We have the new Focus ST and a nice empty mountain road.
So this will be fun! But, that also makes it hard to judge this car.
Don't forget about the fierce competition this car has.
I will say this: it is the best diesel hot hatch around.
Yes, this facelifted Focus ST also comes with a diesel engine.
We won't wonder why it's not called STD...
Seat, Peugeot and VW have done similar diesel-powered cars.
Though none of those were really sporty, not even the Golf GTD.
This car is a real ST, it drives just like the petrol version.
This really is the best sporty diesel car in its class.
If you can choose though, get the petrol car, as it's more fun.
More revs, more power - what you want from a sporty car.
It has punch, but you keep shifting and it just doesn't work well.
But if you have to drive a diesel, it's fine.
How does it drive? It has 185 PS and could have used some more.
Why not? Emissions I guess. Though you get some tax benefits with this.
400 Nm is still nice, but it could have benefitted from more power.
What else changed? Lots. I suspect Ford - like Renault - holds back some stuff.
The rear is a bit more at ease. It still oversteers nicely, and no understeer.
Lifting off the throttle results in some nice, gentle oversteer.
This ST is just a better car. Comfort has improved, too.
So, where does this slot in? It's fun, but a Megane RS is more dynamic.
An Astra OPC is more wild, too. Looking forward to the Focus RS.
This has four doors, space in the back and a proper boot - like a GTI.
The Golf VII GTI was better and more relaxed than the previous Focus ST.
Now, this car is both relaxed and wild like any sporty Ford. Which is better?
Hard to say. The Ford is still wild yet very capable. They're close.
Either way, the diesel ST is in a league of its own.
+ Diesel version as sharp as petrol one; Very practical
- Diesel lacks 20-odd PS; Average interior and infotainment