2013 Ford Focus Reviews

It should have been plain sailing for Ford with the European designed Focus, but it wasn't to be. The introduction of a dual-clutch automatic transmission saw the Focus badge develop a reputation for appalling reliability. Dual-clutch automatics were hailed as a revolution in transmission technology, promising the

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Ford Focus as a used buy.

Despite being a huge success in Europe the Ford Focus hasn't enjoyed the sales success it deserved in Australia. Ford Focus finally first reached Australia in September 2002, several years after its European launch and continues to this day. It comes as no surprise that Ford Focus is truly European in the way it

Holden and Ford have a longstanding rivalry on the race track -- but it's tame compared to the showroom battle.

Small-car buyers have plenty of reasons to welcome the Nissan Pulsar back to their shopping lists. Around 18,990 of them, by our count.That's the driveaway price for the Pulsar sedan and hatch until the end of this month, and it's unlikely to go much higher in 2013 as boatloads of the born-again Japanese small car continue to dock in Australia. Nissan has set a year-end target for deliveries of its born-again baby and is now landing the cars needed to hit the bullseye, with big incentives on several fronts to ensure it happens.The current deal includes on-road costs and a $1000 bonus, labelled as the 'Switch' incentive, but if you drill a little deeper you discover the reality of Nissan's pricing push. It effectively means the Pulsar - if you allow $2000 for on-roads and then add the extra $1000 - is a $15,990 car in Australia at the moment. And that's unbeatable buying.The Pulsar is not the best car in the class, and we think it's a bit dowdy in some areas, but it does the job and a lot of people are coming back to the badge after the unfortunate experience - for Nissan and its customers - with the underdone Tiida. What the Pulsar really means is that any brand with a small car to shift needs to be setting the bar low enough to compete with the new Nissan, both sedan and hatch.We've seen it many times in recent years, back from the 1990s when Hyundai was the first to go big on driveaway pricing with its Excel tiddler and other rushed to join the feeding frenzy. It's been the same more recently with five-year warranties and capped-price servicing, which are both intended to give customers a benefit that doesn't affect the car's resale value while also giving them certainty on their purchase.Not long ago, baby cars like the Hyundai i20 were pegged at $15,000 and $19,990 became the default setting for small cars. Toyota admitted as much last year when it landed its all-new Corolla and priced it just below the psychological barrier at $20,000.But the Nissan push has driven down the transaction prices - the level at which cars are really sold, not advertised and definitely not the Recommended Retail Price - considerably below the $19,900 level before on-roads or the near-essential automatic gearbox that drives the deal closer to $25,000.If you scan the advertising over the past month it's easy to find driveaway rivals at $18,990, including the Ford Focus, with most small cars now pitched with an on-road price at $19,990. We've compiled our list of contenders using the RRP because there is always going to be some sort of sales incentive, so keep a sharp lookout and watch for the day when your first choice goes on sale.Best of all for buyers, the price genie is now out of the bottle and - as Nissan continues to push the Pulsar - there will be deals through to the end of 2013 and probably well into next year. And beyond.Holden Cruze Price: from $19,490 Output: 1.8-litre four, 104kW/176Nm; 5-spd manual/6-spd auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.0L/100kmThe surprise packet this year, as a seemingly-minor facelift makes the locally-made Cruze a better drive with more class. Now a car you definitely recommend to friends, especially with a tasty starting price.Hyundai i30Price: from $20,990Output: 1.8-litre petrol four, 110kW/178Nm; 6-spd manual and auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 6.5L/100kmAs good as the Toyota Corolla for comfort and class, but better as a value deal and definitely the one to benchmark in this class. The former Carsguide COTY winner has always been good buying, too.Ford FocusPrice: from $20,290 Output: 1.6-litre four, 92kW/159Nm; 5-spd manual/6-spd auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 6.2L/100kmThe best driving car in the class thanks to a tight chassis, although the 1.6-litre base engine is nothing special and nowhere near the fun factor providing by the turbo in the 2-litre ST. A sensible choice, although the dashboard is a confusing miss-match of switches.Nissan Pulsar Price: from $24,990 Output: 1.8-litre four, 96kW/174Nm; 6-spd manual, CVT auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 6.7L/100kmA lot of people have been waiting for the Pulsar to return and it's a solid contender, not an outright leader. Quiet and comfy, for sure, but not as good as some of its rivals. But Nissan has big ambitions for the Pulsar and it's the leader on dollar deals.BUYING SECONDHANDThere was a time, for a very long time, when a Toyota Corolla was the automatic choice for anyone looking to buy their first car. That drove up secondhand prices and helped provide plenty of willing buyers who graduated to a Corolla for their first new car. But not now.The first Japanese baby car to really hit the sweet spot in Australia has been overtaken by compact contenders from South Korea and the Hyundai i30 is the current Carsguide choice for savvy secondhand shopping. A Corolla might look good, and plenty of people still recommend them, but their prices are artificially inflated by their history in Australia.The i30 matches the Corolla in most areas including comfort and economy, and is bulletproof reliable. But it's smarter buying and you can get an equivalent car, or something newer or with fewer kilometres, than you would spend on an equivalent Corolla. What makes the i30 more enticing is the five-year warranty, which means buying near-new at around $15,000 can provide a car that still has the remainder of the manufacturer's cover.If you're spending more, or intent on a diesel engine for long-distance driving, the i30 ticks that box. And there is also an i30 wagon, in a class where SUVs have virtually exterminated the once-popular baby station wagon. 

