2012 Focus ST 2.0L Ecoboost 6-speed manual ST2 package.
I wasn’t on a racetrack, but Mexico is pretty close to it... It was an 8 mile stretch that includes several S turns, one 90 degree turn, and about 4 miles of straight-a-ways.
Overall, 8/10. I loved the feel of the Recaro seats. I’m a 6’1” 200 lb guy and they held me in very securely and fit my body very well. My girlfriend drives a 2012 Focus SEL, and the ST is leaps and bounds past it in handling, comfort and power. I liked the nice little touches, like the “ST” on the lower section of the steering wheel.
I’ve driven SVT and Saleen Foci before, and the ST is not even comparable. The power from the 2.0L Ecoboost is impressive. The engine is really quiet until you hit about 2750 RPMs then it seems to come alive all of a sudden. The center exit exhaust is impressive looking and sounding. The sport tuned suspension absorbs imperfections in the road and also gives a firm feel in curves. There was a slight feeling of body roll, but it was less than I expected.
The brakes were impressive as well. I drove it for about 50 miles and it was pouring down rain. I felt extremely confident in the brakes the entire time, never once was I afraid they wouldn’t hold.
The things I didn’t like about the ST:
1.) The side mirrors are small and make the blindspots that much bigger.
2.) I don’t like front wheel drive cars... If Ford would’ve made it AWD, this would outsell Subaru’s and Mitsubishi’s.
3.) I wish the exhaust was more aggressive sounding in the lower RPM ranges.
4.) The clutch reminds me too much of the 11+ 5.0 clutch. SOFT.
5.) Reverse is dang near impossible to find. You have to pull up on a plastic piece between the shift knob and the boot cover to let the shifter go into reverse.
6.) The wheel choices are soft. They’re too close to regular Foci wheels. The SE Sport Appearance offers a sportier looking wheel.
7.) The grill isn't as aggressive as it looked in magazines and brochures.
Overall, I really enjoyed the car. Would I have one for a daily driver? I would if it was offered in AWD. Like I said definitely an 8 out of 10, if not an 8.5. I would own this before any of its competitors.
I wasn’t on a racetrack, but Mexico is pretty close to it... It was an 8 mile stretch that includes several S turns, one 90 degree turn, and about 4 miles of straight-a-ways.
Overall, 8/10. I loved the feel of the Recaro seats. I’m a 6’1” 200 lb guy and they held me in very securely and fit my body very well. My girlfriend drives a 2012 Focus SEL, and the ST is leaps and bounds past it in handling, comfort and power. I liked the nice little touches, like the “ST” on the lower section of the steering wheel.
I’ve driven SVT and Saleen Foci before, and the ST is not even comparable. The power from the 2.0L Ecoboost is impressive. The engine is really quiet until you hit about 2750 RPMs then it seems to come alive all of a sudden. The center exit exhaust is impressive looking and sounding. The sport tuned suspension absorbs imperfections in the road and also gives a firm feel in curves. There was a slight feeling of body roll, but it was less than I expected.
The brakes were impressive as well. I drove it for about 50 miles and it was pouring down rain. I felt extremely confident in the brakes the entire time, never once was I afraid they wouldn’t hold.
The things I didn’t like about the ST:
1.) The side mirrors are small and make the blindspots that much bigger.
2.) I don’t like front wheel drive cars... If Ford would’ve made it AWD, this would outsell Subaru’s and Mitsubishi’s.
3.) I wish the exhaust was more aggressive sounding in the lower RPM ranges.
4.) The clutch reminds me too much of the 11+ 5.0 clutch. SOFT.
5.) Reverse is dang near impossible to find. You have to pull up on a plastic piece between the shift knob and the boot cover to let the shifter go into reverse.
6.) The wheel choices are soft. They’re too close to regular Foci wheels. The SE Sport Appearance offers a sportier looking wheel.
7.) The grill isn't as aggressive as it looked in magazines and brochures.
Overall, I really enjoyed the car. Would I have one for a daily driver? I would if it was offered in AWD. Like I said definitely an 8 out of 10, if not an 8.5. I would own this before any of its competitors.
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