Nobody was expecting the Ford Focus ST diesel to be anywhere near as fast or engaging as the petrol to drive. Even with 400 Nm from its diesel engine, it still only manages to chug along to 100 km/h or 62 mph in over 8 seconds – that’s some way off the EcoBoost car’s pace.
Even so, factoring in the lesser excitement levels it offers, the ST diesel is still a great tempting buy. It gets all of the same trick suspension components as the petrol and its clever traction and stability programs, plus it looks the same too.
AutoExpress had a go in one and while it didn’t set the reviewer’s heart racing, he thoroughly recommended it in the end – just not to the same people that would have the petrol variant. He also suggests that you’re better off just getting the estate since the car has so much torque it will make for an excellent (quick and fun) family and load lugger.