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

People have the wrong idea about this car. It's not a direct competitor for the Renault Megane RS250, Astra OPC nor the VW Scirocco.It's close but not as hard edged. Think the previous Focus XR5 and you're close to the money though the new ST is a sportier drive and has more sting in the tail. Golf GTi springs to mind but the Ford has a lot more grunt.It also has torque steer (momentary loss of directional control in the steering) when you boot the throttle that causes the ST to wriggle around like a worm on a hook.There's no clever "RevoKnuckle" independent steering axis system on the ST instead, straight line control is down to a torque vectoring electronic system.It's partially successful and we have to admit, once you get the hang of it, the problem isn't as pronounced. In fact, you can use it to advantage cornering by letting the car pull you through. Takes a bit of getting used to though.Where the Focus ST has an advantage is in the price at $38,290 - about five grand under the others and those extra doors come in handy-up. To get the ST Ford essentially did a hot-up job on Focus - pinched the EcoBoost engine out of Mondeo and Falcon, enhanced it, lowered the car, fitted lower and firmer suspension with bigger wheels, bigger brakes, body kit.It's all text book stuff. There's more kit too, including satnav, premium audio, Bluetooth phone and audio, LED running lights, Recaro seats with partial leather upholstery, a super steering wheel with multi controls and a reverse camera among the generous feature list.The engine is a 2.0-litre four pot with direct injection, turbo charging and variable cam timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. No wonder it achieves a handy 184kW/360Nm output and can even drink lower octane 91RON fuel though premium fully unleashes the beasts.That's enough to propel the small/medium size hatch from 0-100kmh in a sharpish 6.5 seconds while sipping fuel at an average of 7.4-litres/100km. But the turning circle is atrocious often requiring four point turns in relatively wide streets.The drive experience is excellent with plenty of grip from the big Goodyears and strong stopping power from the large diameter discs. It sits flat through corners and has an overtly sporty feel - just what you want from a hot hatch.The exhaust note is strident aided by possibly the best designed dual tailpipe around short of a Boxster. We found the car easy to live with especially with folding rear seats, a decent boot and easy rear seat access.The seats hold you tight in corners and offer plenty of adjustment for the long haul. We would suggest it's a four seater and not five. The two mode stability control offers normal and sport which is all you need.Some neat touches include the capless fuel filler hidden on near the right tail light, the xenon headlights and auto wipers and lights. Not bad sound either from the Sony system.

