Before Christmas I test drove a 2012 ST estate. I directly compared to my 2005 Alfa 156 Sportwagon 2.0. To be honest, it was a fairly brief test drive, but I quite liked it: it was a bit livelier through the gearbox, good pull and no doubt would be better on fuel. However, pushing it hard around tight, twisty lanes, the Alfa felt like it had more character and feel to the steering... more fun.

My question is what are the STs like to live with? I'm not interested in the RS models. They look too boy racerish & ostentatious.

Thank you.

The ST should way out handle an Alfa 156 so it either had very high mileage and worn suspension or rubbish tyres

Can't comment from experience, but quite a favourable review here:

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/focus/st-estate

I have driven the alternatives mentioned in the article though  - might be worth a look.

8 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Can't comment from experience, but quite a favourable review here:

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/focus/st-estate

I have driven the alternatives mentioned in the article though  - might be worth a look.

Thanks. Interesting article.

13 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

The ST should way out handle an Alfa 156 so it either had very high mileage and worn suspension or rubbish tyres

It's easy to underestimate the older Alfas. Top Gear back in 2003 tested a 147 3.2 GTA, and the understeer was dreadful. The chassis was too wobbly, and if you value your skin you'd have fitted a Quaife LSD, which improved the handling no end. But that's an expensive option.

My version is the smaller and lighter 2.0 version and it's beautifully balanced, very grippy and reassuring around the tight, twisty bends.

No doubt the Focus ST would be better around a track but for everyday driving the Alfa seems more fun. But the test drive of the ST was fairly short (20 minutes approx).

Thank you.