I loved Jeremy whispering the undercovering meaning of "ST" and the fact he kept calling it the "Asbo" in this review. Most of all I loved that this car was ....powered by VOLVO.
I was 9 years old when this came out and have wanted one of these ever since. In a couple of years I should finally be able to reach that goal of owning one! Will obviously have to be a pre facelift model in orange exactly like this clip
edwin bryce pillay I had forgotten about this comment until you replied! I have now had one since September and the only problems I have had are a fuel pressure sensor needing replaced and the alternator went. However these are problems that could happen to any car. If you are look to buy one I would recommending googling “focus st 225 buyers guide” and going to the guide on fordownersclub(dot)com
@@edwinbrycepillay7291 Brilliant thanks! Just passed its MOT today with no faults at all. The lacquer has started to peel off quite badly on the bonnet and roof but apart from that I can’t fault it!
One of the best cars ever, you simply get almost everything for a low price. Musically torquey turbo I5, safety, oversteer practicality just like JC says.
Watched that clip sooo many times over the Years. It influenced my decision to buy a new EO ST-3 in 2006! And now...I am due to pick up an EO ST-2 next Tuesday, '57 plate, 24k miles. So..I like the ST (5 cylinder that is) so much..I'm on my 2nd! :-))
Hahaha, I almost spat out my coffee when I heard him say "the police won't need night vision to find it when it's been stolen". Reason being: ours was stolen and it was recovered the same night when the idiots were caught loading other goods into the subtle orange sleeper. All hail the mighty ST.
I bought a new black one in 2007 off the back of this this review. Kept it for 3 years. Now in 2023 I have bought a black 2007, 1 owner, low mileage unmodified example as a second car. Its become a modern classic and it was incredibly difficult to find such a nice example. But absolutely loving it.
0:35 - V.Smoove & Serg Sniper - Lose Your 1:00 - Kelis - Milkshake 1:54 - Akon - Bananza (Belly Dancer) like this to see it everybody (sory for bad english)
While I am an American, and I don’t believe we got this particular version, the focus hatch backs were amazing. My dad and I owned a blazing copper 2005 zx3. What a car. It lasted 203,000 miles and it still had more miles left when I traded it in.
While that's not even close to one of the best times recorded, it's fantastic for a vehicle in that price range. I think that's why he's so ecstatic about the car. Not only is it quick, but it handles like a dream. I'd totally get one, but they don't have that model in the US. So I'm gonna settle for an SVT Focus.
I had a stateside spec 2015 fiesta ST and I loved it. The only thing that kept me from getting the focus ST yet is that I wanted the newer RS and there was a lot of hype 5 years ago about the phenomenal handling. I loved that thing! Now that I've tried the RS the focus ST is next in line.
my ST is still standard BHP @ 225 - a remap which would take it to 280 BHP also increases the fuel economy by 10% overall...as it stands i get an average of 30 MPG out of it - admittedly i don't drive like a frikin lunatic everywhere but i don't drive like a granny either - i caught myself doing 120 MPH on the way to work a month or two ago and decided that's far to shitty a way to lose my license...be sensible kids ;o)
I dont like modified cars. I like the purity of the original engineering that goes into cars like this. Could have got one of these in 2012 nearly new. No idea why I didnt.
My dads old Focus is one of the best drives i have encountered, i have driven from London, through France to the costa del sol in the south of Spain and the car loved it. My dads earlier cars were simply awfall on the same trip, ie the Citroen Picasso (Uncomfy seats, had dead legs after 4 hours or so, good car though) and VW Passat (Bumpy and bad milage), my current Mini Cooper was also good, the focus imo was the best allrounder.
It's not just background music, it's Amon Tobin. This tracks called 'Chocolate Lovely' on the Supermodified album. He also did the music for the computer game Splinter Cell, Chaos Theory, and more recent, inFamous.
Larry Silver they dont make them like this anymore. The new one looks okay but the shape of this one was the best. The new Fiesta ST looks great but there are two things it should have. A four cylinder turbo, something new like a 1.8 or something, not three cylinders. It should also be a available in that Focus RS green colour, whatever that was called.
