Ford Focus ST Hatchback (2014)
Whats New For 2014
New Car Reviews | The 2014 Ford Focus ST is unchanged different than newly optional gray-painted wheels ( with red-painted brake calipers ) and optional exterior black stripes.
Introduction
With 252 horsepower going throughout the front wheels, the 2014 ford focus st has serious chops utilizing a straight line. And with high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension and robust brakes, it might simply handle the twisty roads youll inevitably throw at it. The comfort level is high, too, with the use of a supple ride quality and an upscale and well-trimmed interior. In brief, the 2014 ford focus st is anything you wish a hot hatch and nearly nothing you dont.
Whereas it isnt technically the quickest vehicle in its category, the st, that has 270 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, certainly doesnt lack for power. In nearly any gear, the turbocharged four-cylinder is lively and fun, putting smiles on faces and backs against seats. Its pretty well mannered, too. When high levels of horsepower are routed via a front-wheel-drive system, the typical result is torque steer ( that feeling as to the steering wheel uncontrollably tugging out of your hand ) throughout arduous acceleration utilizing a straight line. Other then the st has got a clever electrical steering compensation feature that largely mitigates this annoying trait.
Around corners its a treat, too. The focus sts thick-rimmed steering wheel and quick steering facilitate provide the car a awfully nimble and sporty feel. And with others wide summer-rated tires, theres lots of grip. Driven enthusiastically throughout the back road, the well-balanced focus st hardly looks as a front-wheel-drive car.
One of the best half relating to the focus st, but, is that of the is equipped with just minimal sacrifices in practicality. Whereas the mazdaspeed 3 and subaru wrx are marginally quicker a stop, they actually cant match the focus st for interior quality. Being within the st feels as if youve upgraded out to a better level of automotive category. Competitors much like the mini cooper s and volkswagen gti are additionally commendable for his or her classy interiors, other then they actually cant match the st for thrills or performance.
After you think about comfort, performance, style and worth, the ford focus st happens to be the best overall package you'll be able to fall into the hot hatch marketplace for 2014.
Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options
The 2014 ford focus st could be a performance-oriented version as to the focus four-door hatchback. There can be no sedan version.
Normal equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels ; performance summer tires ; performance brakes ; an electronically controlled limited-slip front differential ; keyless ignition and entry ; full power accessories ; air-conditioning ; cruise management ; a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel ; a 60/40-split-folding seatback ; the sync voice-activated phone and audio player interface ; as well as a six-speaker sound system with the use of a cd player, usb/ipod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
The st2 package ( equipment cluster 201a ) adds recaro front sport seats, cloth/leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate management, the myford bit electronics interface with an 8-inch touchscreen show as well as a 10-speaker sony sound system with hd radio and satellite radio.
The st3 package ( equipment cluster 202a ) includes the st2s features and adds xenon headlights, heated mirrors, heated front recaro seats, full leather upholstery, a rear armrest, an overhead interior console, ambient interior lighting as well as a navigation system.
Stand-alone choices embrace a dark grey end ( with red-painted brake calipers ) for our normal 18-inch wheels, a sunroof and a collection of black racing stripes that run direct from front as to the car out to the rear bumper.
Powertrains And Performance
The signature feature as to the front-wheel-drive 2014 ford focus st could be a turbocharged 2. 0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Its matched with the use of a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission.
In edmunds testing, the ford focus st accelerated from zero out to 60 in 6. 6 seconds, a fast time involving this category of car. The epa estimates the focus st can achieve 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined, that additionally places it close to the highest as to the hot hatch category for fuel economy.
Safety
The 2014 ford focus st comes normal with antilock disc brakes, stability management, front facet airbags and facet curtain airbags. The ford sync system additionally includes an emergency crash-notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with the use of a compatible cell phone. Additionally normal are blind-spot mirrors and fords mykey system, which could be taken out to set sure parameters for teen drivers. A rearview camera, offered by the regular focus, isnt accessible by the st.
In edmunds testing, the focus st required 112 feet out to stop from 60 mph, and that is an average distance for your cheap performance car with summer tires.
In government crash testing, the focus received four out of 5 stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and 5 stars for overall side-impact protection. The insurance institute for highway safety awarded the focus its highest attainable rating of fine within the whole frontal-offset, facet and roof-strength tests.
Interior Style And Special Features
The interior as to the focus st shows how compact cars currently mix utility with an appreciation for fine materials and leading-edge style. This cockpit is engaging and therefore the materials are best in category. Simply as youd expect within the performance car, the driving position is wonderful, and therefore the optional recaro front seats offered within the whole st2 and st3 have giant aspect bolsters that keep you terribly secure throughout exhausting cornering. We recommend sitting within the whole recaro seats before deciding if theyre for your company, though, as much drivers notice them to firmly be uncomfortable for long drives.
The layout of a couple gauges and controls is somewhat difficult, significantly the optional myford bit system. It provides a few neat customization prospects, however in real-world operation weve found that its at risk of glitches. Additionally, its virtual buttons are exhausting to firmly establish for a glance, typically get pressed accidentally or fail to firmly respond properly. That same, the technologies controlled by myford bit and therefore the sync voice command system facilitate set the focus st apart direct from pack.
The rear seat is slightly shorter on legroom when compared to the accommodations of different small hatchbacks, however overall utility is wonderful, with 23. 8 cubic feet of house when using the 60/40-split rear seats up while a generous 44. 8 cubic feet with him or her folded down.
Driving Impressions
Barely as youd expect issued from a car during this class, the 2014 ford focus st bristles with performance, and therefore the sound that the turbocharged engine makes because it revs toward 6, 000 rpm is thrilling. The precision as to the steering and therefore the crisp action as to the six-speed manual transmission get you to feel as if youre in bit from this cars mechanical soul.
Equally hanging happens to be the focus sts composure throughout more durable driving. Special tuning as to the electric-assist power steering, electronic differential management and stability management systems helps maintain traction while not producing the car feel clumsy. And if youre attempting to find additional excitement throughout the back road ( or planning to firmly register and get a track day ), you'll be able to dial the stability management into your additional permissive setting or switch it off altogether.
For day-to-day driving, the focus st will still be quite livable. The suspension tuning is certainly firm, however outside as to the gti, this is often the best-riding performance hatchback youll notice. Its too fairly quiet, like the engine very makes itself heard just throughout exhausting acceleration.
