http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/292756/new_ford_focus_st_news_price_and_specs.html

More detail here

Happy with this news!

The dash looks a million times better, central buttons look very Audi A1 and the bigger screen looks very nice.

A stealth grey ST3 diesel estate with black alloys is now on my next company car short list

It joins

Octavia vRS diesel

Golf GTE

Leon X-perience

Only at least 10 years late with this Ford! About bloody time....

Would certainly consider one in estate form.

Not sure why folks are asking why skoda aren't making a hot Fabia etc. they already do the octavia.

Next time you're out park up next to a new focus, they're a big car these days. Only a few inches shorter than a MK2 octavia.

The reason is because they've gone backwards. They now produce a less powerful diesel Fabia than they did in 2003.....

Nobody said that they would not do a Hot or Mildly Hot Fabia MK2 Replacement.   The CEO just said last August there would not be a vRS when the replacement came.

(He went on about how they will build 'Sporty Looks' suit the Youth, fit Alloys, Sports Seats, Trashy Trim & Stickers & Sporty looks,

Squat & Emotional with Connectivity.

('The All Show and no real Go' that Skoda are into now, because that is all the VWG let then do.)

Then the Head of Development then said or was quoted as saying something like,

'We like building Hot Cars and if the demand is there we will build them'. (paraphrase)

 

But there is to be a Replacement S2000 Rally car, a R5. so it will need a Skoda Model Body Shape,

maybe the Mk2 Fabia FL re Face Lifted (part 2), 2015,  

or the Rapid Spaceback shape.

 

So what is the Point of all the Motorsport Heritage & Rally success stuff from Skoda, they make a big thing of it.

Imagine if they have a Rally car using a Model Shape, and the best the Version that the used the Model Shape from that is sold to the public puts out 122 ps max ?

Seems like a fairly sound idea.

I'm already impressed by the new model Fiesta ST.  It may look a bit childish on the outside, but it's not completely over the top and has some nice design touches. The clincher is the interior though.  The ST looks like a fantastic place to be compared to most of its competitors. Even hot Audis are starting to fall behind on the quality of the cabin.

I would never choose to own one at the moment, as a quick little petrol would cost me massive amounts on my daily 50 mile round trip to work, but a diesel with decent economy would be much more tempting and I think a lot of other drivers would be in a similar mindset.  I also think the slightly tamer 185bhp engine, with a decent torque figure, is about right to hit the lower end of the hot-hatch market. Not everybody wants a truly lairy boy-racer-mobile. If they did, we'd see a lot more RSClios and Golf Rs on the road.

Nobody said that they would not do a Hot or Mildly Hot Fabia MK2 Replacement.   The CEO just said last August there would not be a vRS when the replacement came.

(He went on about how they will build 'Sporty Looks' suit the Youth, fit Alloys, Sports Seats, Trashy Trim & Stickers & Sporty looks,

Squat & Emotional with Connectivity.

('The All Show and no real Go' that Skoda are into now, because that is all the VWG let then do.)

Then the Head of Development then said or was quoted as saying something like,

'We like building Hot Cars and if the demand is there we will build them'. (paraphrase)

 

But there is to be a Replacement S2000 Rally car, a R5. so it will need a Skoda Model Body Shape,

maybe the Mk2 Fabia FL re Face Lifted (part 2), 2015,  

or the Rapid Spaceback shape.

 

So what is the Point of all the Motorsport Heritage & Rally success stuff from Skoda, they make a big thing of it.

Imagine if they have a Rally car using a Model Shape, and the best the Version that the used the Model Shape from that is sold to the public puts out 122 ps max ?

 

 

 I asked Skoda UK the question about the Rapid vRS and they categorically stated it would never be built. They confirmed there would be a sport model (a la Monte Carlo) but the Rapid vRS isn't coming. Skoda messed about with the 'will we? won't we?' when releasing the model and i've no reason to believe they'll follow up with a Mk3 Fabia vRS. Citroen managed a successful reign with the C4 in rallying without any sign of a fast road-goer.

 I tell you who does like the concept of all show and no go in a Fabia, my seventy seven year old father. Yoof will quite happily buy faster older and use the saved money on insurance. Its why the eldest's boyfriend tools around in a Mk4 GTi Golf despite having a well paid job (for his 19 years) 

I have never seen the soon to be released Fabia MK2 replacement be called the Fabia MK3. Just 'the New Fabia'.

 but that maybe is what the Facelifted again on the Updated Chassis will be known as.

 

As to Skoda UK knowing very much.

They hardly know the Spec & Details of Current UK Models if you try to buy one, their Websites are full of errors, 

The Dealers can not tell you Colours or Options quite often, and the Buyer kows more than the Salespeople.

they are hardly likely to know what the Future holds.

or

Tell you if they do,  before some 'Insider Tells Auto EXpress' or Autocar',  or a Website in India.

 

Re Citroen. &  No sign of a Fast Road-Goer.

 They do have a few Warm Versions out there,  rather well advertised models that have featured on some Car Shows on the Telly.

