Shopping around for a car to replace my FR-S. Test drove a Focus ST yesterday. I owned a Focus hatchback for 10 years. I loved that car everyday of those 10 years. But the ST, while an amazing hot hatch, was just that...a hot hatch. It drove like tuned Focus, not a true sports car.

The biggest thing that stuck into my head, was that I felt like I was sitting on the Focus, not in it. The driving position is much more upright, the shifter was rubbery and vague. The cars fit and finish was better, and it was much more nicely appointed. For a daily driver, it would be a better choice.


But at the end of it all, I drove off the lot in my FR-S. If anything, this experience reaffirmed my choice to buy a twin in the first place. For what I can afford, I'm not likely to find a better drivers car.


As for specifics on the focus, the engine was excellent. The induction noise sounded great, but so great it was almost artificial. The steering and initial turn in were excellent. The car definitely has torque, but falls off a bit on the high end. It was very quiet when cruising, and comfortable to be in. Though the busy dashboard reminded me of the carpets they use in Vegas casinos, just too much going on.
The car I drove was an ST3 package, with everything. Listed at 30k, but they had it marked at 26k, with even less being very possible as they were motivated to get it sold. For the money, that is a lot of car. For someone with a family, this would be an excellent compromise vehicle. But being single, and relatively young, I'm not keen on compromise :)

I was cross shopping the two cars before settling on the BRZ. I thought similarly. Single guys, ftw :)

My girlfriend thinks I made the right choice. After she saw the BRZ, she said, that's the right choice. ;)