Brett - the Honda Civic Type R (2006) has 200 naturally aspirated BHP and weighs ~2600 -2700 lbs. The 2006 Ford Focus ST has 223 BHP from a blown engine and weighs about the same 2600-2700 lbs. So the focus would have more HP earlier in the rev range and more torque (the turbo) and the same weight. Plus the focus' Torsen LSD is very good. There is no reason a type r would "piss on" it unless your friend simply can't find his gears.
What a car! It may not be as fast, as good looking or as powerful as the equivalent Vauxhall Astra VXR, but, I'd have the Focus ST. I love the sound and despite being a fast, hot hatchback, it still manages to be a practical and usable family car.
i've got a 58 plate st (better looking imho) - in frozen white - i absolutely love it, i drive it to work every day and never get bored...even on horrible wet days like today it sticks to the road like shit to a blanket and the noise it makes puts a smile on my face even if the weather gets me down...it surprised the porsche that was following me a few weeks ago too, i don't think he expected to actually have to change gears to keep up with me :o)
i watched this when it came out and wanted to own one of them so badly. i own a face lifted model, its a tonne of fun but next time i drive it i need to check if it has the adjustable steering he mentioned at @5:14 because ive never messed with that button. then again mines an st2 (i prefer the seats) so i might not have it.
2:15 Jeremy Clarkson: "I do think they got the name wrong though, they've called it the Focus ST witch on the language of the ladies lavatory stands for Ahmmm.. (sanitary towel)". I like those little funny he throws sometimes.. Top Gear is pure class!!
Why is that people just can't stand the fact that, despite the ST not being the fastest or the most well made hot hatch, its brilliant looks, ride comfort, economy (not on paper but in the real world), price tag and near perfect handling for a front wheel drive car, it is loved by so many people and one of the best selling hot hatches? That fact actually seems to annoy people but i don't know why. The ST is simply a brilliant all-rounder. I don't see why thats an issue for people.
At the beggining, when he's talking about all the beautiful sculpure of cars and stuff, well at 0:27 that's the center console of a Volvo. Either a C30, S40, or V50.
I didn't think we were going for practical, I mean heck, Practical for england is a mini-one: affordable, cute, effecient, and it even comes in bright red for visability.
Does anyone else find it strange that he actually did a real car review here? He actually covered all of the bases where normally he'll find a few faults and expose them then say he loves it. Clarkson likes Ford though. Except for the mustang, he has given excellent reviews for pretty much all of them.
THIS is what we mean by proper car reviews that arent on top gear anymore. We arent asking for whatcar videos and we arent asking for crap where hammond to races cars against jet powered bicycles, just a decent review!
2:15 Jeremy Clarkson: "I do think they got the name wrong though, they've called it the Focus ST witch on the language of the ladies lavatory stands for Ahmmm.. (sanitary towel)". I like those little funny comments he throws sometimes.. Top Gear is pure class!!
Ok that's great mate, I'm not arguing the beauty of this car, merely about sanitary towels, which JC mentioned in the clip. I am a big fan of Sabarus and focuses, so I don't know what this is all about.
It was designed in Europe, the ST version was engineered and developed by Ford TeamRS in Britain and it was made in Germany. The US-market Focus Mk.2 is a different car (although of course they are all one car now with the new Mk.3).
i own a 97 lincoln made by ford duh and it has the same steerinf adjustability 12 years later it still works fine so not something to worry about if they got it right back then
i agree with you, most people make stupid comments without even knowing the truth and just by what they learn on the internet and we all the know the internet isn't that reliable.
8D i think just for the recoard over the years the Focus series is quite good though i mean if u look at the Australian fitted versions this just proves why Ford Focus cars are not only fit for american and aussie conditions but these cars are also definatly British worthy.
@godzillaisnuclea123 I think the European Ford Focus was designed in the UK and Germany and it is assembled in many countries arround the world, with the RS versions being tuned in the UK and the STi's in Germany. Even the Duratec & Zetec Engines was co-designed by Cosworth in the UK and Porsche in Germany. So alot of work was put in by both countries. But unfortunatley, they are not assembled in the UK, which is a real shame, as most Brits like the Focus, especially the RS versions.