These are certainly putting out more than 105 ps like the Current 'Rally Inspired' Fabia Monte Carlos which have been on sale for 3 years now..

Or the 'Tribute' Fabia S2000/vRS with the standard minimum 180 ps,

(add some Stickers & a few Standard items that are usually options.)

I have never seen the soon to be released Fabia MK2 replacement be called the Fabia MK3. Just 'the New Fabia'.

 but that maybe is what the Facelifted again on the Updated Chassis will be known as.

 

As to Skoda UK knowing very much.

They hardly know the Spec & Details of Current UK Models if you try to buy one, their Websites are full of errors, 

The Dealers can not tell you Colours or Options quite often, and the Buyer kows more than the Salespeople.

they are hardly likely to know what the Future holds.

or

Tell you if they do,  before some 'Insider Tells Auto EXpress' or Autocar',  or a Website in India.

 

Re Citroen. &  No sign of a Fast Road-Goer.

 They do have a few Warm Versions out there,  rather well advertised models that have featured on some Car Shows on the Telly.

These are certainly putting out more than 105 ps like the Current 'Rally Inspired' Fabia Monte Carlos which have been on sale for 3 years now..

Or the 'Tribute' Fabia S2000/vRS with the standard minimum 180 ps,

(add some Stickers & a few Standard items that are usually options.)

 

 

 Which is why I specifically contacted Skoda UK rather than speaking to a dealership. It would have been the last thing that would have caused me to buy a Rapid over a Toldeo and as the answer was no we went with Seat (saved a good £4k over the Rapid too) 

 At the time when Loeb was battering the opposition Citroen offered... The Loeb 1.6 HDi. I don't think the range ever got more punchy than a 130hp petrol. 

I stand by my point that yoof aren't interested in flash but no dash. I've yet to see a young 'un rolling around in a Fabia (not to say that there aren't any) but I see plenty around my age and older. The allure of better looks and extra equipment will take you so far, but I don't see the Mk3 (its a VW thing, get into a discussion about a T25/T3 or a Mk2/3 Polo) as reaching the holy land of those vibrant young things. 

What is your Age?

 

You maybe just dont see Young Ones in Fabias then because they are not in your area,

 Because there are quite a few with Mk2 vRS or have had them, under 21's, due to the rather reasonable Insurance on a 180 ps Minimum Car,

& even with a few Mods.

 

The VW Lupo GTI was a wonderful thing.

What a shame that Skoda can not do a Small car as good, or even VW or Seat, 

What would they use, ?

If only there was something around in the VWG like the size of a Citigo/Up!/Mii  !!

 

Rather than building just the likes of £23,000 Plus A1's or Coming soon Polo GTi's

 

 

The VW Lupo GTI was a wonderful thing.

What a shame that Skoda can not do a Small car as good, or even VW or Seat, 

 

 

 

Surely that's exactly what the Up GT will be for.

Lets hope so, Great handling & some oomph.

 

Up! are Volkswagen though,

and they like a premium Price being a Premium Brand.  

(All those Special parts they use, that are so unique and not seen on any other make of car.!)

 

Some people do like their Vehicles from Skoda Dealers even though they might sometimes be Clueless,

there is something endearing about the more disorganised & less spotless Showrooms IMO.

What is your Age?

 

You maybe just dont see Young Ones in Fabias then because they are not in your area,

 Because there are quite a few with Mk2 vRS or have had them, under 21's, due to the rather reasonable Insurance on a 180 ps Minimum Car,

& even with a few Mods.

 

The VW Lupo GTI was a wonderful thing.

What a shame that Skoda can not do a Small car as good, or even VW or Seat, 

What would they use, ?

If only there was something around in the VWG like the size of a Citigo/Up!/Mii  !!

 

Rather than building just the likes of £23,000 Plus A1's or Coming soon Polo GTi's

 

 

 I'm about to knock on the door of 40 and sadly at the age where I can no longer confused for a yoof. I even get disappointed that the Golfs don't seem to pique the interest of the local constabulary because they can tell my hair is starting to grey. 

 We have no Skoda dealer in Stafford (just about everything else mind) but there are some close by and new Skodas aren't unusual. The Montes and the rare vRS I do see aren't driven by kids. 

 

 I agree that Skoda SHOULD be introducing a next generation vRS and am baffled they ditched the diesel aspect that made the original so popular. Given the choice over a Mk1 Fabia and a 125hp 6n2 GTi i'd be plumping for the scud every time. Like I said earlier i'm wondering whether the VAG plan now extends beyond the vRS label- there seems much interest in introducing sports variants of Seat's models. Skoda is now occupying land VW once did when one thinks back over the years, saving for the Golf GTi this has been safe and solid and relatively reasonable. Perhaps the future of Skoda has no room for the vRS? 

Centre console is better but still can't stand those vents.

Comments saying it's underpowered and that fast diesels don't have a place just seem blinkered in my opinion.

Not everybody wants to be getting an ave of 30mpg in a fast petrol engined car.

