Hey guys! So, you're curious about the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel, huh? You've come to the right place. We're going to dive deep into this sporty diesel and see what makes it tick. This isn't just your average car review; we'll cover everything from the engine and performance to the interior, handling, and overall value. Get ready for a comprehensive look at whether the Focus ST 185 Diesel is the right car for you. Buckle up; it's going to be a fun ride!

The Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel: What's the Hype?

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: Why a diesel ST? Typically, the ST badge is associated with petrol-powered, high-revving fun. But Ford decided to shake things up with the ST 185 Diesel, offering a unique blend of performance and fuel efficiency. The "185" in the name refers to the horsepower output, a respectable figure for a diesel. This car aims to deliver the sporty experience of the ST, but with the added benefits of diesel: impressive torque and, in theory, better fuel economy. Ford was trying to create a car that was both thrilling to drive and practical for everyday use. It's like they were saying, "Hey, you can have your cake and eat it too!" So, the hype centers around the idea of a performance car that doesn't guzzle gas and still packs a punch. It's a bold move, and it's certainly worth exploring to see if they pulled it off. This review aims to answer the burning question: Does the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel live up to the hype? We'll examine every aspect of the car, from its engine and performance to its practicality and value for money, to give you a comprehensive understanding of what makes this car tick and whether it is the right car for you.

Engine and Performance: Does it Deliver?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the engine. The Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel is powered by a 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. This engine produces 185 horsepower and a substantial 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Now, for the performance junkies, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint is done in around 8.1 seconds. This is a respectable time, though not as blisteringly fast as some petrol ST models. The real magic of the diesel lies in its mid-range pull. The abundant torque makes overtaking a breeze and provides a satisfying surge of acceleration when you put your foot down. The power delivery is different from a petrol engine; it’s more about the immediate shove rather than the high-revving excitement. The six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, with precise shifts and a well-weighted clutch. It allows you to make the most of the engine's power band and adds to the overall driving experience. The ST models have a reputation for providing a grin-inducing driving experience. The ST 185 Diesel does a pretty good job of living up to that reputation. The engine is punchy, the gearbox is excellent, and the overall performance is engaging. While it may not be the fastest car in its class, it offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality that makes it a worthy contender. The diesel engine's fuel efficiency is also a big plus. You can expect to get some pretty good MPG figures, especially on longer journeys, which makes it a sensible choice for those who do a lot of driving. Ultimately, the engine and performance aspects of the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel deliver a satisfying driving experience that is both fun and practical. The diesel engine's strong torque, paired with a great gearbox, makes it an enjoyable car to drive. It is a fantastic option for those who want a sporty driving experience without compromising on fuel economy.

Handling and Driving Experience: How Does It Feel?

So, the engine has some get-up-and-go, but how does the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel handle on the road? The ST models are renowned for their sharp handling and engaging driving dynamics. Ford has tweaked the suspension, steering, and brakes to give the ST a more sporty feel than the standard Focus. The ST 185 Diesel continues this tradition. The steering is direct and responsive, providing good feedback from the road. This gives you a sense of connection with the car and makes it easy to place it precisely in corners. The suspension is firm, which keeps body roll in check and allows for confident cornering. However, it's not overly harsh, so it doesn't punish you on bumpy roads. It strikes a good balance between sportiness and everyday comfort. The brakes are also up to the task, providing plenty of stopping power and reassuring feel. This gives you confidence when you're pushing the car hard. The ST also comes with features that enhance the driving experience. This includes torque vectoring, which helps to reduce understeer and improve cornering agility. You can feel the car working with you as you go through corners. The driving experience is engaging and fun. The car feels planted and responsive, and it encourages you to explore its limits. Whether you're navigating twisty roads or just commuting to work, the ST 185 Diesel offers a rewarding driving experience. One thing to keep in mind is that the diesel engine's weight can be felt slightly, especially at the front end. However, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall handling. The car still feels agile and responsive. The engineers have done a great job of tuning the chassis to make the most of the diesel engine's characteristics. In conclusion, the handling and driving experience of the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel are very good. The car feels sharp, responsive, and engaging. It's a car that you can enjoy driving every day, whether you're tackling your favorite back roads or just running errands around town. It’s a great package that offers a thrilling driving experience without compromising the everyday usability that most drivers demand.