@s8tank I've just bought an Astra SRi+ 1.9 CDTi! Very cheap to insure, 150bhp standard and it pulls like a tank. I'm 20 year old with 2 crashes and my insurance is £1400... which is great for my car record! Plenty of tuning available too. Throw a remap at it and you'll be seeing nearly 200bhp for cheap. Mines getting 38mpg on hard runs too... never seen it under 36 and I hammer it.
if they could just fix the damn suspension, I know oversteer is fun but where I live: oversteer kills. and wheel hop and lifting off the ground is not a plus on slanted roads. but the engine sure as hell sounds nice.
When this was new, it was probably driven by mature drivers to some degree, or those who had a very good career so probably mid to late 20s age upwards at a guess.
I've never seen one roll on a nice track either but rally racing through the bush is a hell of a lot more touchy than autocross, and we don't really get second chances, so if I get a tire that lifts, then a blowout or a roll, I end up with a skid, if that skid goes for more than about 4 feet, I'm off the course and rolling down the hill. I think the debate here is that you do autocross and run a different suspension than I do. just watch some rally tapes, wheel lift doesn't usually end well.
@Cyberman86 Are you talking about the all new 2012 Focus ST? Just to let you know, even though the normal models are coming out late spring/early summer the ST ill not come out until late 2011. So we have to wait at least a year
The Ford Mondeo, Subaru Legacy, and the Renault Avantime all have top speeds lower than 200 mph and they're the only three cars that all of the presenters like. I'm surprised that they don't agree on the Range Rover - they've all owned one.
One of the best cars to own and drive!! A true gem! Bravo Ford!
The US guys oddly dont have it :)
And bravo Volvo!
@@lancs_emergencyspotter9661 allways someone needs to say this
@Jadd Cavalberry stupid bonnet catch !!! Made me detest these things !
Aging ford's are scary to own
2021 and still driving mine still feels amazing everytime i turn it on
Me too, love it.
Same!
Same
Really tuneable as well. Great cars.
I loved Jeremy whispering the undercovering meaning of "ST" and the fact he kept calling it the "Asbo" in this review. Most of all I loved that this car was ....powered by VOLVO.
I love Top Gear's editing style. It's awesome. Also I love Clarkson's description of everything.
ROOOOOOOOOOONEY !!!!!!! Legendary moment :)
I was 9 years old when this came out and have wanted one of these ever since. In a couple of years I should finally be able to reach that goal of owning one! Will obviously have to be a pre facelift model in orange exactly like this clip
do it. i loved them growing up when they first came out and i brought my orange asbo a year ago, pfl, love it!
Chris K is it reliable
edwin bryce pillay I had forgotten about this comment until you replied! I have now had one since September and the only problems I have had are a fuel pressure sensor needing replaced and the alternator went. However these are problems that could happen to any car. If you are look to buy one I would recommending googling “focus st 225 buyers guide” and going to the guide on fordownersclub(dot)com
@@TheAdaaamski How’s your ST doing?
@@edwinbrycepillay7291 Brilliant thanks! Just passed its MOT today with no faults at all. The lacquer has started to peel off quite badly on the bonnet and roof but apart from that I can’t fault it!
One of the best cars ever, you simply get almost everything for a low price. Musically torquey turbo I5, safety, oversteer practicality just like JC says.
Watched that clip sooo many times over the Years. It influenced my decision to buy a new EO ST-3 in 2006!
And now...I am due to pick up an EO ST-2 next Tuesday, '57 plate, 24k miles.
So..I like the ST (5 cylinder that is) so much..I'm on my 2nd!
:-))
Hahaha, I almost spat out my coffee when I heard him say "the police won't need night vision to find it when it's been stolen".
Reason being: ours was stolen and it was recovered the same night when the idiots were caught loading other goods into the subtle orange sleeper.
All hail the mighty ST.
I bought a new black one in 2007 off the back of this this review. Kept it for 3 years. Now in 2023 I have bought a black 2007, 1 owner, low mileage unmodified example as a second car. Its become a modern classic and it was incredibly difficult to find such a nice example. But absolutely loving it.
I love my focus st! Best car ever driven!
I couldn‘t give my Focus st away. When i Turn around the key an hear the sound i am in heaven
They seriously should've called it the asbo, hilariously accurate 💯
Oh my... I rly want Focus ST ! And the color is.... AWESOME!
