ST3 for 4 years and it never let me down, yeah I did at times regret not getting the petrol but the performance, handling and fuel economy as a family and motorway commuter always put those regrets to the back of my mind. Being made a permanent home worker made me sell Bertha and I decided to get the Fiesta PE ST which is great fun to drive especially on the back roads, the focus always felt more planted tho!
I had a stealth grey one from 2015 to 2018 and loved it couldn't fault it apart from the lack of noise. But was good looking fast comfortable and good technology.
I have a black st3 which I did 50k miles in. My other half now has it as we needed a 7 seater. On the odd day I get my backside back in it I fall in love with it all over again. I have owned many cars which were more expensive and more powerful but the ST is the only car I have ever truly loved. I don’t think I will ever sell it.
I love your videos JayEmm partly because you inform me and partly because you’re a likeable guy. Pete 🇬🇧
Moved from 2014 Fiesta Mk7 ST-2 MP215 to 2018 Focus ST-3. Both cars fantastic. The Focus is more grown up than the Fiesta. Both are fast cars on A and B roads. The ST-3 gadgets are amazing for this price point. The torque steer ain't so bad. In my view it adds to the excitement of the drive. Don't mash your foot to the floor like a gorilla and all will be OK! I was gonna contact you to offer mine for a review opportunity around Herefordshire, seems like I was beaten to it by this great red beauty! Pleased to hear the Mk3.5 ST has gone in to your list of favourite hot hatches OF ALL TIME! Great review and fantastic channel. Keep it going.
Owned my 2016 ST for two years. Really do love it. Way more civilised than my previous FN2 CTR, and although the engine isn't as special as the K20 it does pack a much bigger punch. Torque steer does make you wrestle with it, even in the dry, but it's all part of the fun!
I'm getting 40mpg on a run and 28 day to day. Fitted a Direnza short shifter to reduce the long gearlever throw. Worth it for 50 quid and dead easy job.
Totally agree on the torque steer, keep hold of the wheel and it’s not an issue, part of the fun as you say!
What about chronic problems. Do you advise 2016 Focus ST?
@@eagle3400 Had the car three years now and still zero issues (touch wood). Upgraded the exhaust to a Dreamscience catback. Love it more than ever.
Picking up my all black Focus ST3 tomorrow…can’t wait.
👏👏 Spot on review - I've got an artic white ST2 MK3 (2015 on a 65 plate). I find myself agreeing with all of your driving/performance observations.
Yep couldnt agree more, a great alternative to many classes in its range and it tops them all quite easily.
6 years ago In my 40s I bought a '14 Red Focus ST1 as a 3rd car to make a 50 mile one way commute a little more fun. I still have it. Lots of power, good torque and fits my age perfectly.
Mr. JayEmm, this is a fantastic review. Job well done.
Glad you like it - I bought one of the last production February 2018 ST3s new as a daily. Even then there were still excellent discounts, and I got just shy of £4000 off list price. Coming up on its 3rd birthday, totally standard car apart from an OBD port delete for security, and I can't think of anything I'd want to change it for. Mine has the backup cam, sunroof, and the door edge protectors that you liked - those were an option, and were exceedingly cheap like you implied at only £75 extra! A no brainer. Late 66 plates onwards had the Sync3 infotainment which is acknowledged as being even better (faster, with android auto/apple carplay) than the Sync2 in your test car, and can even be hacked to the current Sync3.4 (seen it done, but not tried).
Thanks J, good review! Fords also fit the taller driver, which is very useful for some!
Great indepth review. Bought one last year and it's great fun little car.
I have a less exotic diesel mk3.5 as my first car and I'm a little happier to hear you mention difficulty seeing/knowing where the front is as in my first year I scratched that front passenger's side corner on a dashed wall trying to do a U-turn in a space maybe only a couple of feet wider than the car's turning circle. I use the reflection of the headlights to know when I'm close, when the outline is clear cut in the shape of the light, you're quite close, but that didn't work well when the ground sloped up to the wall.
