Relieved by a car that's involving to drive - Ford Focus

It’s January 2024 and many of the test cars I drive these days are Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Apart from the fact that none do anywhere close to their published range, they are pretty dull to drive. 

I had a family medical emergency this week and was so happy to have a petrol-powered Ford Focus available. No range anxiety and if I needed to re-fuel (I didn’t as range was over 750km)  it would take five minutes, not 40 and that's if you were lucky enough to find an available charger. No added stress in an already stressful situation!

So it’s a real pity that Ford will soon drop the Focus. Ford wants to concentrate on larger (read more profitable) cars and to pursue their move to full electrification. This week I am testing the facelift Focus ST-X, a car on the endangered species list at Ford.

So has it any street cred?

Distinctive 18-inch “Exclusive” alloys, dual exhaust outlets, red brake callipers and a neat rear spoiler are the only real clues that this is no ordinary Focus. So in some respects, it's almost too demure. For my money, it could differentiate itself a bit better from the rest of the Focus range.

What’s it like inside?

The same can be said of the interior. The cabin is pretty much that of a standard Focus until you look more closely and notice the leather-clad sports seats, the red colour-coded stitching, and the rather large diameter multi-function sports steering wheel.

The ST is well kitted out including Ford SYNC 4 with a 12.3 inch colour touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, Ford’s Head Up Display,  Adaptive Front Lighting System, Evasive Steering Assist, power heated folding door mirrors; Ford Co-pilot,  keyless start, wireless charge pad, adaptive cruise control including speed limit function, heated seats and steering wheel, blind spot warning, and enhanced park assist. Pretty comprehensive!

The driving position is excellent, you sit low in the car giving the driver a more involved feel in the driving experience.

What is under the bonnet?

This ST is really more of a sporty styling exercise than a “hot hatch”. Power comes from a 1.0 litre Eco boost 3-cylinder  petrol mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox. With just 123bhp on tap its no pocket rocket but it actually goes better than you might imagine. I did find performance adequate enough except overtaking which certainly requires some careful planning at it lacks any mid-range punch. It's economical though burning just 6.1 litres per 100km and costs just €200 to tax for a year.

What is it like to drive?

The suspension set up is a lovely blend between firm enough for great handling but not unduly so as to be uncomfortable. In fact, I’d say it's just about perfect. The Focus ST was never unsettled regardless of the road surface.  Grip is tenacious whether on wet or dry roads. The steering is beautifully weighted and the powerful brakes provide reassuring stopping power.

This really is a fun car to drive despite its comparatively low power. The combination of a winning suspension set-up and terrific handling really make this Focus ST a joy to hustle along a twisty road.

Verdict

With the boom in SUV popularity, most of which are pretty boring to drive, a low-slung hatchback like the Focus ST is the perfect antidote for those who actually enjoy driving. If your looking for a practical hatchback, that is superb equipped and that is really a truly rewarding car to drive the the latest Focus ST-X is for you. 

Prices start at €32,000 while the model tested costs €37,000.