Ford Focus ST

[Njay]

Guy said they were having a few issues with manual box synchros from hard shifting

[Blitzen]

I'd go with this over a new Golf, Polo or R. Manual gearbox, not dog ugly...

[Candyman]

Guy said they were having a few issues with manual box synchros from hard shifting

On the Ford ?

Huh ?

[Sharkie]

On the Ford ?

Huh ?

No, a number of issues on Stg2 up manual R's ..... and issues on Stg2 up DSG R's .... all gearbox & clutch related. S3 has a far better manual gearbox than the R, including longer ratios meaning you can get to 100km/h in 2nd gear ....


1-2 year old S3 sportback cheaper than a new R ......

I'm with Blitzen, IMO as a package the ST is better then any of the hot Golfs ..... Scirrocco obviously excluded ....

[Candyman]

Any tuned car has the potential to develop issues incl an S3

The issues on the R are insignificant

The ST is a GTI competitor (except the ST is vulgar in design and fitment), more aimed at the boy racer

The R is a different class. Ridiculous to compare

Also rather silly to say a 1-2 yr old S3 is cheaper than a new R. A 1-2 yr old R is cheaper than a similarly aged S3 (and better looking)

The S3 and R share almost everything in common mechanically

[brimway]

^

Agree

I doubt the Ford would coax any potential R owners, even with the extra bits and bling. Different markets, so not really a fair comparison to either car.

[Mk3 AAA]

^

Agree

I doubt the Ford would coax any potential R owners, even with the extra bits and bling. Different markets, so not really a fair comparison to either car.

I think the RS however would have poached some R32 and R buyers, and will do again. Still a way off though. The R needs the Audi 5 pot turbo IMO, or something more exciting than an up-spec GTI where the back wheels sometimes help out, lovely cars and all... just lack the extra excitement/lunacy once brought by the top spec Golf/other hyper-hatches. I just want to see something a little less boardroom designed from VW. Not really a matter for this thread I guess...

[Candyman]

I think the new Merc hatch will steal R owners, not the Ford.

Certainly that is what I'm thinking about potentially if the C63 falls through.

Regarding a slightly more lunatic R, a $1,500 for a tune and some minor hardware adds plenty of lunacy. No need for a heavier 5 pot

[Mk3 AAA]

I think the new Merc hatch will steal R owners, not the Ford.

Certainly that is what I'm thinking about potentially if the C63 falls through.

Regarding a slightly more lunatic R, a $1,500 for a tune and some minor hardware adds plenty of lunacy. No need for a heavier 5 pot

Yes indeed, that new A Class looks great.

[Mk3 AAA]

Also.... this. (needs to run black number plates)



...makes the Golf estate look stale.