[MGT81]

Cuz I did today, just because I had some time to kill and damn, was I impressed. One of the best front wheel drive cars that I've ever driven. Super neutral, very little body roll. It honestly felt like a baby, FWD 3 Series. Nice little engine too. Raucous exhaust note and just a ton of fun. Lots of usable torque and feels faster than the numbers would suggest. Steering was light at low speeds but weighted up nicely in turns.

The things I didn't like about it were the plasticky interior, tiny rear seats, lack of xenon headlights, and the overly tight Recaro front seats. Also, the sound of the turn signal drove me nuts. On terms of driving fun, however, I was blown away. Changed some of my perceptions about front wheel drive as well. I also test drove the Focus ST, which has 2.0 liter engine with around 250 HP vs the Fiesta's 1.6 L with around 195 HP. Actually disliked the interior more than the Fiesta's and the driving position felt worse too. Power didnt seem that different and the Fiesta was a lot more fun, IMO.

Anyway, if any of you guys ever get a chance to try driving a Fiesta ST, or know someone looking for a car in its class, check it out. I'd like to think that like myself, people love their E90s for the way they drive, not just the brand name.

[bloppitybloop]

I've heard great things about it and the Focus ST. I'd like to test both of them.

[mansito]

In the latest issue of Road and Track there is a comparo of the Fiesta ST vs the Focus ST, and they declared the Fiesta the winner.

[WreckerX5d]

I test drove a Focus ST for a bit. For the price of the car it was pretty good. I just don't like FWD's though, even though it doesn't feel that way.

[SGe92is]

My first car was an MK1 Ford Focus with the 2.3L duratec. Eventually ended up with a turbo and around 300hp. I had the car for about 10 years. I still miss it.

The current Focus ST and Fiesta ST are great cars. I'd pick the Fiesta as well. It just feels more connected and raw.

[derryck]

They are fun little cars and HIDs are an option but only as part of a package. I also really the Recaros. The smaller Fiesta ST is also a lot of fun to drive and you can really feel the 500ish pounds less in the Fiesta.

[elons335i]

Everything you didn't like in the ST - mk6 GTI fixes for you. Try it next time.

[Gizm0]

[DOMs335D]

I agree.. I actually like both the Fiesta and Focus ST. Pretty nicely balanced cars!

[Dark_Knight_335]

Yes... With the right driver in the seat I'm sure it can be...

[mmorrismm]

Yep Matt Farah and crew at The Smoking Tire rave about it.
Supposed to be a great pocket rocket and it handles.

[Dozhdbog]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Yes... With the right driver in the seat I'm sure it can be...

Check this one out:

I got my name in the credits for the go pro array(I happened to do a lot more on the project, but the go pro array was by far the coolest thing).
(I've also worked on gym 5 & 6 and various other productions for Ken Block).

His Ford Fiesta is just sick. 0-60 in under 2 seconds. Crazy.

[Dark_Knight_335]

VERY cool Doz!! That guy is pretty freakin amazing. Those vids rank among my favorites on YouTube.

You are one hell of a camera man

[krhodes1]

I've had a go in the Fiesta ST. I really liked it, loved the handling and the power. But overall, I like my Fiat Abarth better. It just feels more special, more manic. It feels faster even though by the numbers it isn't, and it sounds ridiculous. Plus I am a big guy, and the Fiesta's doors are TINY, and the Recaros actually hurt. I would like it a LOT more if we got the 3dr version. It's close though.

For the next size up I would definitely have a GTI over the Focus ST.

[AzureHaze]

Amazing little ride. Hopped on one during an autocross course and I couldn't stop laughing. Can't beat the price either!

[MrPig]

It's a feisty little car (and looks great to boot) but I really can't justify 30k (when all is said and done) for it when you can get an Arbath is 6k less (I love those insane little hot hatches, wish we had more on this side of the pond).

[tc535i]

Love my gf's Focus ST, besides the torque steer accelerating out of a turn (gotta white knuckle the wheel or it'll pull right out of your hands)

other than that, it's definitely a better suspension than my 335i sport all day, in smoothness and handling. power... not so much.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Heard its really fun to drive.

[mike-y]

Originally Posted by MrPig

It's a feisty little car (and looks great to boot) but I really can't justify 30k (when all is said and done) for it when you can get an Arbath is 6k less (I love those insane little hot hatches, wish we had more on this side of the pond).

huh, I priced one on Ford's site with the Recaro seats and upgraded sound system for $24k. without the recaros, it's like $22k, which is right around where the Abarth sits with a couple of options tho.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by mike-y

huh, I priced one on Ford's site with the Recaro seats and upgraded sound system for $24k. without the recaros, it's like $22k, which is right around where the Abarth sits with a couple of options tho.

In Canada (Ontario, specifically), a base Fiesta ST is almost 30k after taxes, delivery fees, etc. etc. etc. Base Abath is 24k after tax; A very nicely option Abarth (pretty much fully loaded) hits the 30k mark. It's hilarious how bad we get shafted.

[MikeyV]

You don't get shafted, in Norway it's significantly more expensive.

[fecurtis]

I've been in a Focus ST, mostly the same things to say about it. Recaro seats were extremely tight and the ride was absolutely brutal. Even over smooth pavement, you could feel every nook and cranny in the road.