Test drive Ford Focus st 5 doors 2005 - 2007 hatchback

Cuckarem

The best fighting roosters were grown in Tanagre and Alexandria - experts at the history of ancient gambling claim with knowledge of the matter. But when was it - even before our era? So listen to us. The breeding of the most impudent and fighting chicks is now engaged in autods - Honda and Ford.
The main thing is participation. I would like to arrange a survey among drivers: who considers himself a racer? I believe that every tenth will choose an answer option: I am Fernando Alonso. Every hundredth - I'm better. And every thousandth will still celebrate the subparagraph with a ginge: ready to prove. How? This is the second question. And the answer to him is known: no way. Big motorsport is too expensive. The isolation of the formula gives us, ordinary drivers, the opportunity to represent ourselves to champions.
And you first prove that, like a racer, at least not worse than a neighbor in a parking lot, a work colleague or an opponent in a blog. There are enough opportunities for this. Choose what kind of motorsport do you like: small (karting), street, virtual or household? No, you did not misheard. Household sports can be done in general every day and get a lot of pleasure from your little road victories.
 
Here are the most attractive shells for such a lesson - Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Type R. In terms of functionality, they are no different from ordinary ones. They will be tirelessly, with acceptable comfort, without burning excess gasoline, carry you, your family and all that you will put on to their trunk. But each of the named cars is endowed with a solid charge of the drive. They are able to throw off the most venerable premium kars from street pole-poses.
The suspension on ST is not constructively different from the second generation used on the Ford Focus (in particular, their new multi -link system Control Blade with passive steering wheel is preserved from the back). But it is different differently: the lower front levers received hard supports, the road clearance is reduced by 15 mm, but despite this, the wheel course reaches 200 mm. The diameter of the front brake discs is also impressive - 320 mm! Through the 18-inch wheels, a slightly smaller size (300 and 260 mm), through the 18-inch wheels. But the front racks of MacPherson are equipped with a very powerful stabilizer. The back suspension remained half -dependent.
SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE. 12-17 thousand dollars-this is an additional payment for a feeling of invincibility. Wait, don't squeeze. There is a suspicion that the companies that make such cars are engaged in hidden bestowing buyers. Think for yourself: people invest a lot of effort, time and money, and in the end they put up their brainchild for sale in that price niche where consumers are extremely jerking. Why are they even produced at all? Yes, at least for the considerations that the chef is guided by, creating a branded dish for his restaurant-to increase the prestige of the institution.
 
Only two examples. The Ford Mondeo ST220 was once produced. It cost only 5 to 6 thousand more than the most powerful and sophisticated civil version, but in terms of dynamic qualities he surpassed offhand in all fifty! Or take the previous Civic Type R. The Japanese greatly underestimated their cannon-they planned to sell several hundred, well, several thousand copies, and as a result, the British Honda plant in Suidon to satisfy demand, collected a Typ-Urok on the conveyor.
 
New items look appetizing. Especially Ford Focus ST. This three -door hatch (it is possible to order a five -door) is armed with a five -cylinder turbo engine with a capacity of 225 hp. (in ST on the basis of the first focus there was a 170-horsepower motor). It differs from ordinary Fords by a redesigned and reinforced chassis. And he looks much more impudent thanks to a unique body kit, a new decor and 18-inch cast discs. And the Recaro salon is generally a separate conversation. Such a masterpiece with a stock is simply unethical.
 
The new Type R, made in the three-door Civic of the eighth generation, is more expensive than ST for 7 thousand dollars, but this is unlikely to reduce its attractiveness for fans. The Japanese, however, chose a different approach to modernization. They did not increase the power - the increase in three forces did not count (it turned out to be by itself after optimizing the mode of operation of the atmospheric high -cost engine). They facilitated the clutch flywheel and installed enhanced synchronizers in the checkpoint. The main vector of updates is aimed at safety and comfort. The anterior subframe and torsion of engine mounts made of aluminum are able to absorb greater energy in a collision. The Japanese salon is designed in a pure sports style and made of first -class materials. Climate control and slaughter music are included in the standard equipment.
ST you distinguish right away. Conventional Focus do not have such wheeled wheels, such a front bumper and a radiator grille, as well as a exhaust in a sports field. In addition, to extensive basic equipment (climate control, ESP, rain sensor, automatic light and so on), you can add all the attributes of an expensive car: Park-Pilot, the Keyfree system, xenon and navigation system. As for the competitor, the Type R+ equipment (the only one, by the way) was clearly created on the principle of all inclusive: a two -zone climate, anti -wing, turn signals in the mirrors, eight pillows ... You can supplement it with any trifle: velor rugs, adapter for iPod, settings Bluetooth.
 
