Ford has recently introduced its performance hatchback to the market, building on over a decade of experience and accolades. Will the new Ford Focus ST dethrone the Volkswagen Golf GTi as the reigning champion of hot hatches?

The car's arrival has generated significant buzz, particularly due to its competitive pricing of AED 95,000—a substantial AED 20,000 less than a base Golf GTi. But is this lower price masking an inferior vehicle? Is the Golf GTi about to be outperformed and revealed as an overpriced option?

This, ladies and gentlemen, could be interesting...

Styling

Ford Focus ST Exterior

The Focus ST has a striking appearance that some might describe as "googly-eyed" or reminiscent of a "goldfish." Its gaping grille gives it a shocked expression. While some may argue it mimics Aston Martin's design, it arguably lacks the elegance of the British brand.

Distinctively, the ST has a more aggressive stance compared to its regular counterparts, featuring:

Aggressive bumpers
Side skirts
Nifty Y-spoke alloys
Rear spoiler
Broad central exhaust

Our test car, finished in a subdued silver, may appeal to those who prefer subtlety, but personally, I would want a more vibrant color to stand out in the hot hatch segment, such as the eye-catching yellow seen across Dubai.

Ford Focus ST Side View

While the Focus ST may not win beauty contests, it is distinct, and its five-door design enhances practicality.

Interior Space and Comfort

The five-door design aims to offer ample space, with easy access to the rear seats. However, the front doors are notably small, placing the B-pillar further forward than usual. This design results in an awkward entry, where you slide back into the seat.

The interior features numerous tiny buttons, which can be distracting as you try to adjust settings while driving. Despite this annoyance, the sound system is impressive and likely to be well-received by younger drivers.

Interior Finishing and Technology

Options are limited in the Focus ST, which includes:

Cruise control
Bluetooth connectivity
Automatic headlights

However, the headlights are not xenon, contributing to a less premium feel. A small information screen atop the center console displays outside temperature, air-con settings, and radio stations, but its quality is subpar. The three dials showing boost pressure, oil pressure, and oil temperature appear cheap, and the interior is dominated by plastic, giving it a budget vibe. Features available on other versions, such as self-parking and xenon headlights, are absent from the ST, which likely allows for its lower price point.

Space is adequate for front passengers, but rear seat legroom is limited. Although there are several cubby holes for personal items, the cupholders are not well-sized for larger drinks. Boot space is reasonable, but one might expect more practicality from a five-door vehicle.

The Recaro seats provide excellent support. They may feel snug initially, but they hold you securely during spirited driving. The material used is grippy, ensuring you stay in place. However, the seats do not drop low enough, resulting in a higher seating position that feels less natural for a performance car. In comparison, seats in the Golf and Astra allow for a more optimal driving position. Additionally, the steering wheel's adjustment range is limited, and the pedals are positioned awkwardly, which may affect comfort during extended driving.

Drive Technology and Fuel Economy

Hot hatches are designed for everyday use, and the Focus ST excels in this area. It features a well-weighted clutch with a clear bite point and a precise gear shift. Visibility is excellent, and the car navigates urban environments effortlessly with light steering and simple controls. It remains fuel-efficient, averaging below 10 litres/100km, and can achieve 6-7 litres per 100km on the highway.

The new model is powered by a 2-litre turbo engine, replacing the previous five-cylinder engine. To mimic the old model's distinctive sound, Ford artificially pipes in intake noise, which some may find gimmicky.

Suspension

The suspension strikes a balance between firmness and comfort. While it may not match the Golf's refinement or the Astra OPC's adjustable dampers, it remains comfortable without feeling harsh.

However, the turning radius can be a drawback, as the steering is quick but the wheels lack sufficient rotation, making tight maneuvers a challenge.

Ultimately, this is a Focus ST, and you’re likely more interested in its performance than its fuel efficiency or ride comfort.

Drive Performance

With 252bhp and 360Nm of torque, the Focus ST surprises those who assume its low price indicates a lack of power. It exceeds the MK6 Golf GTi by 45bhp and the latest version by 35bhp.

However, with great power comes notable torque steer. Be prepared for the steering wheel to pull side to side as you accelerate. While this phenomenon adds character to the driving experience, it can also be challenging. The car feels alive, but it requires careful handling to maintain control.

Despite the impressive power figures, the Focus ST doesn't feel overwhelmingly powerful. It provides strong mid-range torque for effortless driving but lacks the top-end punch that the Golf delivers. The brakes, while functional, don't inspire confidence, lacking feel during high-speed braking, which can be unsettling.

Initially, I struggled to connect with the car, but eventually, I discovered its strengths.

High-speed handling isn't the Focus ST's strong suit, as it tends to feel loose at high speeds. However, on tight, twisting roads, it shines. The light steering allows for easy cornering, and the rear end feels adjustable and playful. Despite the lack of a limited-slip differential, the car provides impressive grip and even allows for lift-off oversteer when desired. While feedback from the steering wheel is minimal, the car's behavior is felt through the seat of your pants, creating an exhilarating experience.

And let me reiterate, this car costs just AED 95,000. That's a remarkable deal considering that many D-segment sedans with similar features cost significantly more.

Verdict

The hot hatch market has never been more exciting, with diverse options available to suit every preference. From the blisteringly fast Astra OPC to the highly refined Golf GTi, there’s a hot hatch for everyone. The Focus ST, however, stands out as the best value.

While it may not be the best in its class— a title that still belongs to the Golf for its overall performance— the Focus ST offers an excellent driving experience. The interior, while featuring Recaro seats, feels budget-oriented compared to its competitors. The steering lacks feedback, but the precise gearshift adds to the driving enjoyment.

It serves well as a daily driver without attracting unwanted attention, and on the right roads, it transforms into an absolute thrill. The Focus ST is indeed the bargain of the century and will not leave you disappointed.

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