Ford Focus ST

[pologti18t]

clay, dont bother to defend yourself....

pologti18t.... ever been to a meet? or are you simply incredibly skilled at averting discussion?

rock up, or post a pic, BUDDY

WTF? Not sure what you are on about? Averting discussion? You're the one trying to shut the discussion down by your personal attacks. Not really sure why as its only general discussion.

Yes, I have been to one meet (i am in NSW remember). Never really felt like doing it again. Doing runs with smokey diesels sucks big time.

The problem i have is that they include them and thus inflate the price to match.
You will find that the only included extra that is standard on the GTI from that list is the tyre pressure monitoring from memory.

dual zone cc, auto wipers, auto lights, auto dip mirror - all GTI standard. sat nav, HIDs, etc optional, but seemingly highly sought after.

[elephino]

The problem i have is that they include them and thus inflate the price to match.
You will find that the only included extra that is standard on the GTI from that list is the tyre pressure monitoring from memory.

They now just chuck in a whole bunch of stuff that you don't need to make it a more impressive package.
I.e. auto lights/dimming mirror/wipers are all possible for the driver to do in 2 seconds maximum.
keyless entry doesn't actually make the car any more driveable than having a standard key.
dual zone climate control and bi-xenons are just additional features over what you already get on a standard car which is obviously good enough or it wouldn't be able to pass ADR's.

Keyless entry saves weight. No need for lock barrels in the door or steering column and no key on the fob. (What do you mean it's only a tiny amount of weight )

The rest depend on your definition of 'need'.
Dual zone - reduces arguments over cabin temperature
Bi-xenons - provides the ability to see further and better at night, kinda useful when pushing on after dark
Auto lights/wipers - allows you to keep your hands on the wheel during changeable conditions

[Sharkie]

I'd say 80% of GTI drivers are not enthusiasts and buy for a different reason. Thus, as said before most GTIs are very well specced and finding a "base" model is hard.

I like all the features on that ST's list and given that it includes all of that AND is cheaper than a "base" GTI will make it attractive to buy to a wide market. Spec a GTI to that level and it be an easy $10K more ..... and I don't think a GTI is worth $10K more than a Focus ST ....

Personally I don't particulary like its looks, but have bought "ugly" cars before so no biggie.

Bonus is it will likely be more reliable than the GTI in the long run ...... worthwhile alternative option IMO.

[pologti18t]

[Mk3 AAA]

I've got to say... I really like it, if the looks are too out there for you check it out in black it really tones it down, I love the GTI but for me it suffers at the other end of the aesthetic spectrum, it's too dull and predictable or 'safe'... it doesn't go up to 11, it's iPhone 4s, sure it is nice, and there is that quality and chic to it but they're in plague proportions and didn't push the envelope really at all. Ford refined its drivetrains in the last generation of their line-up, and now I think they have some poetic licence to lash out a bit in design and it has done a lot of good for their current range IMHO. The Focus looks great in the flesh and the funky feel carries down into the most basic of base model.

I don't think it's 'Fisher Price', since when did hot hatches have to be grown up and snobby? I dare say you could argue the GTI takes itself too seriously. Again... I still love the GTI, but it would be a tough choice for me.


Although...
*....awaits RS.

[elephino]

I don't have any problems with the purchase of the ST. I won't do it, so my better half tells me - she won't allow me to buy a Ford

[pologti18t]

Initial Brochure

http://www.etheridgeford.com.au/images/stories/pages/news/FOCUS0061_FOCUS_ST_eb_LR.pdf

[kaanage]

There was a write up in Motor Magazine I believe it appears it suffered the same problem as one of the Evo's. It has a sh*t turning circle as well.

That's due to the stupid JUMBO wheels/tyres they come with which foces a rack limiter to be added - the standard Focii don't suffer from this (and the ST wouldn't if it was sensibly spec'd on this)

[VWindahouse]

Wow, same power as a Golf R.

[Sharkie]

Wow, same power as a Golf R.

Yeah Ant, Golf R power for less than a GTI. Good deal I think.

Spec a 6R Polo GTI up and it be the same price (or even more) than the ST. And far less enjoyable to drive .... and the ST is a MANUAL.

[VWindahouse]

Yeah Ant, Golf R power for less than a GTI. Good deal I think.

Spec a 6R Polo GTI up and it be the same price (or even more) than the ST. And far less enjoyable to drive .... and the ST is a MANUAL.

When you're right, your're right mate! Never thought I would actually consider anything like this. And the only paid extra are the premium paint options. Even the Recaros are standard! And Manual too.

It's looking like a total win over the new Polo and Mk6 Golf GTI. However the R's platform is just so tempting to work on!!!

[Sharkie]

However the R's platform is just so tempting to work on!!!

The R's have their own issues .... mainly gbox ... both DSG and manual when you are chasing lots of power ..... better off buying an S3 instead.

[Candyman]

The R's have their own issues .... mainly gbox ... both DSG and manual when you are chasing lots of power ..... better off buying an S3 instead.

Define "lots of power"

The price differential between an R and S3 gives you plenty of room to move in an R before you could even add anything to an S3.

The Ford has a good "young buyer" market.

[kaanage]

A fully kitted manual Edition 35 for the price of a bare bones GTi - what's there to hate?

[Candyman]

It's not an ED35 ?

Just making a crazy observation