Distinct performance upgrades separate the 2013 ST hatchback from the standard, highly popular Ford Focus compact sedan.
All that youthful appeal in the front-wheel-drive Focus ST comes at a price premium, $28,290. I drove two regular Focus models last year, an SE at $21,450 and a better equipped SEL at $24,545.
The Focus is one of the 10-best-selling cars in the country and one of the three or four best small cars available. It scores with good handling and excellent fuel economy.
In its new ST form, it gives away some of the high fuel mileage in favor of more power from the turbo boost. The feel of its handling and acceleration is enhanced for the ST’s occupants with an exhaust note amplified into the cabin by a sound symposer, an electronically controlled valve which opens and channels to the dashboard a sporty roar under heavy pedal.
The yellow/gold/orange finish (tangerine scream) of the ST is one of the brightest models I’ve driven this year. Its level of acceptance, though, seems to be an age issue.
Without any prompting from me, as I drove each day through Starbucks lanes for early-morning coffee, the young baristas in handing my order out the window, commented favorably on, not only the car’s style, but its bright color. “It looks great,” was the general response; they were all in the early to mid-20s in age.
However, as I showed off the car to a picnic gathering Sunday noon at Columbine Park in Sterling for Ron Stoltz’s 90th birthday, the reaction was also unanimous, though not in such a favorable light. “It’s not an older person’s car,” said Carol Graybill. The evening prior, we were on the Riverview Golf Course in Sterling for the outdoor wedding of Carol Ogley and Brian Fetzer, and what a nice setting it was.
Even with the long drive to Sterling and back, the Focus ST averaged only 25.4 miles per gallon overall. Its EPA estimate is 23/32. Its small fuel tank, 12.4 gallons, at 25 mpg nets barely over 300 miles between fillups. Contrasting that is the compact I reviewed last week, the 2014 Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel, which with a 15.6-gallon tank and 35.6 overall mpg would exceed 550 miles in range.
The Focus ST is a competitor of the Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and other small performance models.
The ST’s gaping maw grille up front and spoiler at the rear are exterior highlights; the exhaust ports in the center of the rear bumper are somewhat of a detraction.
The ST’s steering is precise and braking is strong. It is equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and high-performance pads. Wheels are 18-inch, with Goodyear Eagle F1 235/40R18 tires.
Atop the dash, tilted toward the driver, is a row of auxiliary gauges for oil temperature, turbo boost and oil pressure.
The $28k sticker price includes Sony audio with 10 speakers including boom box, navigation, MyFordTouch interface, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, push-button start, side airbags and curtains, rear-window defroster. There is no rearview camera, and, I found it interesting that Ford listed “dual sun visors” among standard equipment for the ST. My word, I haven’t seen that in 20 years.
The ST’s 2-liter EcoBoost engine develops an impressive 252 horsepower and 270 lbs.-ft. torque.
Notes from e-mail
Q: Last week, Bud, you reviewed the Chevy Cruze with a diesel engine built by Opel. One thing I’ve not read in any article about diesel engines is Colorado requires an emission test annually. Colorado Air Care, which tests gasoline-powered vehicles every two years, does not test diesel-powered vehicles. You must take your vehicle to a private shop for the test at prices around town ranging from $65 to $105. A far cry from the $25 every two years with Colorado Air Care. I drive a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel and absolutely love it. The test is just a minor irritant made worse by the lack of Air Care inclusion in their program. – D.P.
A: I believe, Dave, that diesels of 2004 and newer are tested every other year, like the gasoline vehicles. The older diesels, according to the regulations, were of higher polluting levels than those since ’04.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
