FORD FOCUS ST - 2002
By Steve Bell, Wednesday June 4, 2008
Ford’s RS moniker is recognised globally. Although more popular in Europe, it hasn’t always had and easy ride. Insurance premuims rocketed in the late 90s thanks to the rise in car thefts. This ultimately killed all hot hatches, and buried Ford’s famous RS moniker. They tried to fill the gaps, but the market slumped. In 2002 Ford announced that they would be reviving the famous Rally Sport name along with a new sub-brand: Sport Technologies (ST). Visually, the MK1 Focus ST isn’t what I would call exciting, even though there’s plenty on offer. There’s no doubt that you can spot one from twenty paces, however, it shouts more aftermarket add-on than factory standard. Even so, the ST comes with a handsome set of 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, lowered and tweaked suspension, a sports exhaust system, intergrated fog lights set into a modest front bumper and, tinted headlight covers. With that said, it’s not a bad looking car even if Ford are reluctant to shout it from the roof tops.
Interior: Ford combined the superb Recaro seats with a leather trim option, something that harks back to the Sierra Sapphire and Escort RS Cosworth 3. There aren’t many on the used car market in this spec, nevertheless, you won’t be paying for the privilage if you do plenty of research. Otherwise the standard ST is fitted with half leather, half cloth sports seats which are still comfortable for short and long journeys. White instrument dials are just about your lot for a supposed, racier package, but thankfully, air conditioning is standard, as is all the usual toys expected with a modern hatch. The fully adjustable steering wheel and drivers seat combination adjusts for a great driving position, and being based on the somewhat spacious Focus, rear passengers won’t be short changed for the comprimises of your alter ego.
Engine: Unfortunately, the classic recipe of turbochargers and dump valves aren’t on the menu. However, the tweaked 2.0-litre Cosworth tuned lump is impressively flexible. Get a clean getaway and the ST will sprint to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. Ford claim a top speed of 134mph, something I didn’t try on my test, still, 170bhp and 144lb/ft of torque is more than sufficient to give plenty of immediate mid-range punch. The highly-strung 6-speed close ratio Getrag gearbox can make the ST very droney when pressing on, with motorway work becoming extremely tiresome with the engine booming away high up in the rev range. With that said, when you first get moving and test its fiery performance, you do momentarily question if there is a small turbo lurking under the bonnet. Overall, the Focus ST is a proper performer and has plenty of mid-range, and straight line speed keeping you going back for more.
Handling: Ford have also tuned the ST to handle extremely well, too. Although the suspension has been fractionally lowered, the ride isn’t as hard as sitting on concrete blocks. Yes, the suspension is firm, but it is very liveable. Town work is forgiving, but try to avoid mile deep potholes. Nevertheless, the low profile tyres give superb front-wheel-drive grip, whilst the steering is very well weighted feeling meaty and crisp carving through a favourite Sunday morning drive. Despite carrying more and more speed through cornering, the ST will always remain poised. It’s very difficult to get it to understeer as the chassis will dial most of that out, but it is wonderfully flexible and body roll is virtually non existant. There is enough lean to keep the ST balanced 90 percent of the time, and the whole experience is up there with a bunch of current, more up to date hot hatches.
Overal: Ford haven’t really had an easy ride especially with quality, and although newer models have plenty of gremlins to keep frustrating owners busy, the key is to buy a three year old, 30-40K mile car. That way nearly all of the manufacturer recalls, quality issues and major mechanical problems have been rectified. The Focus ST isn’t much to look at, but saying that, don’t be put off. It’s available both in 2 and 5-door spec, and with a large practical cabin and decent boot space, it’s both a hot hatch and proper family car. With good trading prices you can pick up a Focus ST for as little as £4000. Although it has several small flaws, you’ll be hard pressed to find something else that offers excellent performance, great handling, and brilliant practicality, all rolled into one.
Summary:
Ride 2/5: The suspension is tuned for handling rather than comfort. It’s no softie but, it will deliver a fair and liveable experience.
Perfomance 4/5: Make no mistake, it’s a quick car despite the low performance figures in comparison to more up to date hot hatches.
Handling 4/5: Although it’s 6 years old, the ST handles brilliantly urging you to do drive more miles than is necessary.
Desirability 3/5: It’s not going at the top of everyones hot hatch list. But it should be. A real, proper contender.
Exterior 3/5: Although it has been tuned by Cosworth, it doesn’t reflect that from the outiside. Too modest for my liking.
Interior 3/5: The interior is very bland, even with white instrument dials and fine seats. It is very spacious and practicable, though.
Toys 3/5: Who needs i-Drive and cruise control when you’ve got an exciting car to drive everyday.
Reliability 3/5: You’re best off with a 30-40K mile example. This means less headache as any gremlins should of already been rectified earlier in the cars’ life. The engine doesn’t have any major faults, but owners report more electrical issues than anything else: Electric windows, central locking, alarm/immobiliser being repetitive problems.
Service 4/5: Fords affordable service prices make the ST easy on the wallet. Best to go to reputable independent specialists, and save even more.
Ford dealer customer satisfaction 2/5: Ford aren’t known for great customer service. Complaints of high service prices and work not being completed on time, so you’re probably best off going to a independent specialist.
Service schedule: Every 12,000 miles / £120.00 est. Major service every 60,000 miles / £350.00 est.
Hourly labour rate: Independent specialist £45.00. Ford dealer £75.00
Tyres: 215/45 ZR 17 £55.00 / £85.00.
Brakes: Discs £45.00 / £60.00 per set. Pads £28.00 / £36.00 per set. Brake shoes £28.00 / £45.00.
Exhaust: Complete inc catalyst £360.00 / £480.00. Rear £120.00 / £155.00.
Clutch: Complete £370.00 / £595.00.
Insurance: 34 year old male, living in Berkshire, full 5 years no-claims bonus, £250.00 excesss, fully comprehensive, car parked on driveway, 12,000 miles per year: £328.65.
Direct Line
Vehicle spec:
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4 cyl
Power: 170bhp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 144lb ft
Top speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 7.9 sec
Price as tested: £6900
Useful links:
Auto Trader
Focus ST Owners Club
ST Owners Club
Ford ST Owners Club
AUTO REVIEW online rates this car 