Interior and Practicality: Comfort and Space

Alright, let's hop inside. The interior of the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel is where the car blends its sporty aspirations with everyday practicality. You’ll find Recaro sports seats upfront, which are designed to hug you in place during spirited driving. They offer great support and comfort, making long drives a breeze. The seats are a key part of the ST experience. The rest of the interior is typical of a Focus, which means it's well-built and functional. The dashboard layout is clear and intuitive, and the materials used are of good quality. You get a sporty steering wheel with a flat bottom, which adds to the overall feel of the car. The infotainment system is generally easy to use. The Focus has good connectivity options, including Bluetooth and smartphone integration. Rear seat passengers have decent legroom, making it comfortable for adults on shorter journeys. However, like most cars in this class, it might get a bit cramped on longer trips. The boot space is practical. The Focus has a decent-sized boot that can accommodate plenty of luggage. The rear seats fold down, expanding the cargo capacity for larger items. The Focus ST 185 Diesel is a practical car for everyday use. It offers a good balance of comfort, space, and functionality. It can handle the daily commute, weekend trips, and family duties without any issues. The interior is well-designed and comfortable. The Recaro seats and sporty touches add to the overall feel. The boot offers good storage space. The Focus ST 185 Diesel delivers on the promise of offering a sporty driving experience without sacrificing comfort and practicality. It is a car that you can live with every day. The blend of sportiness and practicality makes it an appealing choice for those who need a car that can do it all. The interior design strikes a great balance, ensuring a fun-filled driving experience without compromising comfort or everyday usability.

Value and Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Let’s get down to the bottom line: Is the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel worth your hard-earned money? When considering value, you need to weigh up a few things. First, there's the initial purchase price. The ST 185 Diesel was positioned as a performance-oriented car. You could compare it to other hot hatches in the market. The Focus ST offered good value in terms of performance and equipment. Running costs are important, too. The diesel engine is known for its fuel efficiency. The ST 185 Diesel can deliver impressive MPG figures, especially on longer journeys. This helps to keep your running costs down. However, diesel cars can sometimes come with higher maintenance costs. It is important to factor in servicing and potential repairs. You need to consider the level of equipment that comes as standard, including features such as the Recaro seats, sporty suspension, and infotainment system. Compare it to other cars in its class. Overall, the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel offers a compelling package. It delivers strong performance, engaging handling, and good fuel economy. It combines sporty aspirations with everyday practicality. It is a car that you can enjoy driving every day. The diesel engine's strong torque, paired with a great gearbox, makes it an enjoyable car to drive. It is a fantastic option for those who want a sporty driving experience without compromising on fuel economy. Ultimately, the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel is a car that makes sense for people who want a fun car that is also practical and economical. It's a unique offering in the hot hatch segment, and it's well worth considering if you're in the market for a sporty diesel car.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel into a list of pros and cons:

Pros:

• Strong Engine: The 2.0-liter diesel engine delivers plenty of torque for punchy acceleration and effortless overtaking.
• Engaging Handling: The ST's chassis is tuned for sporty handling, offering sharp steering and good body control.
• Fuel Efficiency: The diesel engine provides excellent fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving.
• Practicality: The Focus ST offers a comfortable interior, a decent-sized boot, and a good level of equipment.
• Well-Equipped: It comes with sporty Recaro seats and other features that enhance the driving experience.

Cons:

• Diesel Clatter: The diesel engine can be a bit noisy compared to petrol engines.
• Not the Fastest: While it's quick, it's not the fastest car in its class compared to petrol ST versions.
• Potential for Higher Maintenance Costs: Diesel engines can sometimes require more maintenance.
• Firm Ride: The suspension is sporty, so the ride can be firm on rough roads.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final word on the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel? It's a car that successfully blends performance with practicality. It might not be the obvious choice for a hot hatch, but its combination of strong engine, engaging handling, and excellent fuel economy makes it a compelling package. If you’re looking for a car that can be fun on a twisty road and still be practical for everyday use, the Ford Focus ST 185 Diesel is definitely worth a look. It offers a unique driving experience and a good balance of performance and efficiency. It might be the perfect car for you. Thanks for reading, and happy driving, guys!