Just test driven ... the Focus ST

Ev0 · 21 Jan 2006 at 20:39

More interesting will be what happens to the old RS, their prices are still hanging around the 15k mark on average. While they are a very competant car and some might say more focused (no pun intended!) due to the lsd are people really going to pay a premium for an RS when the ST will be the same price second hand very soon?

I hope not as I'd love an RS

unclelonghair · 21 Jan 2006 at 21:30

the 2.5l turbo is a cracking engine - Ford made a wise choice pinching it from Volvo.

I just drove home 170 miles after picking up a Volvo S40 T5 SE. It's quite happy to cruise along comfortably, but as soon as you put your foot down there is instant power, without having to change down. Drop a couple of gears and it takes off...
Managed to average a very respectable 35mpg or so as well.

Hilly · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:10

PMKeates said:
The car will be accelerating at its fastest rate at between 1600rpm and 4000rpm, so at 4.5k the cars acceleration should be slowing down!

I reckon the growling makes it seem like it's accelerating faster.

The car at 4.5k does give an extra boost, you definatly feel it. It's not something i can describe right without showing someone. Red line is 7, but change just before that. I can't tell you how fun it is to drive. Pop down to Telford and i shall take you out in it

PMKeates · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:15

hilly said:
The car at 4.5k does give an extra boost, you definatly feel it. It's not something i can describe right without showing someone. Red line is 7, but change just before that. I can't tell you how fun it is to drive. Pop down to Telford and i shall take you out in it

It might be that the CVVT makes a bit of a noticeable adjustment at around that rpm, so the delivery feel is a bit of a shock - although CVVT is meant to avoid that

Hilly · 21 Jan 2006 at 22:31

perhaps. I'm not a techie so can't explain it. But can tell you how it drives

The noise is the thing you won't believe. Ignore the **** video which was posted lat week !

Coco · 22 Jan 2006 at 14:05

nam said:
that's a good point being a ST i guess depreciation will be slower than other fords

Ev0 said:
More interesting will be what happens to the old RS, their prices are still hanging around the 15k mark on average.

The ST will depreciate at a greater rate than the RS.
The RS holds strong because of the branding & limited numbers. The ST can be argued as being the 'better' car, but without the RS badge & being sold in such high numbers & the ST1 being available to buy brand new very cheaply, all work against it in maintaining its value.

In one year's time AutoTrader will be swamped with '05 Asbo Orange ST1/2's with 10-15k on the clock for £14/15k.

Ev0 · 22 Jan 2006 at 17:58

Coco said:
The ST will depreciate at a greater rate than the RS.
The RS holds strong because of the branding & limited numbers. The ST can be argued as being the 'better' car, but without the RS badge & being sold in such high numbers & the ST1 being available to buy brand new very cheaply, all work against it in maintaining its value.

In one year's time AutoTrader will be swamped with '05 Asbo Orange ST1/2's with 10-15k on the clock for £14/15k.

True, but I still thiknk prices will take a bit of a hit as even though the scarcity of the will probably keep prices relatively higher than an ST, a lot of the general public will go for an ST over an RS leaving the RS in a kind of collector limbo if prices don't fall.

But saying that look at the old escort cosworth prices, still lots of cash (I know the cars aren't the same but you get what I mean).