What hot hatch do you own? This poll is closed. |
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Golf GTI / R / R32 | 196 | 0.02% | |
Impreza WRX / STi | 133 | 0.01% | |
Mazdaspeed 3 | 92 | 0.01% | |
Veloster Turbo | 20 | 0.00% | |
Focus ST | 149 | 0.01% | |
Other Hot Hatch | 230 | 0.02% | |
Elantra GT | 1000001 | 99.92% | |
Total: | 1000821 votes |
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DEUCE SLUICE posted:If you're used to a manual trans and you're driving it in anger, put it in manual. It's maybe less "engaging" vs stirring it yourself but holy poo poo is it fast. This is what I did outside of city traffic. It was much faster point-to-point than it would have been if I was shifting myself, that's for sure. But at this end of the market (I was driving a Polo GTI and Skoda Fabia RS) I'd take outright experience over outright speed.
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# ? Aug 13, 2013 22:50 |
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# ? May 13, 2024 11:24 |
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AvesPKS posted:I drove a Veloster Turbo today. I'd been saying "Velos-ter" in my head but apparently it's supposed to be pronounced like velocity, except with an R on the end. The interior didn't feel cheap. Seats are comfortable, nice quality. The door handle was weird; it sticks out like a snow shovel handle. The push button start is really convenient. Side visibility was good, but the rear window is tiny. We went on some back road, and I didn't really get it above 40 because I didn't think the salesman's insistence that I "push it a little bit, lay into it, really see how it drives" meant going more than 10 over the limit. So he offers to take me out again and suddenly we're doing 70 on that same road, and then 90 in a 45 zone later. It is pretty quick. Salesman was really nice, no pressure whatsoever.
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# ? Aug 13, 2013 23:16 |
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I'm looking at getting a 2013 Focus ST so I can have a decently fun and reliable car instead of slapping together one of my project vehicles when my normal DD needs work. I have some questions though. What is this ST1, ST2, and ST3 I've seen mentioned in the thread? I'm hoping I just spaced it out when I read through the thread the first time. Assuming it's not just another name for the packages, what's the difference between them, and which one is 'better' to get? This would be the first time I've bought a new car, so I'm sure that there's a lot I don't know about it. I have an X-plan PIN, qualify for 0% financing, and know not to bother with rustproofing or extended waranties, but that's about it.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 03:10 |
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Atmus posted:I'm looking at getting a 2013 Focus ST so I can have a decently fun and reliable car instead of slapping together one of my project vehicles when my normal DD needs work. ST# is the trim. ST1 is base, ST2 adds recaro seating and some stereo stuff, and ST3 tricks out the trim and headlights and other electronic whizbangs. Going test driving this weekend, I'm pretty excited.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 03:17 |
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Heh, like 10 seconds on Ford's website says that's what the packages are called for the 2014 model year. I probably should have looked at that.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 03:46 |
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$29k for a fully loaded Focus ST3. drat, that's a lot of money for a Focus.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 17:53 |
I got an ST3 Focus ST in April. Prior to that, I daily drove a 98 Grand Cherokee for around 10 years, so the ST is a pretty big improvement on just about every level. I shopped it against a regular WRX as well as a GTI, but ultimately the performance/practicality ratio of the ST was just too good. This was also my first manual daily driver, and holy crap I hope I never have to go back to an auto again. Things I like about the car... The steering feels fantastic. The Recaro seats are incredibly comfortable. I've got the premium stereo, but it does sounds good. With the back seats folded down this thing holds a ton of stuff, and with the seats up it seats my 6'2" roommate without any discomfort. Compared to the other manuals I've driven, the clutch and shifter feel great. Admittedly, the other manuals have been an 86 CRX and 89 Prelude, each with 200k+ miles. I live in a city with approximately one trillion stop signs, and I've averaged 26 MPG. There's very, very little turbo lag in 6th at highway speeds. I'm sure a more impatient person might want to downshift, but I've never had any problems getting around people. I really like how subtle the styling is. The ride is a good balance of firm but still comfortable on the horrid streets of Saint Louis, Missouri. Things I'm not so fond of... Both the Bluetooth and Nav systems are absolutely infuriating to use. I gave up on both about a month in. The turning circle really is complete poo poo. Depending on how tough our winter is, I might have to invest in some more suitable tires. All told, it's a phenomenal car, and I highly recommend giving one a test drive. My biggest complaint is the Bluetooth/Nav bullshit, but I knew Ford was terrible at that when I bought it. I've lived with it around four months now, so if you've got any questions I'd be happy to answer them. No PMs though. As an aside, the switch from a lazy old 4 speed auto to a short geared 6 speed manual was interesting for the first month. Ireallylikeeggs fucked around with this message at 19:38 on Aug 14, 2013 |
