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STICK SHIFT

Power Up: Ford Focus ST!

January 22, 2016 by admin 17 Comments

The next lesson in the School of Speed.

2015 Ford Focus ST

Ford Performance, Focus ST style.

Tangerine Scream was the perfect name for the tri-coat finish smothering the body of a delicious 2015 Ford Focus ST five-door hatchback tasked with teasing and pleasing me recently. Indeed, the ST’s bright finish served as an exclamation point on a model with more attitude between the wheels than some far more expensive sports cars.

If you aren’t familiar with “ST,” then allow me to give you a quick lesson in the school of all things speed. ST is a line of sporty vehicles from Ford Performance, representing the racing arm of the Ford Motor Company. The ST line is currently composed of the Ford Fiesta ST (see my Dec. 2014 review of the same here) and the Ford Focus ST. Moreover, a near ST-like Fusion Sport sedan is due for release in 2017.

Both ST models are new to Ford fans in the US, but the line has long been familiar to European fans. North American car buyers now have access to these models because of the company’s “One Ford” initiative: in essence, Ford is now selling nearly all its models across multiple markets.

Previously, some of Europe’s best vehicles were held back from the US. Beginning in 2008 that all changed as the Euro-spec Fiesta and Focus were sent across the Atlantic. New ST models followed and now Ford has a pair of hot hatchbacks to segue to the Mustang.

2015 Ford Focus ST

So, what’s the big deal about the Focus ST? Besides its tricked-out visage with special skirting, alloy wheels, summer tires, unique lights and fascias, and eye-popping colors, you also get a pumped-up interior. The Recaro seats literally make the cabin, enfolding the driver in a secure embrace.

The Focus ST also serves up a thickly padded, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a requisite flat bottom. A bank of three gauges situated on top of the dashboard and at the apex of the center stack displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information. Further, aluminum pedals, satin chrome door grab handles, illuminated aluminum scuff plates, and available Ford SYNC telematics are among the other stand out features you’ll find.

Of course, this model would offer little to truly cheer about unless it came equipped with a manual transmission. The 6-speed gearbox provides a short throw shifter, for quick work up and down the gear range. A USB port sits just fore of the stick, but it was busted out in the test model. In addition, a second port is stuffed underneath the armrest/storage compartment and is better suited to keep your smartphone secure as you power through every curve.

Exterior and interior embellishments are fine, but it is what resides under the hood that best defines this model. In this case you’ll find a potent 2.0-liter, Ford EcoBoost engine. EcoBoost is Ford’s engine brand combining one or more turbochargers with direct injection and variable valve technology, in a bid to squeeze more power out of a smaller footprint. Introduced in 2009, EcoBoost is now available across nearly the entire Ford range, giving the automaker an important marketing advantage.

2015 Ford Focus ST

In the Focus ST, the front-wheel-drive compact hatchback certainly benefits from EcoBoost as its relatively light weight (3,223 pounds) and smaller footprint enhance performance. Producing a whopping 252 horsepower and 275 foot-pounds of torque, the Focus ST has what it needs to take on the puissant Volkswagen Golf GTI, long the performance leader in the segment.

Which of the two models is faster is a matter of debate, something I won’t address here. The important thing is Volkswagen has a skillful competitor — no other manufacturer has been able to trump the Golf GTI to date. That is, until now.

Press the start button, engage the clutch, shift the transmission stick, and you’re ready to commence with an unusual experience. It begins with the sonance of the throaty engine where every decibel of its turbo goodness wafts into the cabin to annunciate its presence. The exhaust system answers in a cacophony of hums, toots and wails, proclaiming to all the pocket rocket’s proximity.

You’ll need to grasp the steering wheel firmly with your left hand as you flick the shifter with your right hand while working the pedals — torque steer is present and is supplied in abundance. To the uninitiated, the feeling may be entirely unnerving — why is my steering wheel suddenly shifting from side to side as I zoom down the road?

2015 Ford Focus ST

The answer is simple — copious amounts of power sent to the front wheels leads to steering wheel movement. You really aren’t in danger of losing control, but you need to keep the Focus ST pointed as you shoot. All-wheel drive would relieve much of that sensation, a feature of the upcoming and even faster 2017 Ford Focus RS. (By the way the new RS went into production a few days before I returned the ST — yes!)

How fast does the Focus ST go? Well, I never approached the upper end of its speed range — 150 mph, but I did take it to my favorite twisty roads to peel out and gauge how quickly it reached highway speeds. With the front tires squealing as I floored the accelerator and made quick work of the clutch and shifter, I found myself topping 60 mph while yet in third gear. That’s just above 6 seconds flat for the diminutive racer and faster than nearly anything else in the small car range.

Once you’re up to speed, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with this model’s competence on twisty roads. It’s a quick steering beast with stiffly tuned shocks and excellent grip up front. That’s the confidence you need for curvilinear roads and not something you’ll find in an ordinary hatchback. And the Focus ST is the antithesis of ordinary.