I have a 2018 ST1 over here in America, and let me tell you that is IS a truly amazing all 'rounder. I actually use it to drive rideshare, and I've put about 47,000 miles on it since I bought it last year. All I had to do was delete the Sound Symposer and it was essentially perfect. Despite the heavy use, the only reliability issues have been a busted evap can and a small brake leak that I still need to get to, and the latter was almost certainly the result of poor road conditions where I live (I live near Chicago). Outside that, it's only needed oil changes and tires/brakes (which I can claim on taxes lol). It gets a downright amazing 27 to 30mpg average fuel economy, the interior gets me lots of compliments even from people who don't realize it's a sports car, and it's a great conversation piece for people who realize it's sporty and has a manual transmission. All this and yet it's a blast when I want it to be and the torque delivery is amazing even when just puttering around in taxi mode. Only downsides are it's a bit on the small side when I have to carry more than two customers at a time, and once every blue moon I get a complaint about the ride quality (which tbf is a bit harsher than a Chevy Cruze or Mazda3). Those trade-offs are miniscule considering how much fun this thing is to drive and that I got it for just $17,200 with 36,000 miles on it. Ford struck absolute gold with this car.
I've had mine since new in 2014, and I love it. Two notes: It has a larger turning circle than a limousine, for some reason, so get used to doing three point turns, AND, if you are too aggressive from a standing start, the front wheel hop will almost put the engine in your lap. I have an ST3 with the sunroof and full HID headlamps, unfortunately those headlamps delaminate, the clearcoat yellows and flakes off after a few years. No fun... OK, so, that was three notes.
I have a white 2018 st3,had it for a year and I still love it.just put a hardline rear motor mount,wheels and tires and a bov that's it.A very fun comfortable family friendly car!
i picked up a mk2 st225 last week, such a great car, and the sound is amazing
Currently looking for one the now. How much did you pick yours up for? Quite hard to find a decent example here in Scotland
@@bendover-eo9iu did you ever buy one?
Great review. I always remember owning the mk2 focus st and a Ford salesman trying to sell a mk3 as I sat in on at the showroom. The 2.5l sounded better suspension was softer so more comfortable and very easy to tune 270+bhp on stage 1. Oh yeah and 3 doors which wasn't available on the mk3. Needless to say he didn't get the sale and must of found it harder to sell than the mk2. I will concede though now I have a family the mk3.5 looks awesome much better and I did almost buy one!
Excellent Review !!
Nice to not hear it farting as it goes down the road :)
I own a 2013 MK3 ("prefacelift") Focus ST1 in the US since new (Race Red as well!) and it is still an excellent car. We never got the auto door guards over here - great idea. The CF gearshift knob is a Ford OE item/accessory - was fitted as standard in US spec Mk3.5 ("facelift") ST3s, along with CF door trim "spears", CF center guage pod and CF handbrake level grip.
Great review of a great fun car!!!!
I was set on getting a hot hatch and couldn't decide between the ST, GTI, Mazda speed3, or hyundai veloster. a 2017 ST showed up in my area with 20k miles on it and I went for it. 5 years later I'm so glad I did, it's such a fun car (even rowdy in its own way) but keeps a baseline level of practicality. Really sad to see Ford discontinue the line here in the US, but that's made STs a sort of cult collector's item now at least in the states. I love watching people review these cars because they almost always walk away with a grin.
Bought one new in 15, got 36k on the clock now because I use my transit a lot but i love it, I can do dad stuff then when I'm on my own I can hit the lanes and drop it a couple of gears and it makes me smile everytime.
I've had one of the last made of these from new and I'd echo most of what Jay says here. I would guess the jittery ride is almost certainly down to those 19" wheels (stick to the standard 18" and the ride is very acceptable for a car which handles and steers so crisply). The torque steer can be all but eliminated by having a Quaife LSD fitted which selected Ford dealers will do (it's a Ford Approved Mountune accessory and came standard on the last of the Mk3 RS cars) - this also makes it hugely confidence inspiring when cornering and improves the steering feel even more. The also Ford Warranty approved MP275 performance upgrade makes it properly quick too, quite a few cars will already have this as you could order it from new - and it makes no difference to the insurance and its recognised as a model in it's own right by most of the insurance companies. IMO this is a real performance bargain and considerably cheaper than the admittedly brilliant RS which overshadowed it at the time. Worth checking out Autocar's review / road test of it too, echo's almost exactly what Jay has observed here. Great review Jay as always.