The best -- the smartest -- buying of any car type is surely the hot hatch. Please banish any image of young miscreants in children's headwear driving Japanese derived and horribly enhanced doof doof doofus devices.Since the 2005 edition of Volkswagen's Golf GTI, a sum of some $40k will buy you a hatch with the family capacity of most of the small SUVs to which we're hopelessly addicted, but possessed of driving dynamics to rival sports cars priced in triple figures.The trick  -- and it's a neat one -- is to take an inexpensive, mass produced five door shopping trolley and imbue it with performance dynamics without forsaking daily driveability.The best -- and we argue Ford's Focus ST is just that -- are a sublime blend of mild and wild.A tag of $38,290 for a five door (four for passengers, one for their stuff) is sound enough. At this price or more some have only three portals. The standard kit quotient pushes the ST into the terrain of the exceptional Recaro sports seats, dual-zone climate control, heated and folding exterior mirrors, automatic bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming rear vision mirror and rain-sensing wipers.Satnav is no extra, albeit on a smallish screen. Nor are the nine (count 'em) speakers, Bluetooth, flash pedals and keyless entry/ignition. Although manufacture of Australian issue Focii last year shifted to Thailand, the ST remains a Euro Ford.The foundations are, of course, the small car class-leading Focus hatch, most of which run a naturally breathing 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The ST uses the turbo-charged Ecoboost found variously in the Falcon, Jaguar XF and Volvo S60, here tuned to a formidable 184kW/360Nm.That's some way above the GTI, though the Ford is but a few tenths quicker from 0-100km/h at 6.5 seconds. The Ford is also to be had only with a six-speed manual, which restricts its appeal to people who like driving.That experience is enhanced by variable-ratio steering of almost alarming directness. It's equally adept in the carpark as when hooking hard and fast through a favoured open road bend. And that process is lent surety by the torque vector on the front axle that counters the dreaded understeer and goes far toward removing the need for (and extra weight entailed by) driving the rear wheels too.Ford can't quite crack the upper market interior thing. The ST's cockpit is a bit meh, behind most competitors, especially the plush innards of Opel's Astra OPC. The bum-gripping Recaros serve well the ST's remit, but the instrumentation and centre stack of lesser models are no less frantic here. There's a plethora of readouts between the dials, but no digital speedo -- an annoyance of the milder models, a problem in the ST.You won't lose it in carpark though, especially not in the signature yellow you see here. The hot hatch enhancements aren't subtle, nor are they too much. It sits lower than a normal Focus on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 Goodyear rubber. The buckets eat a bit of rear leg room but not its four door facility. At 316 litres the boot's about par.Rear parking sensors and reversing camera are the cherries atop the five star safety cake. These are optional in the GTI and Renault Megane 265. They shouldn't be.It's an almost pleasant surprise when, under hard acceleration, you feel playful tugging through the ST's steering wheel -- otherwise it's refined and well-mannered.This is also one of least laborious manuals you'll drive, summoning all its torque early and smoothly to pull away like a diesel sans the turbo lag that more obviously affects oilers. Nor will you be easily caught out of gear; at just north of idle the ST pulls cleanly in fourth. Only an elephantine turning circle compromises it around town.It's in those ever more difficult to find moments of open road enjoyment that the fast Focus shines. This is the most smartly tuned suspension of any hot hatch in its ability to ride rougher roads without denuding sporting aptitude. Exceptional front end grip and razor sharp turn-in make it the front drive corner carver par excellence.The rival Renault is rightly exalted and just that bit more adept, but I'd rather live with the Focus. Competition is ferocious and about to become more so. For now, however, the ST is our hot hatch choice. Nothing else so smoothly blends driveability, practicality and the ability to induce smiles.