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Surely that's exactly what the Up GT will be for.

There is no Up! GT. They have canned it :(

Centre console is better but still can't stand those vents.

Comments saying it's underpowered and that fast diesels don't have a place just seem blinkered in my opinion.

Not everybody wants to be getting an ave of 30mpg in a fast petrol engined car.

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They definitely have a place and are an only option for a lot of people doing high mileages. The perception of "fast" however varies from person to person depending on experience and expectations I guess. For me personally the lack of decent noise from a 4-pot diesel just kills any chance of getting my man-juices flowing. But that's just my personal opinion and everybody is different!

I'm no stranger to a pokey diesel having previously run a mk1 Fabia vRS and currently tooling around in a 120d. The 120d is as quick (if not quicker 0-60 7.1s) than this STD will be but I don't ever see it as a performance orientated car really.

http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/292756/new_ford_focus_st_news_price_and_specs.html

More detail here

 

So list price for an ST1 will be around £22k, so well below £20k after discount, and maybe nearer £18k with a bit of hard bargaining! That would be fantastic! Need to check spec of the ST1 but it won't be too shabby.

 

I'm still very interested ... 

The ST diesel isn't for the majority of you on here, it's for company car drivers and fleets, for people who want something that goes and looks a bit better then a Focus Titanium but is still easy on the tax.

 

For the sort of company car driver who may pick an ST petrol if they were buying their own car.

 

I see lots of Golf GTDs and I bet the majority of them are paid for by a company rather than an individual.

 

I see lots of Golf GTDs and I bet the majority of them are paid for by a company rather than an individual.

 

Can't fault that logic. The old GTD has ben fairly hugely successful. Even though it won't have quite as much go, there's not much reason to think that an STD *childish s******* won't take a chunk of that market, particularly when the GTD comes in £3-4k more expensive at base spec.

I encountered a high powered bmw 6 series diesel yesterday, assuming it was a six cylinder. That really shifted, so low bhp and Diesel engines don't necessarily go hand in hand.

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Sorry but missing your point there, did someone suggest Dirty Diesels are thought of as being low in BHP ?

 

Its been rather a long time now that heavy oil burning motorway barges have had plenty or power, and also the many smaller sporty eco cars,

Especially the Rep Specials..

 

george

Can't fault that logic. The old GTD has ben fairly hugely successful. Even though it won't have quite as much go, there's not much reason to think that an STD *childish s******* won't take a chunk of that market, particularly when the GTD comes in £3-4k more expensive at base spec.

I don't think that the Golf will suffer quite as much as the Seat Leon FR's and Octavia vRS's. The Focus competes much more closely on price to the Leon and if you've decided on a Golf, I doubt the Focus would appear to match up (certainly the interior is not as nice as the Golf's IMHO).

 

If they do an estate version (I can't see why they won't) then vRS estate sales will surely take a bit of a hit too.

 

Not sure why people on here think hot(ish) diesel hatches/estates are only for company car drivers. I've had 2 vRS diesel estates and am a private purchaser (prefer the economy over the petrol) and the used car market generally prefers (and will pay extra for) a diesel version (vRS, GTD, etc.) over the petrol equivalent. Hence why the difference in the new car prices of diesel and petrol is irrelevant as you get it back at resale time.

I don't think that the Golf will suffer quite as much as the Seat Leon FR's and Octavia vRS's. The Focus competes much more closely on price to the Leon and if you've decided on a Golf, I doubt the Focus would appear to match up (certainly the interior is not as nice as the Golf's IMHO).

 

If they do an estate version (I can't see why they won't) then vRS estate sales will surely take a bit of a hit too.

 

Not sure why people on here think hot(ish) diesel hatches/estates are only for company car drivers. I've had 2 vRS diesel estates and am a private purchaser (prefer the economy over the petrol) and the used car market generally prefers (and will pay extra for) a diesel version (vRS, GTD, etc.) over the petrol equivalent. Hence why the difference in the new car prices of diesel and petrol is irrelevant as you get it back at resale time.

 

   Was about to correct you, then reaslised it's me that's entirely wrong.

I misread the OP and have been thinking they were on about a FIESTA STD, not Focus, the whole time.  Changes my logic a fair bit.  Oops

Private buyers get good deals buying the type of Warm or Hot Diesels that might be aimed at Company Buyers, Fleet & Lease by Design by the Big Manufacturers..

No shortage of people by Dirty Diesels with their own Money for their own use.

Thats private buyers buying as as new cars that come pretty well speced,

&

then as used cars these same vehicles, because after 3-4 years they are going to be hitting the Used Car Trade almost Certainly.

 

The UK is sinking under the weight of used cars, and as Lease Deals have been more popular in the past 5 years or more,

it is probably time that the Used Car prices got a bit more realistic. IMO.  ie , More Much Cheapness'.

Dealers are now getting caught out where their cars are being made out to be Manufacturers Management cars etc

where they were just Fleet, PCP etc.

'1 Former Keeper, FDSH',  actually 35 different drivers.