For someone who's not a Ford fan, you've had a lot of positive Ford videos lately! 🤣🤣🤣
I have owned or driven just about everything and honestly the Focus ST to this day is one of my favorite cars ever, nothing can beat small and light, nothing, you can put 2,000 horsepower in a big pig of a car but it will still be a big pig of a car, but a small and light car with decent power will always be king.
It's not a light car it weighs about 1450kg. A dodge viper weighs about the same and has an 8.4 litre v10. People always think hatchbacks and small engined cars are light weight when more often than not they are pigs. If u really want small and light get an old honda crx those things actually weighed just over 900kgs or even a c5 corvette they came in under 1400kgs I think and had immense torque and cornering capabilities.
Throttle response is improved immeasurably by unrestricting the airbox (putting a proper cold air intake in place of the stock one), and a better intercooler, which come at a cost, but, far less than forking out for an RS (and less boyracer looking, which put me off the RS frankly - I am 48 you see!). Mine has 293bhp with a Pumaspeex MAXD-OUT 280+ retune, Milltek Sport catback, M-factory helical LSD, RS clutch and flywheel, Airtec intake, Pumaspeed R-Sport intercooler. I love fast Fords, and the ST is restrained in design. I test drove a lot of cars before opting for this one: a Merc AMG A35, Golf R, Cupra Leon and Mk4 ST (hated the way that looked though!)... have already tried a few of the smaller BMWs... i loved the Ford for its dynamics, handling, steering, and I just love the blue collar hero image frankly. Badge snobbery never interested me. Of all the cars I test drove, this made me smile the most. I also got a very low mileage example (8k miles only after 3 years). To add: I saw it as a project car to have fun with. Target of around 300bhp. Just have a downpipe and Stage 2 tune left, and it'll probably turn out around 310-315bhp. Even with 293bhp and with the help of much improved throttle response and the diff, 0-60 I have clocked at 5.2 secs on an accurate unit. That is a 1.3 sec improvement over stock!
I need those Rims state side... Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great video and completely agree. As someone approaching 50, much as I like the Fiesta ST I just couldn't buy one due to the image but the Focus ST seems to have a much more mature owner base.
Lol my dad's 75 and has a fiesta st 🤣
@@andyhunt457 im nudging 64 and i love my st. It does make you feel like a teen-ager again, and drive like one lol.
I had a MK3.0 ST Estate for the extra space and it came in very handy when I moved house (I owned both properties for a while). A bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing rather than the other way around with some of the 'hot' versions. Sold after a few years to fund a project and cheaper runaround, it would have been better just to have kept it!
I recently bought my third car, a 2013 Focus 1.6 Ecoboost 150, and it's a nice car with sharp handling and a good equipment level (Leather seats, cruise, bluetooth audio, electric driver's seat controls etc.). My plan is to upgrade to a Focus ST 3.5 like the one i the video in a couple of years. Unfortunately cars here in Norway are ridiculously expensive, and even a 2013 ST is still north of 20K pounds. Got to save some money and wait until the facelifted cars get a little cheaper!
Had preface lift mk3, loved it superb car , swapped it for BMW M140 last year still miss the quick turn in of my ST tho chassis as well, only front drive car i had driven that over steered like rear drive car ,handling wizards at ford working their magic as always
The Quaife LSD made the torque steer run away and never come back. A 91 (US) octane tune generated 326 ftlbs. of torque. Grandkids stow crayons in the little cubbyholes. Makes long trips the most fun I’ve had driving in 59 years behind the wheel.
Funny you just released this review! I just went to test drive one today, seriously hesitating between this and a Seat Leon cupra R from 2012, especially since the latter one had more options. Maybe you can weigh in?
Anyway thanks for the great content and ever amazing shirts!
As an owner: Great review.
I drive a Ford Focus hatchback STLine manufactured in 2011 and I too love my Focus as well. Excellent car. I'm fascinated by the car. I am seriously thinking of buying a real ST. I know that it will not disappoint me.
Great road test
I loved my Mk2 ST3. The Mk3 just leaves me cold, regardless of how well judged a drive it might be, there's no "want" factor.
