[Theoden]

My wife and I have a 2014 SEL hatch and a 2016 ST-ST1. Having driven the "regular" Focus for 40,000 miles really helps to contrast with the ST. Everything I dislike about the SEL is perfected in the ST. For instance, the lack of low and mid torque in the SEL is very frustrating, especially where I live because you need to turn onto fast roads and accelerate before the gap closes. Without that torque you either have to annoy the drivers around you by slowing them down or use high rpms to get going. With the ST you just leap into the gap effortlessly, you don't even need a wide open throttle much less 4,000 RPM.

Our instrument panel/console is nearly identical between the two cars (both have the small screens) and there are many annoying problems using bluetooth on the 2014, like having to reconnect every time you start the car, even though it indicates connected, to get it to actually work. In the 2016, they have ironed out every SYNC glitch and also improved the screen contrast and brightness, which is too high at even the low setting on the old car. I wish I could update SYNC but my attempts have failed.

Obviously the handling of the ST is excellent, even with all season tires. They have taken a good handling car and made it great.

The 5 speed manual has an absurdly long and mushy clutch throw, though its gear shifter is nice. The 6 speed is great with both.

I like the cupholder placement in the ST for some reason. Its probably because I have driven so many cars that are worse.

The 2016 grill looks better.

My wife loves the ST, she didn't really know what I was going to come home with but once she drove it she was all smiles.

Our 2 month old baby loves cornering through the on ramps, even though we are overly cautious new parents when driving with her in the car. It makes me wonder if she will grow up and want an RS.

 

[toda party]

It makes me wonder if she will grow up and want an RS.

Why wait? Buy one and find out!

 

[Legacy40k]

ike having to reconnect every time you start the car, even though it indicates connected, to get it to actually work.

This might be an isolated issue.. I have a 2012 SE and my bluetooth works flawlessly.

 

[Duchess]

I found the same with my 2012 SE. Other annoyances they fixed are they got rid of the stupid "courtesy wipe", which was a delayed wiper sweep after you washed the windows. Supposedly, it would clean up a stray drip down the center of the windshield, but that was never an issue (even if it did happen, it's not an issue) and what it definitely did was chatter across the dry glass. All the windows are one touch down AND up! Center console design and ergonomics are much better and better, respectively. Metal interior door handles are also much better and there are more 12V/USB ports in much better locations (The SE had the aux port in the glovebox! Really, Ford?). The biggest was the throttle hesitation because of the electronic throttle programming, though. My Mazda had the same thing, where it felt like worn old points ignition when you started from a stop. That was the only time it would do it, but that's about the worst time. It was like the ECU argued with me for opening the throttle quick, like I should be trying to save gas instead of avoiding getting squashed by the truck bearing down on us. Everyone how drove with me was probably sick of hearing about how cable throttles never had such a damn problem and if they couldn't figure out how to do it right, they shouldn't release the technology until they could (and now you all can suffer to read it!).

 

[cbdallas]

I traded in a 5-speed Titanium on my ST. 160hp isn't to be sneezed at, but you have to be willing to use the entire rev range if you're really in a hurry. Was a bit over-burdened when climbing uphill on-ramps. It was like night and day driving the Titanium to the dealership (50 miles away) and driving the ST home. I loved the leather, nav and touch screen, but muscle won me over.