Ford Focus ST170: A Hot Hatch Worthy of the Name

Some days, driving transcends mere transportation; it becomes an experience, an obsession. On those days, the road less travelled beckons, and a capable machine is paramount. For those who understand this sentiment, the Ford Focus ST170 emerges as a compelling proposition, a hot hatch that, while perhaps not a performance behemoth, delivers an engaging driving dynamic that can make ordinary journeys extraordinary.

The Heart of the Matter: The ST170 Engine

When the Ford Focus first graced European roads in 1998, it was immediately recognised for its dynamically sound chassis and surgically precise handling. However, a significant point of contention for many reviewers was the perceived lack of enthusiasm from its standard engines. The 85kW 1.8-litre and 96kW 2.0-litre powerplants were often labelled as the "biggest letdown," criticised for their lethargic low-rpm pull and a rather breathless top end. The introduction of the ST170, equipped with a more potent engine, seemed to rectify this oversight. This engine, a 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder unit, was significantly enhanced with a high-flow cylinder head, larger valves with variable timing, high-compression alloy pistons, and a dual-stage manifold. The result? A healthy 127kW of power at 7000rpm and 196Nm of torque at 5500rpm. This engine transformed the Focus into the car it arguably should have been from the outset, offering a much-needed injection of vigour.

Chassis Prowess: Where the Focus Excels

Ford's often-repeated defence of the Focus has consistently centred on its superior chassis, and for good reason. The ST170 amplifies this inherent strength, presenting a chassis with an insatiable appetite for twisting roads. The combination of a supple, fluid ride and tightly controlled handling delivers razor-sharp responses in every corner. Turn-in is quick and committed, impressively so given how securely the rear end remains planted, even through relentless switchbacks. The ST170's 17-inch wheel and tyre package provides prodigious grip across a variety of surfaces, from dry bitumen to wet, patchy tarmac and even dirt. The mid-corner grip is, frankly, almost mind-altering, consistently prompting drivers to reassess their entry speeds. This is a car that encourages you to push the boundaries, to explore the limits of adhesion and to revel in the connection between driver, machine, and road.

Performance Metrics and Comparisons

While the ST170's chassis is undeniably a highlight, its straight-line performance, though improved, still faced stiff competition. Independent testing revealed a 0-100km/h time of 8.2 seconds. While this is a respectable figure for a hot hatch of its era, it placed it in a category where rivals were beginning to offer even more potent offerings. For context, the 1.8-litre Ford Focus LX, in earlier iterations, struggled to hit 100km/h from rest in under 10.9 seconds, a significant deficit compared to contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla. The ST170 closed this gap considerably, but the landscape was evolving rapidly. Competitors like the Holden and Toyota were preparing to launch models that would once again challenge the Focus in outright acceleration. In Europe, a more potent Focus RS, featuring a turbocharged version of the same engine producing a formidable 160kW, existed, sparking hope for Australian enthusiasts. However, at the time of this assessment, a decision on its local release remained unconfirmed.

At its launch price of $37,000 in May 2003, the Focus ST170 was positioned as one of the best-handling three-door hatches available for under $50,000. Its closest rivals in terms of performance and segment were the Renault Clio RS and the Peugeot 206 GTi, both smaller in stature. While the ST170's price point brought it close to the Subaru WRX, it represented a fundamentally different machine, appealing to a different driver mindset. The true test, however, would come with the arrival of new, more powerful contenders from Holden and Toyota, poised to challenge the Focus's position.

The Driving Experience: Beyond the Numbers

The ST170's raison d'être is to deliver a rewarding driving experience, and in this regard, it succeeds admirably. While the throttle response is described as somewhat "doughy" and slow to react, making precise blipped downchanges and heel-toe downshifts a more deliberate affair, this is a minor quibble in the grand scheme of its dynamic capabilities. The engine, while not a "ball-tearer," is sufficiently quick to provide enjoyment in most scenarios. The true magic lies in the synergy between the responsive steering, the tenacious grip, and the well-balanced chassis. It's a car that communicates its intentions clearly, building driver confidence with every mile.

Key Features and Specification Highlights

Stopping Power: Confidence-Inspiring Brakes

Beyond its ability to accelerate and corner, the Focus ST170 is not short on stopping power. Equipped with disc brakes all round and anti-lock braking system (ABS), Ford claimed the ST170 could decelerate from 100km/h to a standstill in just 36.3 metres. This provides a crucial layer of confidence, allowing drivers to exploit the car's handling potential fully, knowing they have reliable and effective braking performance at their disposal.

Verdict: A Driver's Hot Hatch

The Ford Focus ST170 is, without question, a car that drives like a dream. Its exceptional chassis, combined with the more spirited ST170 engine, creates a genuinely engaging driving experience. It represents a significant step up from the volume Focus models and offers a compelling package for those prioritising handling and driver involvement. While it may have been outgunned in outright straight-line performance by some of its key rivals, its dynamic strengths and solid value proposition made it a standout in the hot hatch segment. The sentiment remains: this baby drives like a dream, but it truly felt capable of handling even more power. Whether this was enough to keep it competitive in the face of incoming rivals was the ultimate question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the ST170 engine the best engine for a Ford Focus?
A1: While the ST170 engine significantly improved the Focus's performance, the consensus was that its characteristics should have been standard across the range. For enthusiasts seeking performance, it was a welcome addition.

Q2: How does the Focus ST170 handle compared to its competitors?
A2: The Focus ST170 is widely praised for its exceptional chassis and handling, often considered superior to many of its rivals in terms of grip, responsiveness, and ride quality.

Q3: What were the main criticisms of the Ford Focus ST170?
A3: The primary criticisms often centred on the throttle response being somewhat doughy and the car's straight-line performance being outpaced by some newer, more powerful competitors upon its release.

Q4: Was the Ford Focus ST170 only available in a specific colour?
A4: Yes, at launch, the Focus ST170 was exclusively available in Imperial Blue.

Q5: Did Ford ever release the Focus RS in Australia?
A5: At the time of this article's writing, Ford Australia had not made a decision on releasing the more powerful Focus RS. While hoped for, it was not a certainty.