Focus ST breathing down neck of the GTI

It looks somewhat threatening, doesn't it.

On paper, the ST beats the GTI in the 0-100km/h sprint (6.82 vs 7.06 secs) and top speed (248km/h vs 240km/h) but some tests have failed to produce Ford's claimed figures, although they came quite close. Fuel consumption figures, too, have been difficult to match to the claimed figures but this is often the case as these tests are done in pristine test conditions, seldom matched by public road conditions.

The price is right

But where the ST leaves the GTI in the dust is in the price race where the Ford's price tag is about R50,000 less than the VW.

Overall a smart, appealing and stylish hatch.

In terms of looks, too, the ST has the beating of the GTI. The Ford is sexier-looking (particularly if it steps out in its trademark go-faster orange body paint) whereas the GTI has retained much of its traditional boxy shape over the years. The ST's cocky wing above the hatch door, its big black grille, gaping air vents, sporty alloys and menacing narrow headlights also add to its don't-mess-with-me muscular eye-candy.

Under the spell

Slide in behind the small wheel, wriggle into the tight Recaro racing seats and it takes just a few minutes of play time for the neat instrument panel, drilled metal pedals, stubby gear lever and growling 2.0-litre to cast their magic spell. The engine, in particular is a pleasant surprise because it is miles better than the not-so-hot 2.5-litre, five cylinder Volvo engine that powered the previous ST. It kicks out 184kW and 360Nm, which are a good few notches up on the GTI's 155kW and 280Nm.

Perhaps the more common view fellow motorists might have of the Ford Focus ST.

The peppy engine is linked to a quick, smooth six-speed manual shift that makes rapid cog- swapping a pleasure. It might not have quite the glued-to-road grip of the GTI but it is not too far off and it handles the twisties with ease. The steering is a little on the heavy side and not quite as sharp as that of the galloping GTi. The Focus certainly looks and feels less cramped in the travel compartment.

So what else is lurking out there?

So, overall a smart, appealing and stylish hatch that is more than good enough to add further disturbance to the German's comfort zone at the same time as one or two Renaults which are also muscling into the GTI's domain. Another possible threat is lurking in the shape of the new Astra OPC, due to hit the market soon.

Kick the tyre, light the fire, and we're off!

click to enlarge

However, at the moment the GTI remains the king of the hot hatch kingdom and as an all round quality package it is difficult to beat. But the ST's zippy on the road performance, fresh looks and price tag elevate it to a level where it cannot be ignored by anybody with a zest for fun and an eye for good value for money.

The Ford Focus ST 5-dr ST retails at R309,530 and the ST 5-dr ST3 at R353,700.

Car Tech : 2013 Ford Focus ST

Ford Focus ST - Which? first drive

2013 Ford Focus ST First Look

Tanner Foust comments on the new 2013 Ford Focus ST