Car comparison
Ford Focus ST goes up against the Subaru WRX.
Hatchbacks have been increasing in popularity, in part due to their flexible cargo capacity and also because they tend to be more fuel efficient and easy to manoeuvre in urban settings than a CUV. In addition to being functional, practical and offering good value, these five-door vehicles now have style and performance. Performance, in particular, seems to be attracting a new generation of buyers. Two performance hatchbacks that deserve a closer look are the new kid in town, the Ford Focus ST and the seasoned veteran, the Subaru WRX.
Ford Focus ST
When the current version of the Focus was introduced, it caught the attention of both the public and automotive journalists. The design was a tad radical and had a flare and panache not typical for an economy car. It had a distinctive European influence, which is understandable given its European origins. In addition to its great style, it offered a wide range of models, from base to an upscale Titanium, that offered top technology and creature comforts.
This year the ST has joined the market, and turbo boosting Ford’s mainstay 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder has made the ST all about performance. Power output is a respectable 252 horsepower and there is an impressive 270 pound-feet of torque at just 2,500 rpm. Plus, it has the ability to “over boost,” creating more torque for a burst of 15 seconds between 3,000 and 4,500 rpm. Premium fuel is recommended to get full power.
No question, this a serious performance vehicle that will surprise a lot of stoplight jackrabbits.
The engine is mated to a sweet-shifting, six-speed manual transmission with a short throw lever and a close ratio gear box — lots of fun. However, a manual transmission is required to get the most from this engine and that is a good thing, because the ST only comes with a manual. Acceleration runs to 100 km/h averaged 6.2 seconds, and stopping from the same speed took a scant 40 metres. Needless to say, with this much power the front-wheel-drive ST exhibits some torque steer, although something Ford calls torque steer compensation is built into the electric steering. It counters the tendency to pull the front end to one side or the other.
Handling characteristics are sufficient to make it enjoyable and controllable on twisty bits of highway at speed. However, when pushed hard into a fast corner the ST can get nervous in a hurry. Standard Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires do enhance the suspension’s cornering capability. In addition, the electronic stability control has three settings — standard mode (on all the time), sport mode (traction control off), and off mode (you are in command, Captain Kirk). Ride quality is on the firm side, although the shock dampening settings offer a compensating balance.
Interior comforts include standard Recaro leathertrimmed, heated front buckets that help support during exuberant driving. They are comfortable, with multiple adjustments that should work for most people. There’s lots of shiny metal on the pedals, hand brake, steering wheel and other parts of the dash and a push-button start. Gauges are legible and a good size; there are even oil pressure and temperature gauges. The optional technology package is worth considering, given the long list of electronic goodies including a My Touch, eight-inch LCD touch screen, dual-zone temperature zones and a Sony audio system.
Safety equipment includes all of the expected passive and active items, plus standard HID headlights — something all cars, especially performance cars, should have. Crash tests by NHSTA resulted in two five-star and two fourstar ratings, three Good and a Top Pick from IIHS.
Cargo capacity is 674 litres with the back seat folded down. Warranty coverage includes a three-year/60,000 km limited and five-year/100,000 km on the powertrain. Engine: 2.0 litre EcoBoost fourcylinder direct injection Power: 252 hp at 5,500 rpm; 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Fuel economy, L/100 km: 8.9 city/6.2 hwy Price , base/ as tested: $29,999/$34,549
Subaru WRX
WRX are the three letters on the side of a Subaru that give fair warning that the car is quick — indeed, very quick. Although the WRX is the entry-level performance model, it offers 265 horses. Should you need even more heartstopping action, you can upgrade to the WRX STI with 305 hp.
For most drivers, the WRX — which sips premium fuel — represents a good balance between a performance and an everyday vehicle. The turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder uses the boxertype engine, with horizontally opposed pistons.
Subaru claims the lower profile of the engine helps with weight distribution and creates a low centre of gravity, thereby improving handling. I’m not sure it has that great an effect, but the standard allwheel drive combined with a performance suspension setup gives the WRX high-speed handling characteristics that go beyond expectations. The car can be set into a drift on wet or snowy roads and you’ll still have confidence that you can bring it back on track.
The engine has plenty of power, with acceleration to 100 km/h averaging a scant 5.4 seconds, provided you utilize the full rev band. There is some turbo lag and that can cause minor jerking when blistering through the gears. The five-speed manual (the only choice) works well, although it could really use a sixth gear to improve fuel economy and reduce engine noise on the highway.
Braking distances were impressive, using less real estate than most competitors (just 39 metres from 100 km/h), but the brake does require a full application with a strong leg. The all-wheel-drive system not only enhances handling; it is one of the best for the money when the weather conditions turn rough — a big plus if you live in a northern climate.
Interior features include full sports seating up front with more than adequate side bolstering to keep you in place during more aggressive cornering — something that you may find yourself doing quite regularly. Gauges and controls are basic and the dash layout, although functional, is sparse. I like the electroluminescent lighting on the gauges and the large climate controls; they’re winter-glove friendly. With the rear seat folded flat, maximum cargo capacity is 638 litres. The Limited version adds a couple of nice touches, including leather upholstery, power sunroof and fog lights.
Safety has been a focus for Subaru, and the WRX includes a ring-shaped, reinforced frame along with myriad passive and active equipment. Crash test results from IIHS resulted in a Top Safety Pick and Good ratings all around. Warranty coverage includes a new vehicle limited warranty of 36 months/60,000 km and major components for 60 months/100,000 km. Engine: 2.5 litre DOHC intercooled turbo-charged Boxer four-cylinder Power: 265 hp at 6,000 rpm; 244 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm Transmission: 5- speed manual Fuel economy, L/100 km: 11.1 city/8.0 hwy Price , base/ as tested: $33,395/$35,535
summary
Both of these cars more than qualify as hot hatchbacks, with power, braking and handling that will impress. The ST has more refinement in the cabin; the front seats are very comfortable and it is quiet at highway speeds. It has more cargo capacity and is far more stylish. It offers more for the money, including superior fuel economy. However the frontwheel-drive-only puts it at a disadvantage, both in terms of the torque steer issue and in winter-weather driving.
The WRX is faster, braking is better and handling is superior. It really is a five-door sports car. Nearly 20 years of competing in world rally championships have given Subaru and the WRX a toughness. On the other hand, it is noisier, not as fuel-efficient and has less cargo capacity than the ST. In the end, if you live in a climate where you get a lot of snow, the Subaru is the better choice, although with a good set of winter tires the Focus would be a very close second and may be easier to live with on a daily urban commute.