2006 Ford Focus ST 3 review from UK and Ireland

Dashboard has picked up creaks already, service light won't go out. Took it back to Ford, which they've reset twice, but keeps coming back.

Awkwards seating position.

Brakes bind when crawling.

Apart from that, have only had the car 2 1/2 months.

I'm very disappointed with the performance and general build on this model, I assumed it would be amazing after reading reviews and so on in magazines and on the net, but when you pay 19k for a car brand new, you don't expect there to be fault after fault straight after picking it up.

I bought the car because I do a lot of travelling to and from work, and thought I'd treat myself to this so called hothatch.

The car I tested must've been a special one as the power in this doesn't seem as quick.

The handling is great, but you can feel how heavy it is in the corners.

The volvo 5-pot engine is a strong performer, but is extremely thirsty, pulls strong from 2k to 6k, then falls.

I own a bright orange model with 3 doors and full leather recaro's, air con, and all whistles and bells.

Shouldve gone for the Astra VXR to start with as that looks better and goes like stink. That's why I'm selling it ASAP to get one.

Verdict: A waste of money. Buy Vauxhall.