I’ve had my ST-3 for 5years, I love it and you don’t see many of them 👍
I've got a MK3.5 Focus but it's the EcoBoost. Half the power of the ST but I've done a few bits and bobs to up the performance and a few cosmetic upgrades as well so it does the job. Crucially it's been a brilliant car. Pretty much nothing ever goes wrong with it
nothing wrong with that, the ST is a 2.0ltr EcoBoost engine too. I own one.
Has it gone wrong yet?...
@@mariemccann5895 No. Nothing has went wrong with it at all. Most reliable car I’ve ever owned
@@seriouslyaye Excellent, good to hear, thanks.
I love Focus STs. We had a mk2 before they got a certain image, epic car. Got to say, you say you aren't a Ford person but I have yet to see you dislike one. For the money I think they are great value, and for driving ability they compete above their price point
Dig the review, as always!
I haven't always thought this way, but while I believe the Focus ST to be a truly great car for the value, I believe the Fiesta ST, even with its smaller displacement, power figures, storage capacity, etc.... I think the Fiesta ST is a better car. (It's more fun, though less practical)
Seriously, if you're reading this and considering purchasing a FoST, do yourself a favor and also drive a FiST as well.
(No, I don't own either, but have driven both on a few different occasions)
Awesome video!
From a fan from across the pond.
Great car all round, so much fun to drive , lots of gadgets especially the st3 , feels bigger than it is , just bought mine 2 months ago, easy to change simple things like bulbs etc I bought the 2.0tdci version with 185psi ,plenty of power & torque ,doesn't feel like a diesel though .
Subwoofer/Sony + nav is an option. Door protectors are an option. 19s with sill plates and tinted windows are an option.
I wish the seats had lumbar support for Scotland-esque distances.
@@georgegillett6059 I feel the same way. I've driven a few and they do drive really nicely, but I wouldn't want to do a journey of more than an hour or so in one because the seats just never seem to support everything properly, and I've heard quite a few people of all different builds say this as well, seems an odd "miistake" for ford to have made.
These do look like a lot of fun. I always preferred the days when the Focus also came in 3 door form... Such a shame they stopped making them. Still a cool looking car.
It would be better if the st only came in 3 door as it’s a sports car not a practical car
@@bmwman1981 I agree, but sadly it was too expensive to make both vs. demand so now, we only have the 5 door 😔
@@sportzntouring they could make them in 3 door as a special order and it would sell even if they were slightly more expensive
Nice review. You have so much fun in Fords and still not a Ford fan ;) I always pay heed when you say the steering is right. Maybe Ford are producing old school cars for the everyman enthusiast, but the ICE era will be gone by the time we recognise it?
Nice informative video Jay. Ford Focus ST3 nice cheap hot hatch.
Brilliant review mate, glad you like it! I’m getting a stealth grey ST3 soon, can’t wait 🔥
Lucky you don’t make stealth great st3 in USA
Don’t even make the st anymore
@@prestonfields6642 I don’t think they are making them in the UK now either, I’m just hoping a well looked after one comes up mate
I have a Diesel st2.. of the best cars I have ever owned. Awesome👍🏻
The car is pristine lol, cars are bargains in the uk but you would adore Spanish mountain roads
I feel this review was spot on, so well done James!
I Agree with the looks beating the RS but then I prefer a slightly understated car. Needless to say I have a '16 ST3 in black with STage 1.5 modifications and I love it. Please see below for further thoughts on this matter.
Torque steer is NOT an issue if you get the Collins Performance Anti Torque steer bushes fitted (front WB rear bushes) at about £75+fitting. Your point about the LSD is also important. The car does not need it for road use (with aforementioned CP ATS bushes fitted) and I believe that adding an LSD can add more wayward steering pull on uneven road surfaces, though more traction is to be gained generally speaking. But for circa £2000 fitted is it worth it - nah!
It is a very comfortable car with enough torquey grunt as and when required. Space could be a little constraining for a family larger than 2 but I guess that is what the estate would be for. Styling wise I much prefer it to the MK4. Economy is about right too - I get 28-36 MPG depending on driving style and journey type so not bad.
Steering is great (my wife has a MK7.5 FiST, again STage 1.5) and so I agree again that the FoST is not as nimble as the FiST but as you say, it is a slightly different machine that definitely has more pace.
