Ford Focus ST (2006 - 2010) 2.5 ST-2 5d Owner Review

Having previously owned a Focus 1.6 Mk1 and loving the chassis, I found myself rueing its total absence of power after doing a trackday in a variety of exotic cars. I knew I wanted similar handling characteristics for a replacement so the ST was the sensible option for my budget - and quickly became the only car I would consider using to replace my first car. I'll get the bad points out of the way first. It's costing me a fortune to run. Tyres are expensive, insurance is astronomical (although bear in mind I did have an accident in my first car) and the economy is, for lack of a better word, embarrassing - it's a constant source of jokes among friends. It spends a lot of time not going very far in rush hour traffic though. Despite this, I would not consider owning anything else unless it's pushing at least another 150 bhp. It can easily be mapped to match an RS and for much less than buying that model - it's also much better looking. Why? The handling is simply outrageous for a front drive car of this power, it grips until the end of the earth. The traction control is not intrusive but reigns you in when needs be (although it can be quite violent if you've never owned a car with it before). The steering is communicative and weighty - and if you don't like it you can change it. I leave it in comfort for commuting and switch over to sport mode for B-roads and the like. I can't imagine a 'sensible' car that's more fun to drive unless it's a BMW M. The engine is great fun. It never feels sluggish and makes a sensational noise. It still makes me giggle 6 months later. The turbo doesn't kick in very quickly but there's no noticeable lag and once it's engaged it absolutely flies. I hold on to gears much longer than I should (probably another reason for that economy figure...) It does some practical stuff as well, the Recaros are so comfy and supportive it's unreal and the sound system packs a surprising punch. With the addition of a Bluetooth kit to replace the useless and badly placed AUX input I have no problem taking it on long motorway treks either. In case it isn't apparent, I absolutely love the car, reliability problems only extend to badly fitted tyres from a certain national chain and a broken fuel filler cap because I'm a bit of an idiot and ripped it off by accident... It's going in for alignment soon too as it doesn't seem especially fond of speed bumps, even though I take them at a sensible speed (this is probably the most sensibly driven ST out there, I'm still quite scared of it!). It looks stunning. It drives pretty much perfectly. It's overtaking ability is astonishing. Famous last words; but I don't plan on ever replacing it unless I have no alternative! It's only my bank balance that disagrees...