Ford Focus ST170 2.0i 16V Duratec ST VVT

Ford were somewhat slow off the mark to introduce a performance model into the Focus range after its launch. In fact, it was nearly four years into its life when the ST170 arrived in 2002. Based on the American Focus SVT, the ST170 comes with a 168bhp 2.0 engine and six-speed Getrag gearbox. In true fast Ford style, it also features 17" alloy wheels, larger bumpers and subtle extra fittings inside. It was enough to make me buy one new in 2003. And over the year I run it, the ST was a enjoyable car to own. Once the engine had run in, and the gearbox - which was so tight from new was almost ... more

I am a loyal Ford Owner and my fella currently has a Ford Focus ST170 03 reg and as I am now insured I feel I can comment on the perfomance of this car and wow what a performance it gives. The Ford Focus ST170 can be easily distinguished from the standard Ford Focus with 17" alloy wheels, colour co-ordinated bumpers and bodyside mouldings, Xenon headlights that incorporate the indicator, a unique feature offered on the ST170 model. There is a high level rear mounted tailgate spoiler to the car with integrated brake light and rear washer jet. 70mm exhaust with muffler and chrome finish again ... more

I've had mine for around 2.5 years now. Handling is great - very positive, and good fun when pushed. Straight-line performance is a touch below similar others (e.g. Civic Type 'R', Seat Leon Cupra Sport) but cornering is astonishing - you can fairly easily get controllable lift-off oversteer, which I wouldn't recommend on public roads. Fuel economy is distinctly average - I get around 27mpg driving in an average manner (not grandad or boy racer). Wheels are a nightmare to clean (as another reviewer said) but a cheap little wheel brush from Tesco helps a fair bit. The compromise between running ... more

Having owned a 1.8 Zetec for a year I decided that a change was needed as it had over 160,000 miles on the clock and I had already placed 20,000 on her. I looked at several cars and was unimpressed with value for money until I saw a 2003 Focus ST170 in black. This car stood out with its 17" multi spoke alloys, lowered stance and Xenon headlamps, so much so, that I investigated further. Sure enough the interior didnt scream "different" but the half leather seats, full climate control and 6 disc in dash CD player was enough to give it a small "wow". After test driving the car it was clear this ... more

The ST170 might handle great but when it comes to acceleration it is a true let down, from 0 - 2500 rpms there is not enough power, but when 2500rpms have been reached it is then and only then that the car starts to perform. don't get me wrong it is a nice car and fun to drive, I just expected this car to have a lot more poke when you hit the throttle, fuel consumption wise it does seem to drink alot of fuel, to tell you the truth, to a full tank of fuel you can only expect to get about 170 miles to the tank with day to day driving, but when you take this car on the motorway and the 6th gear ... more