If the Fiesta ST is little snug for your lifestyle, there is a roomier -- but pricier -- option. It's the Focus ST, shown here. I used to also love the Focus ST but, sorry, the little Fiesta just ruined it for me.
The Focus has more power -- 252 horsepower and a 270 pound feet of torque -- and, yes, it can draw black lines of grated rubber with its front wheels all day long. (That's with the traction control turned off.) But it doesn't feel as nimble as the Fiesta. It's not as quick and eager to jump and play. Even the shifter doesn't feel as good, even though it is up where your hand naturally falls.
Really, the Focus isn't a bad car but, as I drove it, my mind kept going back to the Fiesta. Then I found out the price. With an admittedly impressive list of features -- automatic door locks, power driver's seat, fancy stereo -- the Focus I was driving came to $30,000. Now the Fiesta had totaled up to around $24,000... but $30,000? Some kind of financial gag reflex got triggered there. I'm sitting in a $30,000... Ford Focus?
After that, I want the Fiesta ST even more. Yes, it's kind of a lot for a little tiny car. But, for once, here's a car that lives up to its name. I have no idea what ST means, but I do know a "party" when I drive one.
