MoneywebDRIVE: Driving Impressions
Is this the new
Hot-Hatch King?
The list of pretenders to the Crown of
Hot-hatchdom has been lengthy indeed
over the decades. Since Volkswagen’s Golf
GTi set the benchmark in the early ‘80s
here, no other car has been able to attain
the all-round fluency of the Volkswagen,
despite some having more potent engines,
more outright grip on smooth surfaces,
more zany styling.
But the latest, revised version of the Ford Focus ST, announced just a few short months
ago, is asking serious questions as to the GTi’s
supremacy. And the main reason is not the
slight facelift that sees detail changes made
to the essentially conservative appearance
24
of this fast Ford, but a serious sorting in the
ride-handling-steering department.
Ford started where it matters most, when it
comes to developing a car that handles properly, and that was in the chassis itself. Using
thicker structural brackets in the engine bay
and a stronger arc welling technique in key
component-mounting areas has resulted in
a much more torsionally-stiff platform, upon
which to hang suspensions bits and pieces.
And these new suspension bits are new
too or at least seriously revised. With rigidity achieved at basement level, it is now
possible to fit more compliant spring rates,
front and rear. In addition stiffer bushings
for the lower control arms up front and links
at the rear maintain the wheel-movement
control when subjected to fierce, lateral,
cornering forces.
And in addition, Ford recalibrated the electronic power steering to provide more feel.
The result is outstanding. The new ST no longer feels board-stiff when it should be supple, stolid when it should be reactive. And
yet there is an overall feeling of security, or
steadfastness about this ride-handling-steering trinity that is much more reassuring to the
driver no matter what the situation.