0:35 - V.Smoove & Serg Sniper - Lose Your
1:00 - Kelis - Milkshake
1:54 - Akon - Bananza (Belly Dancer)
like this to see it everybody (sory for bad english)
While I am an American, and I don’t believe we got this particular version, the focus hatch backs were amazing. My dad and I owned a blazing copper 2005 zx3. What a car. It lasted 203,000 miles and it still had more miles left when I traded it in.
While that's not even close to one of the best times recorded, it's fantastic for a vehicle in that price range. I think that's why he's so ecstatic about the car. Not only is it quick, but it handles like a dream. I'd totally get one, but they don't have that model in the US. So I'm gonna settle for an SVT Focus.
I miss the old top gear because they were so brutally honest in a comedic way
I had a stateside spec 2015 fiesta ST and I loved it. The only thing that kept me from getting the focus ST yet is that I wanted the newer RS and there was a lot of hype 5 years ago about the phenomenal handling. I loved that thing! Now that I've tried the RS the focus ST is next in line.
Can't wait till we get this car over in the states. Clearly it is terrible that we have been denied this car's awesomeness here.
Hello 240p we meet again!
hahaha clarkson is the best! "we are more of a nation of....weather spoons, heat magazine...and chlamydia"
it was a joke, somebody doesn't have a sense of humor.
It's just a joke, relax
1:19 Rooney!
“Not a binge drinker” 😂 ⛽️
We know different
@@williamwood395 Never saw it above 21. My Mk3 RS is exactly the same 🙄Anyway, it’s not actually about the MPG as we know 👍🏻
@@jcmanc72 My 2010 St3 with 310bhp and 380lbft does around 22. Scary with fuel prices at 1.50 a litre for Momentum!
my ST is still standard BHP @ 225 - a remap which would take it to 280 BHP also increases the fuel economy by 10% overall...as it stands i get an average of 30 MPG out of it - admittedly i don't drive like a frikin lunatic everywhere but i don't drive like a granny either - i caught myself doing 120 MPH on the way to work a month or two ago and decided that's far to shitty a way to lose my license...be sensible kids ;o)
For aberdeen fc 1:19 ROONEY!
Some people have made these AWD, 0 to 60 in the wet was 4.22
just got one
carl broughton im getting mine this sunday i cant wait
i have it in white with blue stripe. an absolute pleasure to drive, ill be hanging on to it for a while yet
I have an st and i beat a vxr and im stock :)
@Karl Juice imagine replying to a comment made 5 years ago
I dont like modified cars. I like the purity of the original engineering that goes into cars like this. Could have got one of these in 2012 nearly new. No idea why I didnt.
My dads old Focus is one of the best drives i have encountered, i have driven from London, through France to the costa del sol in the south of Spain and the car loved it. My dads earlier cars were simply awfall on the same trip, ie the Citroen Picasso (Uncomfy seats, had dead legs after 4 hours or so, good car though) and VW Passat (Bumpy and bad milage), my current Mini Cooper was also good, the focus imo was the best allrounder.
what is that song at 1:00?
missy elliott - milkshake
A BEAST, GETTIN 1 NEXT WEEK CANT WAIT
its actually german. all european fords are developed in cologne, ford america has nothing to do with it.
You forgot the most important thing, FUNDING!
And now both performance team divisions have been combined.
2013 Focus ST!
is this the same as the xr5 turbo?
xr5 only comes in the 5 door version the uk got the 2 door this one and the 5 door that australia gets that they call the xr5
The xr5 turbo is just an Australian name to the st
It's not just background music, it's Amon Tobin. This tracks called 'Chocolate Lovely' on the Supermodified album. He also did the music for the computer game Splinter Cell, Chaos Theory, and more recent, inFamous.
haha, 'It's not going to be like they would step on to the road and say: I never saw it coming!'
xD
My dad has a Ford Focus, i really like it.
'ROONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY'
I lol'd so hard.
when the milkshake beat started i was expecting clarkson to hoop around dancing and shaking his chest.. lmfao
This is the old Focus ST. The new one I saw in the show room today is just amazing.
