New vs old: Ford Focus ST

If you?re in the market for a new performance hatchback, your decision as to which model to plump for just got that little bit harder. The new Ford Focus ST is finally available in UK dealerships, and it?s spoiling for a fight with the very talented Renaultsport Megane 250, Vauxhall Astra VXR and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

There has been a certain weight of expectation on this new model ? not only because Ford of Britain?s history is littered with iconic examples of affordable performance masterpieces, but also because the first ST was a very complete package, offering grown-up levels of practicality and refinement, combined with prodigious power and pace. It was also the first model in Ford?s ?ST? line-up, which was aimed as a middle ground between the work-a-day diesel versions and the extreme performance of the later RS models. Ford certainly had their work cut out to deliver as well rounded a car with the new model.

Today the first generation Focus ST is available from as little as ?5,000, which makes it a seriously tempting proposition. Particularly compared to the ?21,995 entry price of the new car. So, should you blow your cash buying new, or make a significant saving by going second hand? Will you be missing out by not having the latest engines and tech? Time to find out?

Read our expert review on the first generation Ford Focus ST
Find out about the all new Ford Focus

Performance and running costs

The biggest difference between the two models is undoubtedly the engines they use. The old car has a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder from Volvo. Slightly larger than the 2.0-litre units found in rivals, it has masses of pulling power, giving it a more muscular, effortless feel. That unusual cylinder count also produces a characterful, bassy exhaust note, which only added to the ST?s individualistic charm.

The downside was a startling thirst for fuel. Around 25mpg was about as much as you could expect to achieve, with that figure dropping into the early teens if you were on a particularly committed drive. The large engine also made the ST nose heavy ? an undesirable trait in a front-wheel drive car ? which slightly spoilt the otherwise fantastic driving experience. High CO2 emissions of 224g/km also bring a road tax penalty more akin to a luxury performance coupe, at ?270 per year.

While fans may be slightly disappointed by the fact that the new model is conforming to the class norm with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine, it rights the wrongs of the previous motor. Ford is claiming a 20 per cent improvement in efficiency, with the car officially rated at 39.2mpg.? CO2 emissions are also vastly improved at 169g/km ? a saving of ?75 a year in road tax alone, after the higher first year rate which is currently ?275.

Thankfully, and despite the engine downsizing, the new ST develops 247bhp. While it?s not a headline grabbing figure, particularly compared to the monstrous Vauxhall Astra VXR, the ST is still capable of getting from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and on to top speed of 154mph (4mph faster than before). It even competes on noise, being fitted with Ford?s ?Sound Symposer? system ? trick intake plumbing that directs the engine note into the cabin. It works too, with the car having a deep, purposeful thrum, despite the distinctly average engine configuration.

Inside

Stand the two cars next to each other and the other major difference you?ll notice is to the interiors. While the new car uses a more contemporary dashboard design, incorporating a Sony stereo system and being (optionally) available with almost every gadget in the Ford arsenal, it feels no-where near as spacious and airy as the outgoing model. Ford itself has admitted that some of the room has been lost in the more design-led interior, and, particularly for taller drivers, there isn?t the lounging room that was abundant in the older car.

Thankfully, the new car gets seats that are very similar to the older car?s. This is good news as they provide the perfect balance between comfort and support, stopping you from getting numb-bum on long journeys, but allowing you to focus on the job at hand on a spirited drive without getting thrown about.

For the first time, the ST can now be ordered in estate form (pictured above), meaning that despite the decrease in interior space, the new car is likely to make a better proposition for families than the strictly hatchback only first model.

A question of taste?

With both cars, the exterior styling modifications are relatively subtle, though that can be changed in an instant if you choose one of the louder paint finishes. It?s the older car which looks the less stylised of the two, with conventional exhaust pipes, a modest roof spoiler and chunkier bumpers the only real clue to the performance under the bonnet. The new models centre exhaust piece and gaping grilles will certainly attract more attention, which may or may not be a good thing.

Which car suits you best will ultimately depend whether you value cutting edge-efficiency and performance, or a car that ultimately stands out for being different. Objectively there is no doubt that the new Focus ST is a better car than the one it replaces, but in downsizing its engine, a lot of the charm has been lost. The first generation may be less technologically advanced, dynamically capable and thirstier, but importantly it feels special. And what price can you put on that? Well, ?5,000 on Auto Trader UK.

By Daljinder Nagra

Search for a used Ford Focus ST

Source: http://rss.autotrader.co.uk/~r/feed/autotrader/news/~3/lXoa_PP-248/new-vs-old-ford-focus-st

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