The ST is Ford's first “global” performance car and will be sold in more than 40 countries. Built in Germany the ST is up against some stiff competition, but it's got the right pedigree and commands plenty of respect.There will be no shortage of punters lining up to get their hands on the hot hatch, a long and eagerly awaited replacement for the XR5 Turbo. Although known as the XR5 here, it was actually the ST overseas.Launched in 2006, Ford has sold almost 6000 of the cars here, priced at $35,990. The XR5's turbocharged 2.5-litre five cylinder engine was good for 166kW/320Nm and it did the dash from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds. The new one is 40kg lighter and is cheaper, faster and better equipped.Just the one model, with the one engine, one transmission and one suspension tune, priced from $38,290. Satnav is standard but it's a small display and does not provide speed camera warnings. There's no option to display the car's speed digitally either.Ford makes a big deal of the Microsoft based Sync system in this and others models. The problem is that's not fully functional in this country and really provides only Bluetooth, with audio streaming and voice control. The Sony audio system boasts nine speakers.If anything the styling is understated. The car sits 10mm lower than a standard Focus, with ST tuned sports suspension, a body kit and rear wing, LEDs, bi-xenon lights and Boxster style twin centrally mounted tailpipes.It rides on 18 inch wheels with 235/40 series Goodyear tyres, that protrude further than the rim providing some protection from gutter scrapes. Sadly, though, unlike the XR5, there's no GT stripes available at least not for the time being.Comes in a range of colours, but the standout is by far and away the hero Tangerine “Learner plate” yellow from where we're standing. The cabin has eye catching colour-coded, part leather Recaro sports seats (front and back). But the multi-layered dash is perhaps a little bit too busy and can be confusing until you become familiar with the position of the various functions.It's basically the same 2.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged, direct injection engine from Mondeo and the Falcon, but in a different state of tune with some bits added and others replaced.The end result is an engine that kicks out 184kW of power at 5500 revs and 360Nm of torque from 2000 revs, with drive to the front wheels through a trick diff.The turbocharged four is paired with a short-shifting 6-speed manual with lockout reverse (there's no auto). The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 248km/h. Fuel consumption from the 62-litre tank is 7.4 litres/100km and it takes premium unleaded.Gets a full five stars for safety, with six airbags and a host of safety features including a reversing camera.The sports hatch segment is fiercely competitive and there will be plenty of people out there comparing the figures. Suffice to say the Focus ST looks the part and is a treat to drive, with a sporty, attention-getting exhaust note. The ST sits securely on the road, with a low centre of gravity and desirable "planted" feel.It features variable ratio electric power assisted steering and torque vectoring to provide added traction in corners. There's some squirm as the front wheels scrabble for traction on takeoff, but that's only to be expected. The clutch and gear change are smooth and easy to use, but some drivers complained that the centre console snagged their elbow.The ride is thankfully not too soft, even though it is engineered for global tastes and the more you drive the car the more confidence in its grip and cornering ability grows rounding up nicely on the other side of corners. The stability system has sport and off modes and the steering weights up as the car's speed increases. Braking is strong and progressive, with 320mm front stoppers that have been upgraded.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, found in a range of Blue Oval products from the Fiesta light car to the Falcon large family sedan, deserves more attention than it is getting from the Australian car buying public.Truly a technological tour de force, the EcoBoost engine in all its capacities - the 1.0-litre version won the 2012 International Engine of the Year award - has matched performance and fuel efficiency in a manner unchallenged by most rivals. Now with the latest model to make use of the system – the Focus halo car, the ST – maybe all that is about to change.Built in Germany, the $38,290 Ford Focus ST is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty and Ford’s capped price servicing. Ford is shouting loudly about its SYNC connectivity system; advanced software, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, that enhances Bluetooth and voice control of a number of systems.Voice commands are more elaborate than before and can be used to make phone calls or select music from a digital media player. With automatic phonebook downloading, hands need not leave the multi-function steering wheel and eyes the road ahead. However, while using this system the Ford driver may not be concentrating fully on their driving, thus increasing the chances of a crash.Making use of Ford’s EcoBoost technology, the Focus ST - for Sport Technologies, or Sports Tuning, whichever Ford info you read - is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 184 kW of power and 360 Nm of torque.A new electrical system takes power steering to a new level. At low speeds maximum power is on hand, gradually reducing on acceleration, feedback becoming more direct and steering wheel turn trimmed for the equivalent direction change. Torque steer, although managed to some extent, can sneak up on the driver under acceleration close to the limit.In full sports car operation the Focus ST is capable of the sprint to 100 kilometres per hour from standstill in 6.5 seconds. However, as befits a vehicle of the carbon counting era, the car has an Eco mode which helps the driver work efficiently with gear changes, anticipation of traffic conditions and at speeds on highways. A display, using up to five petals (the most efficient), scores the driver for fuel efficiency.   If EcoBoost has been hidden, the same cannot be said about the ST packaging, which has an unmistakable look about it. The car immediately presents its sporty credentials with a black trapezoidal grille incorporating red ‘ST’, bi-xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights plus static cornering lights. Side skirts, a bold rear roof-mounted spoiler and centrally located twin tailpipes bring down the curtain on the complete hot hatch.A five-seater, keyless entry opens the door to an ST cabin with soft-touch surroundings; always a sign of quality. Occupants can settle into body-hugging bespoke Recaro seats covered in black leather with contrasting tongues of material matching the car’s exterior colour.Up front, seat features include length adjustment and cushion tilt, while an all-new rear bench, made with special foam, makes sure passenger comfort is not compromised. Legroom and headroom are good in the back and front. Leather trim extends to the multifunction steering wheel, and gear and handbrake levers. As well as a range of standard instruments and dials, sport-style gauges, on top of the dash, monitor turbo boost, and oil pressure and temperature.Going backwards, a crystal clear full-colour image projected on a 5-inch screen on the central dashboard, together with guidelines, helps show the way. The screen is also home to sat nav info and maps. The suspension is fully in harmony with the active safety features of the car, having upgraded shock absorbers and springs, which lower the chassis by 10mm compared to other Focus models.The rear suspension additionally has also been revised with a number of new parts developed specially for the Focus ST, which rolls on 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Tyres with deflation detection. The package has resulted in the vehicle earning a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Accelerator pedal pressure is the key to a crescendo of under-bonnet sound designed to stir the driving enthusiast’s soul. The sharp action of the stubby gearstick – optimised by the dash-mounted shift indicator – is matched by the take-up of the clutch; it’s either in or out, there’s little leeway here.Brakes on the test car took time to get to grips with, being as sharp and attentive to pedal movement as the clutch. Alloy pedal covers cash in on the ST’s sporting nature. An unusually wide 12-metre turning circle for a car of this class resulted in some frustrating to-ing and fro-ing in limited parking areas.