Faults:

So far nothing serious has gone wrong, only a few squeaks and rattles from the interior.

General Comments:

The Honda Civic Type-R is definitely quicker in a straight line, but when it comes to the corners, I'd rather be in the Focus.

Performance from the 170BHP engine is definitely good enough to see off most other cars.

Handling is delicious- but turn off the E.S.P., because it does tend to stop the fun a little too quickly.

Unbelievably comfortable for such a fast car- it is good at pootling about as well as blasting down back roads.

I was lucky enough to have one of the first in the country.

I am surprised at the amount of attention the car has received, as well as the number of people who immediately know what it is.

People say this car is expensive- spec. up a Civic Type-R to the same standard, look at the list price and see what you think.

Only real down side is that the build quality is not what I expect of a £16000+ car.

I believe the ST170 makes a better all-round ownership propersition than its competitors, that is why I bought one!

Faults:

Having had the car 3 Months I haven't experienced any faults at all.

General Comments:

The car is a joy to drive. It is both comfortable and has plenty of room in both the front and back. Mine is the Zetec 1.6i 5 door. It came complete with air con, single cd, alloys and metallic paint. The 2002 model has added extra black bumper strips both front ad rear. Also changes to the front end bumper and headlight unit. There is a distinctive look of both the Mondeo and Galaxy. Ford seem to have given this profound look to all of their new model range including the all new Fiesta!.

Faults:

There is a very slight rattle that has developed somewhere within the passenger door panel. Though not a big deal, I HATE RATTLES, so I will be taking it to get it sorted soon.

General Comments:

I think the fact that this is my second Focus says it all. My previous one was a 99 Zetec model in Aquafrost with the 1.6 litre engine. My current one is also the Zetec, but I now have the Panther Black with a 1.8 litre engine. The difference in performance is highly noticeable, but so is the fuel consumption. The extra fuel being used MAY be due to the fact that I am still running it in and the engine is still a little tight. I hope it is anyway! The 1,6 used to cost approx 11 pence per mile in fuel, whereas this one is quite a bit more. My most recent fill up was from 112 miles, and it was £8.60 at 73.9 per litre.

The handling is just as good as the last one, even though the tires on the new one are of a higher profile. The standard 195's will soon be replaced with a set of good 205's, as this makes a phenomenal difference to the handling capabilities of the vehicle. As standard though, the cornering and the agility of the car easily matches that of a BMW. Ford have done an excellent job with the chassis.

The changes to this model are fantastic. The new headlite design looks excellent, as does the change to the grille and bumpers. The inside changes are small yet appealing, including a new seat fabric design, a redesigned center console with improved cup holders, and a relocated pen holder which is not obscured my the handbrake. It also includes a rear 12 volt electrical socket.

Other improvements include covers for the sun visor mirrors, the rear wiper comes on when reverse gear is selected and the front wipers are in use, there is a lite in the glove compartment, the courtesy lite still dims, but quicker than the last model, the audible lites-on warning sounds much more pleasant, there is a CD player as standard (though I have my own Kenwood sound system installed including 2 x 12 inch Subs in the boot in a custom made box), and engine/road noise seems less intrusive.

I am disappointed that the alloy wheels are the same as on the previous model. I would have preferred a new design.

Faults:

The rear wiper was squeaky, because the mechanism was too close to the glass. A new wiper arm was fitted after 8 days.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute dream to drive. The handling is superb. The cornering ability is excellent. It's very sure footed. This model has the sports suspension setup, along with sports front seats.

The performance is excellent also. Mid range acceleration is great, and it feels very confident.

The specification level is very high. Elect Windows/Mirrors/Sunroof, Remote C/L, 15" Alloys, Front Fog Lights, Rear Spoiler, Chrome Exhaust & Chrome Grille. Leather steering wheel, etc. etc.

There are no exterior signs to tell this car, from a 2.0i Focus.