Hot hatch: Which Ford F****[*] ST?

[CZroe]

I lusted for a green manual Fiesta since even before I bought my last snore-car (base model manual 2011 Corolla). It just wasn't in the cards financially back then. I put it out of my mind as something I wouldn't be revisiting until, well, around now.

Ford's 2011 green Fiesta looked a lot like Kawasaki's then-current Candy Lime Green, but I really wanted something closer to Kawasaki Lime Green. The Fiesta ST in Ford Envy Green has me drooling (VERY close).

After reading some reviews and getting excited about my inevitable future trade-up, I couldn't avoid hearing a few mentions of the Ford Focus ST with a bigger engine and a similar price. Now I have to wonder: Is a Focus ST the better choice?

A quick glance and I see that the Focus ST's styling is very agreeable. The performance is clearly better. The fuel economy is comparable. The MSRP is a few thousand higher but I'm sure the resale value reflects that.

Really, I just want a fun, economical, stylish, car that isn't too flashy and it looks like they both fit that bill. I rarely have more than one passenger and mostly drive alone. The fact that there are so many other Focus and Fiesta cars on the road doesn't faze me (makes it appear less flashy, IMO).

 

[CVSiN]

I lusted for a green manual Fiesta since even before I bought my last snore-car (base model manual 2011 Corolla). It just wasn't in the cards financially back then. I put it out of my mind as something I wouldn't be revisiting until, well, around now.

Ford's 2011 green Fiesta looked a lot like Kawasaki's then-current Candy Lime Green, but I really wanted something closer to Kawasaki Lime Green. The Fiesta ST in Ford Envy Green has me drooling (VERY close).

After reading some reviews and getting excited about my inevitable future trade-up, I couldn't avoid hearing a few mentions of the Ford Focus ST with a bigger engine and a similar price. Now I have to wonder: Is a Focus ST the better choice?

A quick glance and I see that the Focus ST's styling is very agreeable. The performance is clearly better. The fuel economy is comparable. The MSRP is a few thousand higher but I'm sure the resale value reflects that.

Really, I just want a fun, economical, stylish, car that isn't too flashy and it looks like they both fit that bill. I rarely have more than one passenger and mostly drive alone. The fact that there are so many other Focus and Fiesta cars on the road doesn't faze me (makes it appear less flashy, IMO).

Most reviews will also say the FiST is the clear winner of the 2. yes we have a little less HP but what we have is perfectly balanced and much lighter package. I love my FiST its my daily. My only regret and it's a big one is not getting the Recaros.

 

[CZroe]

Thanks for the input. How do the Recaro seats differ? IIRC, you get bucket seats regardless, so is it just leather trim and heating?

Also really interested in your impression of the stock stereo. It's all Sony, right?

Any idea if the Bluetooth supports AptX or that Sony-exclusive LDAC (higher-quality BT audio)? Does the base drown out the treble when you crank it up?

 

[DanStp]

I think that the Focus is a much better deal. It can be used to haul more people in comfort, and more cargo. I love the 2.0 turbo also. I think it comes down to if you and your stuff fit in the Fiesta, if not get the Focus ST.

 

[Yuriman]

I don't think either car looks particularly good, but leaving aesthetics out of it I'd probably go with the Fiesta.

 

[vi edit]

Look up the Ford ecoboost challenge schedule and see if you can try them both out in a bit more aggressive test drive than a dealer would allow.

 

[Riverhound777]

Really depends on if you need to carry stuff around. I use my Focus for work, so having more cargo helps. Though with the full sized spare I could still use more room.

 

[CVSiN]

Thanks for the input. How do the Recaro seats differ? IIRC, you get bucket seats regardless, so is it just leather trim and heating?

Also really interested in your impression of the stock stereo. It's all Sony, right?

Any idea if the Bluetooth supports AptX or that Sony-exclusive LDAC (higher-quality BT audio)? Does the base drown out the treble when you crank it up?

Sony sound is VERY good. its the premium system highs and mids are fantastic. lows of course need a little more but it's really not bad. sounds MUCH better than the BA system in my 50k Camaro which pisses me off.
and is far more functional as well.

BT streaming is fantastic on the Ford Sync system. not sure of codec used but have had no issues at all streaming spotify max quality and it sounding like a reegular USB source.
The recaros are spectacular but they better be as a 3k option.

The stock seats are just OK.
I would never buy either ST again without the Recaros.

I had a focus titanium before this car as a DD.
The cargo space with the seats down in the FiST make it almost the same.

I have had 4 full size adults in both. The Focus is marginally more roomie but nothing huge.

The 1.6L T is fantastic I drove both and the smaller engine in a lighter car (on 93 octane) feels nearly the same.

Both cars will flat destroy it's tires at will with the TC off.
Most reviews picked the Fiesta over the Focus for flat fun factor.