I too am not a 'pop and bang' fan so the standard noise to me is great. As mine is lightly modified (Mountune exhaust, MP275 etc) the acceleration note is wonderfully gruff but won't drone when cruising. You really should try one with the MT lightly modified setup as a comparison.
As for creaks and rattles - mine had two until I applied the 'RS' fix that can be found online. No more rattles!
I feel very fortunate to have access to both cars. The FiST is under powered compared to the Fost but then that is not the point as it handles so well, so sublimely well. The FoST has far more pace but isn't so chuckable as the FiST and has poorer fuel economy, but is still huge fun and more practical. Both these cars were bought as they were the closest 'newest' most analogue type cars I could find (in 2018) without all the post 2017 'nanny state' bells and whistles on.
I hate to think what will have to replace them in about 10 years time ........
The focus st mk2 is a legend
Always preferred the wagon version of these, and the battleship grey colour (can't remember what it was actually called) they did was awesome.
Stealth grey I believe.
Owned one (PE62 EHC) for, literally, one month before it was stolen in April 2017. Mind you I do live in Liverpool. Nice car, it'd only done 10,000 miles when it got nicked.
This is one of the cars I'm considering for my next car, any risk of you doing a Mk4 Clio RS next? Then you'll have covered the 3 I'm considering.
Great car, I preferred my MK2.5 with the Volvo 5 pot 🔥
That's certainly one hell of an engine
Oh yeah! Had one in Electric Orange 😜👍🏻
@@bravofoxable "Tangerine Scream" that colour was called in the UK
@@TheMadTatter it was in the mk3 bud but the MK2.5 orange was called electric orange.
@@TheMadTatter sounds better, cheers from South Africa
You totally forgot to mention the 185bhp diesel version, still available in ST1, 2 or 3 guise. I bought a '67 St3 petrol in 2019 and absolutely love it. Upgraded from a mk6 Fiesta St that I had for 9 years.
James is kinder about the torque steer than a lot of other reviews. I did consider one of these instead of a BMW 235 (coming fron a Clio RS200), but even newer, they still had squeaks & rattles
JayM. Reminds me of on old late '90's Ford Escort rental I used to drive to a coal mine for construction inspections ! Handling and steering are spot on with those sensitive brakes and the power must be sensational with this Ford ST ? One might change tyre size or another brand to cure the jittery ride quality. V
Had the focus st 2016 plate. Loved it. Then got the chance to own an RS. Love both cars.
How big is the difference between them in terms of having fun...??
@@marcrabazagairi2650 the RS is definitely a step up in terms of fun! ST is still a great car though!
I'm in the process of buying one, a second hand 2016 st2 in black. Sat on the st3, and the leather recaros felt like they slipped too much. The st2 seat seem like they'd keep hold of you.
Looking forward to picking it up
My favourite FORRD FOCUS ST
Nice. I have a blue 2016 ST3 and really enjoy it. People think they can be unreliable but just change the oil regularly and don’t put any silly maps on them and they are fine. Perfect mix of fun and practical daily driver. Also good value compared to competitors. Quick enough, although not compared to things like S3’s and Golf R’s, but possibly more fun if out and out acceleration from the lights is not your aim. Great on twisty roads.
I've got one too, same year and package as you, except Stealth Grey. I agree, great cars, it always gives me a smile on my face. I wouldn't compare it to a Golf R though, it's a different class. Golf GTI maybe but not an R. The competitor to the Golf R would be the ST's bigger brother RS, which sadly they don't make anymore. I would like to move to an RS one day
Had my mk3 for 2 and half years now. Only used on weekends and barely sees 2k miles a year. I just can bring myself to sell it as this review perfectly puts it. It just does everything perfectly. I don’t think a golf r or s3, m340i will give me the same driving engagement. Looks like it’s staying for life
i would buy it
The shift knob is a Ford item- I have the same one in my Fiesta ST and got it from Ford Motorsport.
Just bought a mk3 st3 13 plate 30k on the clock absolutely buzzing to pick it up next week. Wanted a fiesta but fell in love with the focus styling wheels and interior those leather seats are superb.
how is it treating you so far?