2015 Ford Focus ST

If the standard arrangement isn’t enough, a factory supported performance modification package from Ford Performance Parts and Mountune should do the trick. Specifically, the Mountune MP275 performance upgrade boosts engine performance to 275 horsepower and 296 foot-pounds of torque. You also can trick out your ride further by opting for a torque blasting differential, a front strut tower brace, lowering springs and other enhancements that may ultimately add as much as $5,000 to your cost. That’s about $35,000 to get the ultimate in driving dynamics, but still well below the price of a fully optioned Ford Mustang — two very different models derived from the same DNA.

What’s my verdict on the Ford Focus ST? Its a heck of a fun driver and a fantastic alternative to established, more traditional models such as the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro. It also gives Ford a strong entry in a segment led by the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the Focus RS’ arrival this spring, a top-of-the-range model that promises to slay yet another segment dragon, this time in the form of the Subaru WRX STI. By then, you’ll be prepared to take your next lesson in the School of Speed.

2015 Ford Focus ST


2015 Ford Focus ST

  • Sticker price from $24,370
  • Price as tested: from $31,065
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 252 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 275 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 RPM
  • 3.44 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.3-to-1
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
  • Length: 171.7 inches
  • Width: 71.8 inches
  • Height: 58.4 inches
  • Passenger volume: 90 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 23.8/44.8 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: Not recommended
  • EPA: 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 12.4 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,223 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not Rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Wayne, Michigan

2015 Ford Focus ST
2015 Ford Focus ST
2015 Ford Focus ST


See Also — Benchmark This: 2016 Honda Accord


2015 Ford Focus ST photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 6-SPEED GEARBOX, Ford Focus RS, FORD FOCUS ST, FORD MUSTANG, FORD PERFORMANCE, front-wheel drive, STICK SHIFT, Subaru WRX STI, turbo, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

Manual Transmissions and How to Drive Stick Shift

August 4, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Most cars include automatic transmissions, with the gears shifting systematically. Other vehicles have a manual transmission, requiring drivers to control the shift points with a clutch, a stick shift, and the accelerator pedal. A manual transmission provides drivers with a more engaged driving adventure, something you can learn as you follow our streamlined tips for driving with a stick.

Ford Mustang -- stick shift.

The Ford Mustang offers an available manual transmission.

Drive Stick Shift Tips

Familiarize yourself with the interior arrangement. The first of our drive stick tips will have you getting acquainted with the interior of a car outfitted with a manual transmission, especially by taking note of a few important distinctions. Instead of just two pedals — a brake and an accelerator (gas pedal) — a vehicle with a manual transmission has a third pedal, the clutch, located to the left of the brake.

You will also find a stick shift between the front row seats. On top of the stick is a knob displaying a treelike shifting pattern comprised of numbers and an “R” symbol for reverse. Most cars built today have five or six forward gears. Neutral is defined by the horizontal line between the gears.

With the car turned off, practice shifting between the gears. Here, you will push the clutch in each time you shift. Take note of the simplicity in shifting — most modern transmissions shift quickly between the forward gears.

Start the Car

clutch, brake and a gas pedalNow that you are acquainted with the pedal and shifter arrangement, you can move on to the next of our drive stick tips — starting the car. Place the stick shift in neutral, hold down the clutch with your left foot and press down on the brake with your right foot. Once the car starts, then remove your foot from the clutch.

To move the car you will depress the clutch and either put it in first gear or move the stick shift into reverse gear. Moving to the reverse gear typically means pulling up on the stick and moving it to the reverse position as you depress the clutch. Once engaged, begin to slowly move out of your parking space, applying slight pressure to the gas pedal to put the car in motion. Slowly take your foot off the clutch as you begin to move. Keep in mind that whenever you brake you must depress the clutch or the car will stall.

On the Road

The next step in our drive stick shift tips will have you taking to the road. Here, you will begin your journey in first gear and start shifting to second gear when your speed reaches 15 mph. Switching gears to correspond to every 12 to 15 mph increase in speed is a good rule to follow. Thus, if you are approaching 30 mph, you would shift from second to third gear. Conversely, downshift to the next lowest gear as you reduce your speed.

Jaguar F-Type with a stick shift.If your car has a tachometer you might shift gears as the meter approaches 3,000 RPM instead. When learning how to drive with a stick shift, practice where traffic is light and with few red lights to slow your momentum.

When approaching a stop sign or a traffic light, begin to brake, then depress the clutch as your speed drops below 10 mph. You can move the stick into neutral as you come to a stop, taking your foot off the clutch. Only shift into first gear when you are ready to move forward, continuing your upshifts as you pick up speed.

Drive Stick Shift Summation

Learning how to operate a car with a manual transmission takes time. The car will buck and even stall as you learn the ropes, but do not give up. Concentrate on clutch activation and shifting, and gas pedal management will follow naturally.

You might also enlist the support of a patient family member or friend to ride with you. The operative word here is “patient” as the individual riding in the front passenger seat should offer much encouragement as you learn how to drive with a manual transmission.


See Also — 5 Tips for Driving at Night

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: BRAKE, car tips, CLUTCH, GAS PEDAL, GEARBOX, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STICK SHIFT

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