Ford Focus ST

[team_v]

hmmm... yet these are the options GOlf GTI buyers choose or are standard on a Golf GTI. Even available or standard on a RS250 or FT86

The problem i have is that they include them and thus inflate the price to match.
You will find that the only included extra that is standard on the GTI from that list is the tyre pressure monitoring from memory.

They now just chuck in a whole bunch of stuff that you don't need to make it a more impressive package.
I.e. auto lights/dimming mirror/wipers are all possible for the driver to do in 2 seconds maximum.
keyless entry doesn't actually make the car any more driveable than having a standard key.
dual zone climate control and bi-xenons are just additional features over what you already get on a standard car which is obviously good enough or it wouldn't be able to pass ADR's.

[Buller_Scott]

clay, dont bother to defend yourself....

pologti18t.... ever been to a meet? or are you simply incredibly skilled at averting discussion?

rock up, or post a pic, BUDDY

[Big Jase]

There was a write up in Motor Magazine I believe it appears it suffered the same problem as one of the Evo's. It has a sh*t turning circle as well.

[kaanage]

When I see the number of middle aged men and women (about my age) driving Golf GTi's, I would say that the majority of buyers are not driving enthusiasts but simply want the top model that isn't in BMW territory. With this in mind, they would tend to buy as many options as possible.
This makes the Focus ST pretty well thought out as you get all that stuff for the same price as a bare bones GTi.

Good luck to Ford - I reckon the new Focus is a great car (too bad it only comes with massive wheels in the upper models).

[Njay]

clay, dont bother to defend yourself....

pologti18t.... ever been to a meet? or are you simply incredibly skilled at averting discussion?

rock up, or post a pic, BUDDY

Have you thought that they may add all these features so they can market this car to a larger demographic of people as someone mentioned some people buy golf r or gti because it's top specced model. Ford probably want to attract those customers and why would pologti need to prove himself his allowed to voice his opinion

[pologti18t]

clay, dont bother to defend yourself....

pologti18t.... ever been to a meet? or are you simply incredibly skilled at averting discussion?

rock up, or post a pic, BUDDY

WTF? Not sure what you are on about? Averting discussion? You're the one trying to shut the discussion down by your personal attacks. Not really sure why as its only general discussion.

Yes, I have been to one meet (i am in NSW remember). Never really felt like doing it again. Doing runs with smokey diesels sucks big time.

The problem i have is that they include them and thus inflate the price to match.
You will find that the only included extra that is standard on the GTI from that list is the tyre pressure monitoring from memory.

dual zone cc, auto wipers, auto lights, auto dip mirror - all GTI standard. sat nav, HIDs, etc optional, but seemingly highly sought after.

[elephino]

The problem i have is that they include them and thus inflate the price to match.
You will find that the only included extra that is standard on the GTI from that list is the tyre pressure monitoring from memory.

They now just chuck in a whole bunch of stuff that you don't need to make it a more impressive package.
I.e. auto lights/dimming mirror/wipers are all possible for the driver to do in 2 seconds maximum.
keyless entry doesn't actually make the car any more driveable than having a standard key.
dual zone climate control and bi-xenons are just additional features over what you already get on a standard car which is obviously good enough or it wouldn't be able to pass ADR's.

Keyless entry saves weight. No need for lock barrels in the door or steering column and no key on the fob. (What do you mean it's only a tiny amount of weight )

The rest depend on your definition of 'need'.
Dual zone - reduces arguments over cabin temperature
Bi-xenons - provides the ability to see further and better at night, kinda useful when pushing on after dark
Auto lights/wipers - allows you to keep your hands on the wheel during changeable conditions

[Sharkie]

I'd say 80% of GTI drivers are not enthusiasts and buy for a different reason. Thus, as said before most GTIs are very well specced and finding a "base" model is hard.

I like all the features on that ST's list and given that it includes all of that AND is cheaper than a "base" GTI will make it attractive to buy to a wide market. Spec a GTI to that level and it be an easy $10K more ..... and I don't think a GTI is worth $10K more than a Focus ST ....

Personally I don't particulary like its looks, but have bought "ugly" cars before so no biggie.

Bonus is it will likely be more reliable than the GTI in the long run ...... worthwhile alternative option IMO.

[pologti18t]

[Mk3 AAA]

I've got to say... I really like it, if the looks are too out there for you check it out in black it really tones it down, I love the GTI but for me it suffers at the other end of the aesthetic spectrum, it's too dull and predictable or 'safe'... it doesn't go up to 11, it's iPhone 4s, sure it is nice, and there is that quality and chic to it but they're in plague proportions and didn't push the envelope really at all. Ford refined its drivetrains in the last generation of their line-up, and now I think they have some poetic licence to lash out a bit in design and it has done a lot of good for their current range IMHO. The Focus looks great in the flesh and the funky feel carries down into the most basic of base model.

I don't think it's 'Fisher Price', since when did hot hatches have to be grown up and snobby? I dare say you could argue the GTI takes itself too seriously. Again... I still love the GTI, but it would be a tough choice for me.


Although...
*....awaits RS.