 

[CZroe]

Thanks again. You've definitely made the case for the Fiesta over the Focus in ST configurations. I've decided to wait it out and see if the 2017 Fiesta RS is actually happening. If so, I still might get an ST, but I just wanna know what I'm giving up first.

Anyone have any idea how much a Fiesta RS might cost?

 

[Knavish]

I was recently reading about the Focus ST and it seems like it must have (or did have???) horrible seats. Two different reviewed complained at great length saying they were unsuitable for a long commute or trip. Here's what R&T says:

...and a loud, plasticky interior that's nice at first but ages like beer. Most agreed it was an overpowered, harsh, torque-steering handful around town. The optional Recaro seats didn't help—although grippy, they were almost unanimously loathed as overwrought, too heavily bolstered, uncomfortable, and ugly. Outside its element, the ST's flaws are somewhat glaring.

 

[SearchMaster]

The recaros are far from ugly. They are polarizing though and if they don't fit you, you'll hate them. I love mine personally.

My FoST is too small for me at times but I have a family of 5 with 3 boys in the 5'5"-6'0 range, so there's no way the FiST would work. If you think you could live with the FiST's size, then go for it! I've not driven one and I will admit to feeling underpowered occasionally with the 2.0EB but I think you can get a tune for the 1.6EB that will put its acceleration on par with the FoST.

 

[yh125d]

I also usually drive alone but I'm still glad I went with the Focus ST. You hear a lot about how the Fiesta is more fun to drive, but to me I wouldn't say there's a considerable difference between the two

I've been sitting in the full leather Recaros for almost two years now and they're comfortable for me. I'm 6'-240 with broad shoulders so if I can fit comfortably, I would think most should. The cabin of the Fiesta though seemed slightly claustrophobic to me, but neither car is particularly spacious. If you're really needing good interior space in this segment you should be looking at a GTI anyways

 

[Wuzup101]

I personally would go for the Focus ST, but that's simply because I'd want the extra room. I've driven a new Focus ST (actually about a month ago when a friend was considering buying one - he did) and have also sat in the back. I'm 6'4 and comfortably was able to sit in the back, which is nice, because I have some taller friends / relatives.

By all accounts, the Fiesta ST is a great car too (and perhaps even more of a drivers car). That being said, it's pretty tiny. I also prefer the FoST aesthetically. Can't really go wrong with either IMHO. I think with taxes/tag/title/etc... (final OTD) my buddy paid just about 28,000 for a fully loaded (ST3 with moonroof and that optional wheel package). Pretty good deal IMHO.

 

[CVSiN]

if you get one be sure to look up Cobb Tuning.. they have some products that turn the FiST and FoST into beasts in their classes.
https://vimeo.com/124654001

The Recaros for me fit like a glove. I just made a mistake and tried to save 3k and went without.
Now 6 month's later I regret it every day.

They fit me like a glove and I love my Recaros in my Camaro.

 

[Riverhound777]

if you get one be sure to look up Cobb Tuning.. they have some products that turn the FiST and FoST into beasts in their classes.
https://vimeo.com/124654001

The Recaros for me fit like a glove. I just made a mistake and tried to save 3k and went without.
Now 6 month's later I regret it every day.

They fit me like a glove and I love my Recaros in my Camaro.

I'd consider the Ford Racing Tune as well, as you can have the dealer install it and keep your warranty.
http://www.trueblueracingparts.com/...ON-SPARK-PLUGS-AND-COLD-AIR-INTAKE_p_410.html

 

[tweakmonkey]

I pondered the same decision and went for the Fiesta ST.

The Focus ST got some good reviews and all, but the Fiesta got amazing reviews. Every review I read, video I saw was positive. So I test drove and found out why it's so good. I didn't even drive the Focus but sat in one. It's bigger with worst visibility, somehow the interior doesn't feel any bigger yet it takes way more space. And from what I read online and the reviews I read, the suspension wasn't as good and the car was less fun, the steering wasn't as nimble and the car just wasn't balanced like the Fiesta. The Focus has more power but that's about it. It's bigger, but the Fiesta hatch is decent for me and I carry a lot of stuff in it when the seats are down etc.

I did a couple mods (Mountune software, air filter and engine mount) and the thing is plenty quick enough.

Also the Fiesta seems rare in comparison (at least here), if you were worried about resale value. Maybe because it's newer but I see tons of Focus STs and rarely see other Fiestas.


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Recaros are a must BTW. I love them and couldn't imagine the car without them. I had many local cars that were a better deal but wouldn't even think of the standard seats after having owned this car a year.

Test drive both for 10+ miles and see which is best for your needs.

 

[cr2250]

I own a 2014 Focus ST3

The Recaros are well worth it for me! I have a tall/slim build and the bolsters provide excellent support. There are a lot of complaints about the Recaro's being uncomfortable but they aren't for me.

