A more mature/subtle performance car?

[Focused]

I'd be curious to know if there'd be much interest in more subtle looking version of the Fiesta and Focus ST. Whilst both have great drivetrains, both look too aggressive for me (and another work colleague I discussed this with).
How about a Focus ST drivetrain in a Sport or Titanium body? Or a Fiesta ST engine under a Focus Zetec?
VW appear to have had success with more subtle looking performance Golfs and I must admit that the mature look and great performance in a Golf GTI is rather attractive. The Focus ST looks good and drives amazingly well, but it's just too loud and I'd feel awkward turning up to anything in it. On the flip-side, the standard Focus Sport (which allegedly has ~125kWs) feels painfully slow.

Anything else agree or am I getting too old?

[Polyal]

Yes.

IMO the ST balance is prefect, you dont like the previous RS then?

[Dave R]

While I agree with you, I've always seen half the point of a hot hatch as being loud and fun looking (although as you mention VW seems to buck this trend). The ST brand seems to be aimed at a younger audience anyway, hence the no apologies styling.

[Focused]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Yes.

IMO the ST balance is prefect, you dont like the previous RS then?

haha I respect it for the car that it is, but I'd never drive one to work every day.

[Alan D Segal]

'Performance car' might be pushing it. If you're looking at the STs a better title might have been 'A more mature/subtle warm hatch'?

[Focused]

Originally Posted by Alan D Segal

'Performance car' might be pushing it. If you're looking at the STs a better title might have been 'A more mature/subtle warm hatch'?

Maybe. Or in a way you all would understand... a G6ET version of a Focus.

[Powdered Toast Man]

I think the Focus ST is quite an elegant subtle hot hatch, but to each their own. Perhaps a less colourful interior could be available for those with more refined tastes. I agree the Golf is a classy looking unit, but it is also a well built and engineered car which is why it sells so well on its reputation.

I don't think there would be a market for a hipo "mature" looking hatch. Not really the right demographic. Look at how the GT-E sold and being a large car would probably fit more into what more mature understated market would be after I would think.

[mik]

I saw a little audi today, 1.4 L turbo charged and supercharged, it just looked like any other small car, no stripes or sporty pretensions ,all white, no idea what they go like, looks like a mature person's car though.

[pmacc]

so in other words you would like Ford to make a Fiesta/ Focus ST Sleaper edition

[FG50T]

Aside from the central exhaust tip I would never pick a black ST as a sports hatch.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by Focused

I'd be curious to know if there'd be much interest in more subtle looking version of the Fiesta and Focus ST. Whilst both have great drivetrains, both look too aggressive for me (and another work colleague I discussed this with).
How about a Focus ST drivetrain in a Sport or Titanium body? Or a Fiesta ST engine under a Focus Zetec?
VW appear to have had success with more subtle looking performance Golfs and I must admit that the mature look and great performance in a Golf GTI is rather attractive. The Focus ST looks good and drives amazingly well, but it's just too loud and I'd feel awkward turning up to anything in it. On the flip-side, the standard Focus Sport (which allegedly has ~125kWs) feels painfully slow.

Anything else agree or am I getting too old?

I think it would be great if buyers could option the sports EcoBoost engines on the Focus and Fiesta Titanium ala G6ET (although I think the market would be bigger for an upgraded Focus Titanium)

However, the Focus ST isn't that in your face, it has quite subtle and integrated styling. It shares it's side skirts and rear spoiler with the Focus Titanium (looks great though) The colour you choose for the car makes all the difference in how loud it looks. The Fiesta ST is a little more wild however.

[In Focus]

Originally Posted by FG50T

Aside from the central exhaust tip I would never pick a black ST as a sports hatch.

Maybe a black one with leather seats?

[DJM83]

I don't think the ST brand has ever been in your face TBH although some of the colours have been. Just don't get a bright colour and you will blend in.

[RSgerry]

any of the ST colours except TS are all quite subtle. you need to look twice and there are only a couple of subtle external giveaways on the ST. I love my ST and it is just a sensational car. as for being a 'warm' hatch, try driving one.

[1TUFFUTE]

I think the reality is colour is where the problem lies....the cars are perfect for what and who they re deigned for......but if you want a slightly refined looking one....gon white black of silver......so yours looks like everyother small runabout in town.

[calais]

Might get flamed for this but ever considered the new Nissan Pulsar ST-S?

It has the exact same direct injected 140kw 1.6 litre turbo as the SSS.

Now, I do fully understand that it is nowhere near the Focus ST's league and I only mention it as an example of where a mainstream manufacturer offers a little more you would expect in a 'basic' package.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by RSgerry

any of the ST colours except TS are all quite subtle. you need to look twice and there are only a couple of subtle external giveaways on the ST. I love my ST and it is just a sensational car. as for being a 'warm' hatch, try driving one.

Agreed on all accounts, it is a hot hatch by a mile not a warm one.

[tex]

Audi S3 sleeperness... .

[GQ_Smooth]

I think there has been a slow shift over the last 5 years to more subtle styling. Although performance models still have their own "look at me" add-ons.

[DBourne]

Originally Posted by DJM83

I don't think the ST brand has ever been in your face TBH although some of the colours have been. Just don't get a bright colour and you will blend in.

^ agree.

[Alan D Segal]

Originally Posted by DJM83

it is a hot hatch by a mile not a warm one.

I see that this is just like the weather in that peoples' opinions on whether it is hot or just 'warm' or even 'not that warm at all' outside can vary. Cheers and enjoy your vehicle.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Alan D Segal

I see that this is just like the weather in that peoples' opinions on whether it is hot or just 'warm' or even 'not that warm at all' outside can vary. Cheers and enjoy your vehicle.

Funny how almost everyone refers to the ST as a hot hatch though.

Anywho, i couldnt care i think its a hot hatch and yes i do enjoy it.

[Alan D Segal]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Funny how almost everyone refers to the ST as a hot hatch though.

Yes, don't worry. You don't have to 'get' everyone's sense of humour.

[DJM83]

Doubt there was humour involved really.

Anywho i doubt there is a chance of ford producing a 'wolf in sheeps' clothing. The ST twins fill that void i reckon (Unless you have a TS/MO coloured one )

[Alan D Segal]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Doubt there was humour involved really.

Of course

[gassed250]

I really like the look of the Focus zetec S, would be nice if the body kit was available here in AUS

[bArNsY]

AMG A45 and BMW M135i, now they are subtle performance cars for a mature driver...at a price!

[WILDB]

Originally Posted by DJM83

(Unless you have a TS/MO coloured one )

Those are the most subtle colours of all though.....






As subtle as a flying brick.....

[DeKa]

Originally Posted by Focused

Or a Fiesta ST engine under a Focus Zetec?

That's called the Focus Zetec S (With 1.6T 182PS Ecoboost engine) in the UK.
Look at the pricelist here: http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/Focus/Brochureandpricelists

[MKE13]

You're just getting old....Time to get you a Camry I thinks....