ROAD TEST/Ford Focus ST 170: A wolf in sheep's clothing, this Focus will focus other drivers' minds when you let it show what it can do. Michael McAleer put the boot down
Over €34,000 for a Ford Focus? You must be mad. No, not quite. For, while cosmetics aside your grandmother might not know the difference, this is no ordinary Focus.
It may look like an identikit of Ireland's favourite small family transport, but it most certainly does not drive like a small family car. This is the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing.
Once you turn the key you realise from the snarl coming from the front that this is definitely no bleating lamb. The free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust system has been tuned for a sporty exhaust note.
Yet, unlike many of its counterparts, it can run with the flock if required, pouncing only when called upon.
The give-away? Those two little letters at the back: ST, standing for Sports Technologies, or to give its full nomenclature, the ST170.
To the uninitiated, ST is the junior version of another duo of letters - RS - which first appeared on a version of Ford's 1969 Escort and has since won a dedicated following among those who have petrol in their veins.
An abbreviation for Rally Sport, since the RS1600, these are the letters that provoke cat whistles from boy racers, and screams from insurance firms.
Thankfully, with due consideration to what elders refer to as "the real world", Ford has decided to bring out a more accessible version of the RS range. Previously it used XR, but that eventually led insurance brokers to hang up the phone once they heard that magic combination.
Then the mantle of hot-hatch pack leader left the Ford fold and moved to VW's Golf, where GTi was the punishable abbreviation for insurance firms. In time, it will undoubtedly be ST. In the meantime we can all have some fun.
The ST170 is, of course, a 170 bhp version of the Ford Focus - there is a ST220 version of the Mondeo. A product of Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) division in Britain, the ST range, and the new RS, are all part of a renewed effort to recapture Ford's lead in styling and performance.
The driving force behind this is the marque's new European head, Martin Leach, who has launched a new-product offensive aimed at boosting the brand's European market share.
As part of this, Ford has decided to capitalise on strong sales of its mainstream models such as Focus by launching high-performance versions. Who better to work on such a project than SVE, who brought us such exciting motors as the Escort Mexico and more recently the Escort Cosworth.
The Focus ST170 is set to challenge rivals such as the 200 bhp Honda Civic Type-R, the 170 bhp Fiat Stilo Abarth and the 190 bhp Toyota Corolla T Sport. While it may have the strongest pedigree, the ST occupies only a mid-field position in class-leading power and will have its work cut out to capture market share among highly discerning hot-hatch car fans.
At its heart is a boosted two-litre Zetec engine, offering 40 bhp more than the 130 bhp standard version. To the obvious benefit of Ford's SVE, it already had a lauded platform with which to work. The Focus has won acclaim over the years for its quality suspension and handling.
With the ST170, the engineers have stiffened the suspension in favour of less roll, but not to the extent that it becomes a complete bone-shaker. It retains its ability to tackle Irish roads without appointments to meet the chiropractor.
Once you start the engine you get the message. It has plenty of urge all the way through the rev range and is a real treat to push. Thankfully this is accompanied by ventilated disc brakes which bring the ST170 from 60 mph to zero in 36 metres.
This car is quite content to tackle everyday traffic and reside around the 3-4,000 rpm range. However, with peak horsepower occurring just a few hundred rpm short of the red line, it begs to be driven. The close-ratio six-speed gearbox also does its bit to exploit the ST's alter ego. People buy horsepower, but what counts in everyday driving is torque. That's what you really feel, how well the engine pulls. And that's what you feel in the ST170, more torque throughout the speed range.
Inside, in traditional Ford fashion, the Focus is ergonomically sound. This is a car to serve all occasions. Instead of being resplendent with life's little luxuries, the ST package assumes you are mildly techie and will appreciate muted greys and plain, part-leather upholstery.
The fascia is pretty much standard Focus, but with the addition of two extra gauges - oil temperature and pressure linked to the oil cooler - hidden behind the restyled grille. There is also a superb stereo system with plenty of deep bass throbbing to fulfill every hot-hatch boy racer's needs.
It also comes with a set of xenon headlamps which seemed to irritate every oncoming car. We were flashed by so many annoyed motorists who mistook our dipped beams for full lights that at one stage we considered wearing sunglasses at night.
Stylish 17-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tyres are also fitted.
Ford's VDC AdvanceTrac vehicle stability and traction control is also standard.
Overall, the handling and ride are invigorating and reassuring. It turns into corners with a confidence that reassures you it will not deviate too far of the intended line unless you have gone extremely off-kilter.
It is this road-hugging feature that allows you to use more of the alloted power. The firm suspension gives the feeling of having enclosed yourself inthe shell of a well-toned athlete. This car is fun to drive.
So, would we fork out the required €34,000 or so? If you want to catch the eye and stand out from the crowd, probably not. If you want to leave €60,000 executive saloons trailing in your exhaust fumes at traffic lights, the answer must be yes.
On performance terms, it may not match its RS counterpart, but it's probably a more realistic option for Irish motorists.
FACTFILE:
ENGINE: 2-litre 16-valve straight four cylinder developing 170 bhp and 196 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed of 126 mph and a 0-60 mph of 8.9 seconds.
SPECIFICATION: Air/Con, six-disc CD sound, electric windows, rear front and side airbags.
FUEL: urban 22.8 mpg; extra-urban 39.2 mpg; combined 31 mpg.
PRICE: €34,910
€36,119
THE COMPETITION
Ford Focus St170 5dr. 1988 cc; 8.9 (0-60); 126 max speed; 168 bhp; 31 mgp combined. €36,110
Honda Civic type-R 3dr. 1998 cc; 6.8 (0-60); 141 max speed; 197 bhp; 31.7 mpg combined. €31,709.
Toyota Corolla T Sport. 1795 cc; 8.4 (0-60); 140 max speed; 189 bhp; 34 mpg combined. €29,225.
VW Golf 1.8 GTi 5dr (150 bhp). 1781 cc; 8.5 (0-60); 134 max speed; 150 bhp; 35.3 mpg combined. €27,670.
Peugeot 206 GTi 2-litre. 1998 cc; 7.8 (0-60); 124 max speed; 137 bhp; 35.8 mpg combined. €22,685.