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Ford Focus ST2 2.0 TDCI 185PS review: The cost-conscious hot hatch

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There is plenty to love about the new Ford Focus ST2, not least the pricing

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11 March 2015

Ford Focus ST
There is plenty to love about the new Ford Focus ST2, not least the pricing

Ford Focus ST2 2.0 TDCI 185PS review

What is it?

The new diesel version of Ford’s freshly face-lifted fast Focus, well until the recently announced new RS comes along!

A diesel version of the hottest Focus might sound odd, but Ford is just reacting to sales demand for hot diesels, including the recently launched 308 GT and the established Volkswagen Golf GTD. Significantly, there’s no price difference between petrol and diesel ST versions.

What’s hot?

  • Ford has tweaked the 148bhp 2.0 TDCi diesel, to give us the 182bhp version fitted in the ST here. This was done with the help of some electronic adjustments, a free-flowing air intake system and a sportier exhaust. The result is this diesel focus has more than enough performance and mid-range torque (295lb-ft) to justify the ST badge.
  • With more mid-range torque than the petrol ST and its rev-happy nature, the diesel version of the ST never feels slow. I like the fact it feels more flexible in the mid-range too; on our twisty test route I found I only used third and fourth gears. Acceleration to 62mph takes 9.3 seconds and the top speed is 134mph.
  • Having driven the diesel and petrol versions of the ST back to back, it’s pleasing that the ST diesel feel’s every bit as good to drive as the petrol version. Highlights include the sharp, communicative steering, roll-free handling and slick six-speed manual gearbox.
  • The ST follows the standard face-lifted Focus, with the family Aston-like grille. Along with the slimmer front headlights, it’s well executed. There’s also a more purposeful ST-only airdam, with rectangular fog lights. At the side, there’s a well-integrated set of side skirts and unique 18-inch alloys. Move to the back and there’s another chunky rear airdam, with centre exit exhaust and that distinctive boot spoiler. The new ST suits bold colours like Race Red and Tangerine Scream, but the new Stealth grey is perhaps too subtle.
  • The inside of the Focus follows on from the sporty exterior, with a set of supportive, standard fit Recaro seats, unique three-spoke steering wheel and extra gauges on the top of the centre console. Also, compared to the Mondeo I’ve driven recently, the new SYNC infotainment looks far more at home in the Focus’s interior than it did with its big brother.
  • Whether you go for the estate or hatch bodystyles, there’s plenty of space for four inside the Focus ST. The estate is the more practical of the two models, with 476 litres of boot space, rising to 1,502 litres with the seat down.
  • Despite the performance, this Focus ST is capable of 67.3mpg on the Combined Cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 110g/km.
  • The 110g/km CO2 emissions mean the Ford Focus ST2 2.0 TDCI falls into the competitive 18% company car tax band for 2014/15.
  • Despite this car costing £23,640, I thought our ST2 trim test car was good value against the Volkswagen Golf GTD at £26,670.

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