@@dampy2006 excellent! Best all rounder. Quick five doors stylish and quite uncommon compared to a fiesta st. Super comfy on long drives. 21 mpg around town though thats the only downside
@@2WheelSam hows it treated you?
The mk3.5 st really is a brilliant all round performance car, very few common faults, great performance, practical and a reasonable price. It handles way nicer the earlier mk3, looks great too
This or the gti/s3
Was really looking forward to seeing your opinion on this as soon as I saw it uploaded - so pleased you're a fan!! As a soon-to-graduate student, I've been looking at the MK3.5 ST-Line Focus to upgrade into from my 1.6 Astra (after something slightly more daily-able due to insurance and the fuel bills) and would be really interested to see how much of a downgrade you'd find the ST-Line compared to the full fat ST after watching this! Another great video, cheers James.
I had the ST and my daughter had the ST-Line, the ST-Line didn't have the same performance obviously, but it was still pretty nippy and looked great, definitely worth considering
ST-Line is a styling package and doesn't affect the performance or handling in any way. That's pretty much the difference.
Ah okay cheers I think I'd still consider. Was it still good fun handling wise even if it's nowhere near as fast? Standard focus is meant to have a pretty good rep still
@@jamesthomson3511 yes the focus is generally a very good car
@@jamesthomson3511 oh definitely, they've been consistently towards or at the top of the list of most popular car in Europe pretty much since the MK1 arrived, and it's not for no reason.
They drive well, are (mostly) well built, practical, economical and plenty of aftermarket support if that's your thing.
This shows the value of a different perspective. All I’ve seen of these was the EVO reviews which weren’t exactly complimentary. It was 3/5 car and I’m sure they preferred the diesel when they long term tested each.
Why would you buy a diesel st it’s pointless
I’ve a 2017 ST3 estate in tangerine scream. Best car I’ve ever had. I looked at a 5 door in stealth but not big enough to fit the pram in the boot. Now the pram has gone the dog fits in lovely. Think the performance is similar to the 5 door. Maybe a bit of a second here and there but as an all rounder I think it’s unbeatable for money. Run’s on 18s and the ride is ok. Word is the 19s are a bit more brutal.
I have one of these ST3 in black, with 19'' wheels, all the extras & the rare moon roof, love it & more important so does my wife. I had the (Asbo)Focus 2.5 ST & the Fiesta ST prior, my wife hated both, this is leagues over those (apart from the 5 cylinder burble). I'm all for trying different cars, fancied the golf r next, but my wife has told me we are keeping the Focus. This is my favourite review, mirrors exactly how I feel & more importantly how my wife feels about the car & driving it.
On my second Golf R tremendous piece of kit and owned an ST3 diesel. My job has recently changed where I am doing more miles so test drove another ST3 diesel today and to be honest I still love them far more involving and 50mpg so I'm having another get a stage 1 on it plenty quick enough
My main issue with the Mk3 is I don't like the splat thing the tail light does, and the facelifted Mk2 is my very favourite Focus as far as appearances go.
I don't think I missed it but I didn't notice a description of how comfortable the ride was.
Sony speakers came with the upgraded sound system which included the sub woofer in the boot
I had a focus st 2015 for 4 and a half years it was faultless 0 issues sold it for a new fiesta st .. it's taken me a year to get used to the fiesta .. I felt like I'd made a terrible mistake .. the focus st is fast and comfortable much underrated car. ps I had the 18" wheels those are 19" .. which upset the ride with out much gain in handling.
Hand on my heart I think I’d have a high mileage Fast Ford over my high mileage BMW. Running costs are insane for BMW and “so-so” reliability.
The Fiesta ST is still a great car... more nimble and go kart like because of its light weight advantage. Did you get the one with the Performance Pack (Quaife diff, etc.?)
@@n0w3lly90 yes had the slippery diff option.. my biggest grip was the seats ..way too uncomfortable and the engine is a bit ruff higher up the rev band. But used to it now .
I have also driven both. Focus felt much more refined, comfortable and powerful. Very agile for its size. Motor mount, intercooler and shifter mods make it even better.
Get a mountune roll restrictor and the torque steer goes away,but makes a bit of vibration when the ac is on.Not too bad though.
The 3.5 is definitely the best looking focus so far!