The Perfect All-Rounder? Ford Focus ST MK3.5 Review

In today's video I am driving the Mk3.5 Ford Focus ST. Having recently been unimpressed with a modified MK2, I now look to find if the recently facelifted ST has what it takes to be a great daily.

#Ford #FocusST #Review

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[andrewwallace]

Focus’s have always been known for their steering and handling. Happy to see they’ve continued

[ricardowood]

Fun fact, I got myself a 2017 focus ST-3 in May 2023. This video was a helpful tool in convincing me to get it. Thanks!

[TheMadTatter]

This one is INCREDIBLY rare! All of the weather seals on the bottom of the doors are still in place! 😂

[davidwightman]

had an 18 plate focus st3 for a year now and i must say its the best car i`ve ever owned, love it

[nwlly]

I love my ST3, late 2017 model and I picked it up last year with a genuine 8000 miles on the clock. Fully loaded, Impact Blue colour, and just the right mix between 'sleeper' and performance looks, especially for a 40-something like me! I also thought the Mk3.5 was a lot better looking than the Mk4 (I seriously considered this), so opted for that and chose to save myself over £10k in the process. What I have done, though, was have an Mfactory helical limited slip diff fitted and, whilst that was going in, upgraded the transmission to have the Focus RS clutch and flywheel. Then, I have had PumaSpeed "breathe" a little on the car (upgraded air induction, intercooling, iridium plugs, stage 1 remap, etc. - nothing crass, no dumb popping, banging or loud blow off valves) and now it is giving 290bhp and 386 lb ft of torque. It feels unleashed, and the diff was definitely the best investment as it dials out most of that torque steer to the point you don't really worry about it. Also sharpens up handling, turn in, and evens out brake and tyre wear

[robstaples]

Even as a Fiesta owner, I "get" the image thing, but we're not all the same, honest!!

[MartinArscott]

I had one for a while, I had it remapped (the increased turbo boost was wicked) and have to say it was the most fun car I've driven to date by a long way, better than my current Golf R, and the infotainment system voice control was excellent! I'm hoping to get the fun back with a mk4 MX-5 which is on its way....

[ravensthorne]

The 2.5T engine was awesome. I had a Mondeo with that engine in it, and other than the expensive cambelt job, it was a dream

[uselesscrapful]

Purchased a Race Red St like this 1 and never regretted buying it. Just a lovely car to have and to use.

[IndefiniteMark]

I just got the mk3.5 (Stealth Grey - actually turns some heads!) - coming from an older Mercedes I'm hugely impressed. It's really clean-styled inside. The bodywork and angles are really aggressive but not over the top. It feels amazing to steer and such a joy to drive. It can be a little devil though when you hid the back roads, it wants full throttle. It tells me so, every time i do. :)

[Racer-M]

After driving a 18' focus st3 for over 2 years, ive come to really appreciate this car and how well it performs. I have a heavy performance background. Grew up racing, my father and his father are Porsche mechanics, as well as myself, and have driven a ton of performance cars both brand new and old, from Ferrari to Ford. This isnt a car to scoff at, i love this car, and its performance rating is well above its price range.. as a road vehicle that performs similar to a track car but still all the comfortably of a well made hatchback, this little hatch has checked a ton of boxes that enthusiasts can get behind.

[phillwaller]

Love my deep impact blue Focus ST. I was looking at Fiesta ST's but I had similar opinions on the "boy racer" view as there are so many kids locally with them. The Focus feels more powerful, a lot more grown up, abit more refined and has more room for the mrs and kids. It delivers in every aspect. Great review

[Godzukidan]

I love my 2016 ST1 I just turned 40, 000 miles. It still puts a smile on my face every day. 😎👍

[Isoon]

Owned my 2016 ST for two years. Really do love it. Way more civilised than my previous FN2 CTR, and although the engine isn't as special as the K20 it does pack a much bigger punch. Torque steer does make you wrestle with it, even in the dry, but it's all part of the fun!
I'm getting 40mpg on a run and 28 day to day. Fitted a Direnza short shifter to reduce the long gearlever throw. Worth it for 50 quid and dead easy job.

[TheStefmcd]

Had my 67 plate for 6 months. Done 7k and loved it. Really good balance between power and handling that always remains on the side of fun. Hard to beat as a value, fun daily.

[whitehead]

I have a black st3 which I did 50k miles in. My other half now has it as we needed a 7 seater. On the odd day I get my backside back in it I fall in love with it all over again. I have owned many cars which were more expensive and more powerful but the ST is the only car I have ever truly loved. I don’t think I will ever sell it.

[russlerjones]

the estate version of this car is a hidden gem, especially given how stupidly priced the new 2.3 focus is id have this any day

[superstef]

I've had mine since new 5 years now, honestly couldn't be happier with it as my sole car. It still makes me smile, both looking at it and driving it. Just wish I had more opportunity to use it this past year!

[georgegillett]

Subwoofer/Sony + nav is an option. Door protectors are an option. 19s with sill plates and tinted windows are an option.

[mrwick]

i picked up a mk2 st225 last week, such a great car, and the sound is amazing