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 19:11 |
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Ireallylikeeggs posted:I got an ST3 Focus ST in April. Prior to that, I daily drove a 98 Grand Cherokee for around 10 years, so the ST is a pretty big improvement on just about every level. I shopped it against a regular WRX as well as a GTI, but ultimately the performance/practicality ratio of the ST was just too good. This was also my first manual daily driver, and holy crap I hope I never have to go back to an auto again. Are you going to leave it stock or are you planning on doing any modifications to it? What kind of phone do you have? Do you still use bluetooth with it for music or do you plug in via analog?
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 20:04 |
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I actually find Ford's bluetooth to be exceptional. Downloads my phone contacts and never misunderstands me. Drove a 2009 300c previous to this car and I had to add all my contacts manually BY GODDAMN VOICE. if you happened to say the persons name slightly differently than when you set them up it would take a dump and make you listen to the options again before you could take a second go. "Oh, you want to call Jane with a happy tone? Sorry I only have Jane in agitated tone on file. " gently caress YOU CHRYSLER.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 20:34 |
I just put a deposit down on a 13 st. I got the st2 and moonroof, there's not a lot to pick from nowadays, I ended up going with black.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 20:35 |
albear posted:Are you going to leave it stock or are you planning on doing any modifications to it? I don't have any plans to mod it in the immediate future. The capabilities of this car far exceed mine as a driver, and I'm terrified of voiding my warranty. I've got an iPhone 4s. Half of the time, the bluetooth connection never happens, and the other half of the time it skips songs randomly and drops calls. Now I just plug it in via USB cable and that works significantly better.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 20:55 |
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I'll say it again. If the ST2 came with HIDs I would have done it to avoid the terrible infotainment system.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 21:57 |
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I got the ST1 because I wasn't a fan of the Recaro seats, and neither was my girlfriend (my passenger 75% of the time) and some of my friends. I wish I could have gotten my ST1 with HIDs or even the touch screen, but it requires getting the Recaros. I wouldn't say I'm fat, I'm about 215, but the Recaros are clearly made for someone who is a thinner than that.
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# ? Aug 14, 2013 22:32 |
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I really regret buying the ST1 in that I should have just splurged for the ST2 or 3. The drat dash set up is starting to get on my nerves.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 00:59 |
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Laranzu posted:I'll say it again. If the ST2 came with HIDs I would have done it to avoid the terrible infotainment system. The st2 has mft, though. The recaros are great.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 02:11 |
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Every day I am ridiculously happy that I got an ST3. The features are worth a premium. Now, worth a 28k premium? Personally I wouldn't have paid that. But for the deal I got the ST3 was a no brainer, for me.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 02:47 |
bobfather posted:Every day I am ridiculously happy that I got an ST3. The features are worth a premium. I wasn't too set on an ST3, but since Saint Louis is such a muscle car/SUV city I think they sold it to me for $400 more than an ST2 just to get it out the door. I've seen one other Focus ST around town since I got my car. But yeah, I am very pleased I went for it. Even if I don't like the bluetooth/nav stuff, the heated seats, HID headlights, premium stereo, etc. are completely worth it.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 04:17 |
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Re: recaros - I'm 6'1 205 pounds and just took the st3 on a 1400 mile trip, the seats were super comfy. Their comfort seriously varies from person to person. I averaged 28.4 mpg with the Cobb 91 tune and spirited driving the entire time.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 14:56 |
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Sepist posted:Re: recaros - I'm 6'1 205 pounds and just took the st3 on a 1400 mile trip, the seats were super comfy. Their comfort seriously varies from person to person. I averaged 28.4 mpg with the Cobb 91 tune and spirited driving the entire time. I'd love to get the Cobb tune someday if thats the sort of gas mileage you're getting. Its incredibly hard NOT to drive the ST like you stole it. I average between 25.8 to 28.1. I did try for about a week of borderline granny driving it (keeping RPMs below 2,500 RPM, shift at 2,000 RPM) and was able to get into the 30s. But then if I wanted to drive like that all the time I'd just get a base Focus.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 15:43 |
