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 unusable for 500 miles - I found the performance to be more than enough for daily use. There are faster rivals, and whilst the 2.0 engine never felt like it was delivering all 168 horses, it was certainly enough to make me confident in all driving situations.
Like all modern Fords, the Focus was blessed with a terrific chassis and the ST takes things a step further. The steering and suspension was only changed very slightly - a sign of how good the standard car is - and it shows. There was never any sign of understeer when pushing hard, which meant you could just thread the car along the road at speed. Amazingly, this wasn't at the expense of admirable ride comfort for a car with firm suspension and large wheels. What the ST lacks in engine punch it more than makes up for in the handling stakes.
I was lucky enough to buy an ex-showroom display model, which meant it came with almost every factory option, including such luxuries as a full leather Recaro interior, Xenon lighting, climate control, a stereo upgrade, parking sensors, sunroof and rear spoiler - plus loads more. Inside then was a great place to be! Enough toys to keep many amused, but then again, the heated seats were a boon in winter and climate controlled air conditioning was equally relaxing in summer. Twin and side airbags, plus switchable traction control and ABS provides excellent safety. It's also secure, with a Thatcham Category 1 interior scanning alarm and deadlocking.
Over the year, two faults developed which needed a trip back to the Ford dealer. The first was an ECU warning lamp that turned out to be a failed exhaust sensor, and the power steering pump was always noisy and changed at the first service, when it was found to be leaking. I have also read stories from some owners of older 2002 cars (02 and 52 plate) which had more faults. Most will be fine, but if you can buy a later model, so much the better.
Fuel economy was a surprise bonus. The official government figure was 31.0 mpg on the combined cycle, but measuring it myself I easily made 35-37 mpg and as much as 370 miles out of one tankful. The tall gearing, particularly with 6th for cruising, obviously helped. It also depreciated much more slowly than other Focus models - I paid just under £15k new and sold it for £11k some 15 months later.
Overall, I'd heartily recommend the ST170. For the hardcore enthusiast, the Civic Type-R might be a better choice, but I doubt it would come close to the ST in terms of all-round driveability and running costs.
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Very good review, I've recently bought one and it's good to know someone else thinks it's as good as I do
eldergill 16.08.2005 12:26
Nice review. I just sold mine, but I loved this car! Unfortunately, not suitable for a new baby as I only had 3 doors.
Connoisseur_Haggler 05.11.2004 22:48
Hey ST170! I see a lot of these and I'm always racing them as I know they have the same power as my car (I have 170 horses too!) This is the petrol version, theres a TDi vesrion too, right? I maybe interested in that if the fuel economy is good as well as a reasonable performance. Really useful review, especially on what faults were found and fixed. -CH (Motors Category Asst.)
Oct 24th, 2004
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