I also don't understand everyone's gripe with SYNC. The system isn't the fastest for transitions but it's never crashed on me, nor cause me any issues. The voice activated navigation works great. I never type in addresses, which is especially useful when making a quick address change.

Everything else that most reviews claim are true. Little to no turbo lag. Not too much torque steer (at least compared to a MS3). Car tends to always go where the wheel is turned, no matter what the speed.
The sound symposer seems to be an issue, I've had it replaced once already. I may just unplug it.
Turning radius is terrible.
Shift throws are pretty long (fixed it with a short shifter)
Paint seems to chip pretty easily - the front of the hood had a lot of rock marks
Wish the gas tank was slightly bigger, I can barely get 280 miles out of a tank
Bought an access port and it was well worth it!

Other than that the vehicle is great! For the price I paid (~25k new), it was a bargain for all the features.

 

[tweakmonkey]

My sync crashes once a week or so. That's what people complain about.. it's quirky for a lot of people. It's very cool when it works properly though. I deal with it...

 

[MajorMullet]

I also bought a Fiesta ST after driving both. I previously had a 2013 Focus and while it had more cargo room it didn't really feel that much larger in the cabin. In the Focus my right leg would always rest against the center stack which was annoying on long trips. The Fiesta doesn't have that issue so I find that as a driver I'm more comfortable in the Fiesta.

Another vote for the Recaros from me as well - definitely worth it. They were a bit uncomfortable at first, I had some doubts on why I had gotten them. But they have loosened up a bit over time and now they fit me perfectly.

 

[foghorn67]

My next car will be Focus or Fiesta ST or an EcoBoost Mustang. I'm ruling out the Fiesta because the cargo space is absolutely minimal. I don't need much, but its pretty minimal.
I drove the Focus ST, but not the Fiesta ST. I dont question the fun to drive factor of the Fiesta, but the torque on the Focus would be hard to beat. And I love the FWD, virtual E Diff magic. Magazine editors think its too aggressive. But I love it. Plus its very complaint when its just crusing and milling about.
I also love the slightly busy interior, I think it's kind of cool. Even though I appreciate the Golf GTI's higher end materials, I actually prefer the Focus. I love quirky if its done right.

 

[tweakmonkey]

The Fiesta has gobs of torque too. Crazy response at even 1500-2000 RPMs. Fold the seats down and remove the hatch cover, and you could transport a LOT of stuff. But yes the Focus is considerably bigger.

 

[CVSiN]

I own a 2014 Focus ST3

The Recaros are well worth it for me! I have a tall/slim build and the bolsters provide excellent support. There are a lot of complaints about the Recaro's being uncomfortable but they aren't for me.

I also don't understand everyone's gripe with SYNC. The system isn't the fastest for transitions but it's never crashed on me, nor cause me any issues. The voice activated navigation works great. I never type in addresses, which is especially useful when making a quick address change.

Everything else that most reviews claim are true. Little to no turbo lag. Not too much torque steer (at least compared to a MS3). Car tends to always go where the wheel is turned, no matter what the speed.
The sound symposer seems to be an issue, I've had it replaced once already. I may just unplug it.
Turning radius is terrible.
Shift throws are pretty long (fixed it with a short shifter)
Paint seems to chip pretty easily - the front of the hood had a lot of rock marks
Wish the gas tank was slightly bigger, I can barely get 280 miles out of a tank
Bought an access port and it was well worth it!

Other than that the vehicle is great! For the price I paid (~25k new), it was a bargain for all the features.

280 to a tank? keep your foot out of that Turbo and short shift. I get right at 380-410 with ease per tank.

everything else is spot on though.

 

[Riverhound777]

280 to a tank? keep your foot out of that Turbo and short shift. I get right at 380-410 with ease per tank.

everything else is spot on though.

Are you driving nothing but freeway? Even then unless you are getting 33mpg and going completely to empty you're not getting 410 miles. It has a 12.4 gallon tank. I avg around 280-300. If I go all freeway maybe 350.

Edit: Or maybe you are talking about the FiST?

 

[tweakmonkey]

My Fiesta ST averages about 300 miles per tank by the time I fill it up (~28 MPG). Mixed driving. I could probably get 320 if I drove it til it was completely out of gas. I boost is pretty regularly, I don't see the point in buying a car like this if I'm going to pussy foot all day long. My car has a Mountune flash though. Maybe it would be better if it was stock.

 

[CVSiN]

Are you driving nothing but freeway? Even then unless you are getting 33mpg and going completely to empty you're not getting 410 miles. It has a 12.4 gallon tank. I avg around 280-300. If I go all freeway maybe 350.

Edit: Or maybe you are talking about the FiST?

Yes this thread was about the Fiesta ST.
and yes I get 34-37 mpg usually. I have a 650 rwhp Camaro as a toy the FiST is nothing but a daily driver to me.