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The only hot hatch I ever owned was a '94 Suzuki Swift GT and I loved that car. Bought it brand new for like 11k, added A/C for 1k, and later thanks to Calmini (suzuki aftermarket) had a header, exhaust and some springs. Then I got some TSW wheels and some sticky tires and was in hot hatch heaven. This is pretty much exactly what it looked like: Only new car I ever bought, and one of the few I wish I never would have given up
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 16:42 |
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I honestly wished I had some hot hatch action when I was younger. My first car was a beat-up 74 Road Runner (in 2000) and after that was my manual '93 S-10, then onto '01 auto Dakota. I loved the fun of driving the S-10 but wished I could hold more passengers and stick more to the ground. At college my friend's girlfriend had a manual Escort Wagon which was a blast to drive.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 16:47 |
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Ringo Star Get posted:I got the ST1 because I wasn't a fan of the Recaro seats, and neither was my girlfriend (my passenger 75% of the time) and some of my friends. I wish I could have gotten my ST1 with HIDs or even the touch screen, but it requires getting the Recaros. I wouldn't say I'm fat, I'm about 215, but the Recaros are clearly made for someone who is a thinner than that. Not sure if it's possible with all the new fangled side airbags and the sensors and stuff, but back in the SRT-4 days seat swaps were not uncommon. The side airbag seats were much more comfortable than the Viper style bolstered seats, especially for heavier/wider dudes. I took a look at a ST2 on the lot a couple days ago when I was getting my car serviced, took one look at the Recaros and said awww hell no. I'm a shorter/stockier/fatter dude that spends up to 3 hours a day in the car and no way would those seats be comfortable. Anyway, if one was so inclined I'm sure you could find someone with an ST1 that would swap for the Recaros with no problem.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 17:00 |
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This thread makes me miss my 2003 Vibe GT... 2800 pounds, 180 horsepower. 1.8 liter VVTi that was also used in the Celica GTS and the Elise. It was a little tall (compared to the WRX next to it) and a The girl and I (and our 107 pound dog) are in the market for something newish and big-dog friendly for around 20 grand. We're looking at the (used) Cooper Clubman S, used MS3, and the new Fiesta ST - or, we would, if there was one to go look at anywhere. I'm thinking I should go find something with a DSG in it...
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 18:52 |
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leica posted:The only hot hatch I ever owned was a '94 Suzuki Swift GT and I loved that car. Bought it brand new for like 11k, added A/C for 1k, and later thanks to Calmini (suzuki aftermarket) had a header, exhaust and some springs. Then I got some TSW wheels and some sticky tires and was in hot hatch heaven. This is pretty much exactly what it looked like: I wish things worked out differently and I could have kept the Mazda 323 and bought a WORKING wagon. Buying 8ender's Subaru hosed up my car spending royally. I could have had an awesome turbo 323 at this point.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 19:35 |
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Don't feel bad, I had two 323s that I had grand plans for and it never worked out. One of these days I'm gonna find a clean BG and actually go through with it
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 19:42 |
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Why did Ford go with the Aston-lite styling for the Fusion, and the Fiesta... but not the Focus? I really love that grill
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 20:48 |
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leica posted:Don't feel bad, I had two 323s that I had grand plans for and it never worked out. If I could do it again, I'd find a wrecked Mazda(speed?)3 and start swapping everything into it.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 21:56 |
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I just got back from test-riding a Focus ST and MS3 (and driving Scion tC and Toyota Rav 4). Ride comfort is better in the MS3 but the ST grips the corners better. I can't really speak to acceleration since I didn't drive but they felt pretty similar. Coming from my '99 ZX2 they are both much more comfortable to sit in, and have decent leg room for what they are. The MS3 interior color pattern didn't annoy me nearly as much as I thought it would, which was nice. Tangerine Scream and those yellow Recaros are not for me, however. I was amazed by how low pressure all the salesmen were; the Scion guy was the only one who even asked me if I was ready to buy one today.