Love my ST and I miss my 2004 Focus SVT
Larry Silver they dont make them like this anymore. The new one looks okay but the shape of this one was the best. The new Fiesta ST looks great but there are two things it should have. A four cylinder turbo, something new like a 1.8 or something, not three cylinders. It should also be a available in that Focus RS green colour, whatever that was called.
Brett - the Honda Civic Type R (2006) has 200 naturally aspirated BHP and weighs ~2600 -2700 lbs. The 2006 Ford Focus ST has 223 BHP from a blown engine and weighs about the same 2600-2700 lbs. So the focus would have more HP earlier in the rev range and more torque (the turbo) and the same weight. Plus the focus' Torsen LSD is very good. There is no reason a type r would "piss on" it unless your friend simply can't find his gears.
One of the best car review from the world history.
What a car! It may not be as fast, as good looking or as powerful as the equivalent Vauxhall Astra VXR, but, I'd have the Focus ST. I love the sound and despite being a fast, hot hatchback, it still manages to be a practical and usable family car.
Jeremy's face when he says clamidia hahahaha
i've got a 58 plate st (better looking imho) - in frozen white - i absolutely love it, i drive it to work every day and never get bored...even on horrible wet days like today it sticks to the road like shit to a blanket and the noise it makes puts a smile on my face even if the weather gets me down...it surprised the porsche that was following me a few weeks ago too, i don't think he expected to actually have to change gears to keep up with me :o)
I love how Hammond, specifically, was tagged in this video, lol!
ORANGE AND BLUE!
Looks kick ass too.
i watched this when it came out and wanted to own one of them so badly. i own a face lifted model, its a tonne of fun but next time i drive it i need to check if it has the adjustable steering he mentioned at @5:14 because ive never messed with that button. then again mines an st2 (i prefer the seats) so i might not have it.
"and the best thing...it's also available in bluuuuuue"
lol
If I could have one of these and a McLaren F1 I’d be a happy man.
They did. The new Focus, Fiesta, Fusion, and Escape are all german designed now in the US.
Just bought one. Gotta love it!
when it comes to the songs this top gear video is THE BEST!!!
2:15 Jeremy Clarkson: "I do think they got the name wrong though, they've called it the Focus ST witch on the language of the ladies lavatory stands for Ahmmm.. (sanitary towel)".
I like those little funny he throws sometimes.. Top Gear is pure class!!
For everyone asking about the song on 0:37... Here it is -> Destiny's Child vs pitbull ft. lil' jon - Lose My toma - b2g remix
Love the orange. LOVE the funf zylinder. I wish we got these in the US!
Why is that people just can't stand the fact that, despite the ST not being the fastest or the most well made hot hatch, its brilliant looks, ride comfort, economy (not on paper but in the real world), price tag and near perfect handling for a front wheel drive car, it is loved by so many people and one of the best selling hot hatches? That fact actually seems to annoy people but i don't know why. The ST is simply a brilliant all-rounder. I don't see why thats an issue for people.
At the beggining, when he's talking about all the beautiful sculpure of cars and stuff, well at 0:27 that's the center console of a Volvo. Either a C30, S40, or V50.
I didn't think we were going for practical, I mean heck, Practical for england is a mini-one: affordable, cute, effecient, and it even comes in bright red for visability.
Does anyone else find it strange that he actually did a real car review here? He actually covered all of the bases where normally he'll find a few faults and expose them then say he loves it.
Clarkson likes Ford though. Except for the mustang, he has given excellent reviews for pretty much all of them.
"Point and flick" LMFAO!!!!!!! Thumbs up if you think Jeremy Clarkson is a badass!
This ford is nice,I have one (1.8TDCi manual gearbox ) for an year and a half and no problem with it (200'000+ km already) .
THIS is what we mean by proper car reviews that arent on top gear anymore. We arent asking for whatcar videos and we arent asking for crap where hammond to races cars against jet powered bicycles, just a decent review!
2:15 Jeremy Clarkson: "I do think they got the name wrong though, they've called it the Focus ST witch on the language of the ladies lavatory stands for Ahmmm.. (sanitary towel)".
I like those little funny comments he throws sometimes.. Top Gear is pure class!!
for sportscars front drive is a little unnatural, but... Focus RS is also equipped with only front drive... and it's performance still amazes...
Man. Even though i live in Alaska this and the Focus RS are totally worth importing
Soon can do that, happy to help seeing as I'm UK side.