Rezteability-factor. Maybe a high landing in Ford is not in the best way for a sports car, but, comfortably settled in an armchair, you immediately feel a readiness for exploits. The engine is what you need. He has a sambo boost even at low speeds, and when he is untwisted to at least 2-3 thousand revolutions, he almost immediately gives a powerful and tight, like bowstring from gas to the floor. He is not even embarrassed by the presence of a handicap in the person of four passengers. If the machine is loaded, then it is felt more by slowing down - from sharp braking, ST only falls into the asphalt more strongly. There can be no claims to the steering, nor to the clarity of the work of the checkpoint. The hydraulic wrap provides a sneaking, but stable feedback on the lamb.
Type R generally gives sports sensations. Planting is the most hound, the suspension is tougher, the steering (with an electric power) is sharper and more transparent. The noise of rolling the wheels and the motor falsettepers clearly penetrates the salon, which only exacerbates the feeling of movement. The motor, which at civilian turns behaves just as a good motor, is spinning after 5 thousand until the gunpowder burns. It is a pity that there is no joystick, like the predecessor of Type R. The new box conveys the torque softer, but because of the sweeping stroke of the lever you lose precious moments.
Who will win? If from a place, then Type R. Focus is invincible at high speeds at high speeds. But on the winding paths of Honda (lighter and more tenacious than Ford) is again capable of regaining leadership.
 
The Focus ST salon is a successful symbiosis of the amenities of the usual city hatchback and a sustained sports finish. For the seats of Recaro, for the black ceiling, for convenient and not too long pedals, I am immediately ready to put the five to this car. In principle, a three -spoke steering wheel is not bad and skin -sheathed. The cululis of the checkpoint sticks into each transmission clearly quite clearly, although I personally would prefer that the handle be higher and moves with a shorter stroke. But what is there, deserves only a good assessment. Three additional devices installed in the central console clearly give out the intention of the ST focus under the Street Carriage Apparatus. In my opinion, they are superfluous, since they do not give the driver vital information, but they will be distracted from the road for sure. I will attribute the pluses of ST to three interior decoration options (this most spectacular, with orange textile inserts, and the most practical - black leather) and a fairly wide selection of colors for the body. But here let me give up the advice. Even if you find the color of Electric Orange too defiant and bright, do not rush to select a replacement - first look at the car in this color alive. It is he who makes ST irresistible.
 
The interior of Type R adopted a modern dashboard from Honda Civic, but thinly seasoned with exclusive sportsman style. These are not loud words, but facts. The buckets of the seats look rich - hard rollers, hugging the hips, the lower back and shoulders of the driver, are trimmed with Alcantara. The steering wheel is perforated skin plus red thread. The original multi -colored illumination of devices here is made plain - deep and pure red color. It is impossible not to notice the overlays on the pedals and the metal platform for the left leg. Finally, there is even a sign with a personal car number - the same detail that caused special pride among the owners of the previous generation Type R. But it cannot be said that the salon of the most charged Civic has been worked out to the smallest detail. From a serial citizen, the car got large door panels of hard plastic and a light inexpressive ceiling. Buyers are offered only four body painting options, but there is an opportunity to distinguish - there is an alternative to a picture of the wheeled discs, and among accessories there are many details (overlays, stickers, emblems, and so on) for external decor.
Ford Focus ST
Gasoline engine, 5 in a row
Working volume (cubic cub) 2521
Power (L. S. at about/min) 225 at 6000
Moment (Nm at rpm) 320 at 1600-4000
Front drive
Gearbox 6-speed, mechanical
Length/width/height (mm) 4342/1840/1497
Equipped mass (kg) 1392
Maximum speed (km/h) 241
Acceleration to 100 km/h (c) 6.8
Fuel consumption (city/highway, l/100 km) 13.8/6.8
The price in Moscow from 787,000 rubles.

Honda Civic Type-R
Gasoline engine, 4 in a row
Working volume (cubic cub) 1998
Power (L. S. at about/min) 201 at 7800
Moment (Nm at rpm) 193 at 5600
Front drive
Gearbox 6-speed, mechanical
Length/width/height (mm) 4275/1785/1785
Equipped mass (kg) 1267
Maximum speed (km/h) 235
Acceleration to 100 km/h (c) 6.6
Fuel consumption (city/highway, l/100 km) 12.7/7.0
The price in Moscow is 973,000 rubles.
 
We thank for help in organizing the shooting of Honda Motor Rus (495) 745-2080 and CJSC Ford Motor company (495) 777-8500.

Text Ruslan Tarasov
Photo Andrey Danilov
 

A source: "Autopilot"