Evolution of the sporty Ford Focus Pt. 1

Now I know what you are thinking (or at least I think I do). Well, anyways, regardless of what you are thinking here is the evolution of the sporty Ford Focus. Starting with America and on a later day, Europe (even though I probably should have started the other way around
Caution: What you are about to see is a mix of both fact and opinion. Read at your own risk

2001-2004 SVT Ford Focus

As North America didn’t get the Focus ST until the 2012 MY, Ford launched this. The Ford Focus ZX3 SVT EAP. Now I know that’s a mouthful, but here is what it stands for

X3: How many doors it has (Including the hatch)
Z: What engine it had (the Zetec 4 cylinder in this case)
SVT: Special Vehicle Team (Who modded the Focus, now known as Ford Performance)
EAP: European Appearance package

Although low on power, it was more powerful than the Civic Si at the time (170 v 160). It was also a pretty high revving 4 pot. Redline was set at an atmospheric 7000 rpm. Using MacPherson Struts and Multilink rear suspension, it was a good handling little thing.

My thoughts: Perhaps it wasn’t the fastest thing (7.1 seconds to 60) but in the early 2000s, hot hatches were about fun, rather than lap times. It may have made 170 HP, but it made it’s peak power at redline, and it only had 145 LB-FT of torque meaning you had to wring the engine out to get anything from it (even though according to sources, 85% of the torque was available at 2200 which is almost unheard of for a N/A motor, peak torque was at 5500. Now a days, all hot hatches (that I’m aware of) are turbocharged and even though it’s probably for the better, power is damn near instant whereas before you had to work for it.

Fun fact: the 2.0L Zetec engine in the SVT was developed by Cosworth specifically for it

2005-2007 Ford Focus ST (US)

Yes, America had a Focus ST before it was introduced from Europe for the 2012 Model Year. Although it was slightly less powerful than that of the SVT it replaced (170 compared to 154) and it was slower as well (7.9 seconds compared to 7.1), it makes peak torque at almost 1000 rpm sooner than the old 2.0L (the ST had a 2.3L unit). Here is what Car and Driver said about it when they tested it

“On paper, the ST seems to be an unworthy successor to the heralded SVT Focus. However, despite being shorted one letter and a handful of horsepressure, the ST holds its own on the track while adding some class and maturity. If you still pine for an SVT, buy the ST. At $18,250, you’ll save $1625 over a 2004 SVT Focus ZX5. You can then use the extra dough to ease your longing in a variety of ways.”

My thoughts: Although the SVT is (on paper) better in almost every aspect, there’s a slight problem with it. It’s just too common for my liking. In total, Ford made 14,003 of the SVT and made, and 14,464 STs were built. For every 1 Focus ST I see, I see about 10 SVT Focuses making it too common for me.

2012-Present Ford Focus ST

After 7 years after America made their Focus ST, Europe finally sends us their Focus ST. Although it uses a 2.0L turbo 4 pot (as opposed to the 2.5L turbo 5 in the previous one), it made more power. Specifically it made 252 HP going all to the front wheels. However, as said by numerous sources, it has a large problem with torque steer. Although it was a very sporty, muscular looking orange streak, it was a hit and miss. For example: Here is what Randy Pobst had to say about it when Motor Trend compared it to a Subaru WRX

“I really enjoy that light, quick feel,” Randy gushed upon arriving back in the pits. “The Focus has quick, responsive steering, but it feels like the shocks can’t quite keep up. It feels a little too soft and rolls a little too quickly. Total roll isn’t bad for a street car, but it happens too fast.”

My thoughts: While many have created a good hot hatch (VW, I’m looking at you), I genuinely believe that this is Ford’s bright yellow middle finger to all the established hot hatches. Or is it?

2015-Present Focus RS

Powered by a 2.3L turbocharged 4 cylinder, the latest iteration of the RS uses all wheel drive for the first time and can be fitted with a hydraulic handbrake. Another first for the RS: it’s being sold in the U.S. market as well. All in it makes 350 HP and 350 LB-FT of torque and can hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and hits a top speed of 165 mph