Ok that's great mate, I'm not arguing the beauty of this car, merely about sanitary towels, which JC mentioned in the clip. I am a big fan of Sabarus and focuses, so I don't know what this is all about.
whats the name of the song on 1:53 ? please tell me ;)
Akon - Bananza (Belly Dancer)
I don't know about you but the dealer where I live has a new 2009 challenger out front for 19,800. that's not bad at all.
It was designed in Europe, the ST version was engineered and developed by Ford TeamRS in Britain and it was made in Germany. The US-market Focus Mk.2 is a different car (although of course they are all one car now with the new Mk.3).
i own a 97 lincoln made by ford duh and it has the same steerinf adjustability 12 years later it still works fine so not something to worry about if they got it right back then
i have an orange st 220 and it truely is a fantastic car
i agree with you, most people make stupid comments without even knowing the truth and just by what they learn on the internet and we all the know the internet isn't that reliable.
well i think the shots are great... but that's a matter of taste and top gear is often pretty cinematic
that's what I just said, a mini-one, I don't know about now but I know that they USED to make then in diesel and the damn things got over 80mpg.
8D i think just for the recoard over the years the Focus series is quite good though
i mean if u look at the Australian fitted versions this just proves why Ford Focus cars are not only fit for american and aussie conditions but these cars are also definatly British worthy.
Love this car just about to purchase 1 in white prefere the 2007 one canny wait
Actually, I've got an american 09 Focus, and its a great little car. Thanks.
Next June is when the new Focus ST will be available in the US.
@godzillaisnuclea123
I think the European Ford Focus was designed in the UK and Germany and it is assembled in many countries arround the world, with the RS versions being tuned in the UK and the STi's in Germany. Even the Duratec & Zetec Engines was co-designed by Cosworth in the UK and Porsche in Germany.
So alot of work was put in by both countries.
But unfortunatley, they are not assembled in the UK, which is a real shame, as most Brits like the Focus, especially the RS versions.
it is crazy the difference between a focus over there than here in the us.
@s8tank I've just bought an Astra SRi+ 1.9 CDTi! Very cheap to insure, 150bhp standard and it pulls like a tank.
I'm 20 year old with 2 crashes and my insurance is £1400... which is great for my car record!
Plenty of tuning available too. Throw a remap at it and you'll be seeing nearly 200bhp for cheap.
Mines getting 38mpg on hard runs too... never seen it under 36 and I hammer it.
4:28 now that song is fitting
1:19 i just rewatched that part 2000 times
Jeremy owns a focus!!? Im gonna buy one .. SOLD
"and the best thing, it's available in blue" LOL WTF
"would i buy one with money? no!" lmao
if they could just fix the damn suspension, I know oversteer is fun but where I live: oversteer kills. and wheel hop and lifting off the ground is not a plus on slanted roads. but the engine sure as hell sounds nice.
When this was new, it was probably driven by mature drivers to some degree, or those who had a very good career so probably mid to late 20s age upwards at a guess.
i know it was not produced for or in the U.S. but damit i'm going to find and buy one.
I've never seen one roll on a nice track either but rally racing through the bush is a hell of a lot more touchy than autocross, and we don't really get second chances, so if I get a tire that lifts, then a blowout or a roll, I end up with a skid, if that skid goes for more than about 4 feet, I'm off the course and rolling down the hill. I think the debate here is that you do autocross and run a different suspension than I do. just watch some rally tapes, wheel lift doesn't usually end well.
@Cyberman86 Are you talking about the all new 2012 Focus ST? Just to let you know, even though the normal models are coming out late spring/early summer the ST ill not come out until late 2011. So we have to wait at least a year
pick my new one up next week in panther black
buying one this week
3rd best car in the word. after the rs 2009 and the pagani zonda
I love the fact in the earlier comments people think its american XD
The Ford Mondeo, Subaru Legacy, and the Renault Avantime all have top speeds lower than 200 mph and they're the only three cars that all of the presenters like. I'm surprised that they don't agree on the Range Rover - they've all owned one.
Haha, I wouldn't be much better. Hell, going from driving a banged-up Jeep Cherokee to a Honda Civic is enough to throw me off for a little while.