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# ? Aug 15, 2013 21:57 |
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leica posted:The only hot hatch I ever owned was a '94 Suzuki Swift GT and I loved that car. Bought it brand new for like 11k, added A/C for 1k, and later thanks to Calmini (suzuki aftermarket) had a header, exhaust and some springs. Then I got some TSW wheels and some sticky tires and was in hot hatch heaven. This is pretty much exactly what it looked like: I've been wanting one for a a DD for years now, or a Mirage Turbo!
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# ? Aug 16, 2013 02:32 |
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I've seen a few on CL but they are always ragged out
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# ? Aug 16, 2013 02:44 |
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leica posted:I've seen a few on CL but they are always ragged out Grassroots Motorsports did a special article on them this month so now the cone-bothering community knows about them too.
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# ? Aug 16, 2013 03:27 |
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My hatchbacks work together. I've had the GTI for the last 50k miles and it's been great. The corolla is getting there (got the charging system fixed, finally).
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# ? Aug 16, 2013 03:33 |
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TheLarson posted:
Post an update in your thread!
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# ? Aug 16, 2013 03:36 |
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SpellEdge posted:I just put a deposit down on a 13 st. I got the st2 and moonroof, there's not a lot to pick from nowadays, I ended up going with black. That's my problem. I wanted a 200a with nothing else on it. I guess there is one like 350 miles away, but all the local ones are at least 201a and they all have the moonroof.
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# ? Aug 19, 2013 16:53 |
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Stew Man Chew posted:Why did Ford go with the Aston-lite styling for the Fusion, and the Fiesta... but not the Focus? I really love that grill The Focus was released first.
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# ? Aug 19, 2013 19:07 |
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Atmus posted:That's my problem. I wanted a 200a with nothing else on it. I guess there is one like 350 miles away, but all the local ones are at least 201a and they all have the moonroof. So get the dealer to work with another dealer that has the car you want. My R was originally in Texas (I'm in Florida) and it was painless to request the specific car I had already found. The dealerships worked together and I got the white 4 door with sunroof and navigation instead of the white 2 door sans nav that they had at my local dealer. It can't be that hard to get the color and package you want.
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# ? Aug 19, 2013 19:20 |
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KYOON GRIFFEY JR posted:The Focus was released first. Makes sense I guess. I test drove the Mazdaspeed3 and the Focus ST this weekend (hit an FR-S and a 370Z as well). Other than being overwhelmingly different from my current ride (03 TT roadster), from my experience, most of the critical takes on the two are spot-on. The MS3 was incredibly fun and a bit rough. The torque steer wasn't really that bad, at least in the couple times I laid it out from a stop light. The center-console nav/info system is (mercifully) a huge step up from that bullshit dash-mount 3 inch afterthought in the 2010ish model. Focus felt a little more disconnected from the road and like it has major steering assist going on, but the trim was great and for a skinny jerk like me (I'm 5'10 150) those recaros are like a nice full-body hug. The clutch felt awesome in this car, not particularly touchy but responsive regardless. Parking was fun, turning radius of a battleship. Both had longer throws to shift than I expected. Which, in the end, basically makes the decision just as difficult as it was before I got any seat time.
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# ? Aug 19, 2013 19:23 |
Atmus posted:That's my problem. I wanted a 200a with nothing else on it. I guess there is one like 350 miles away, but all the local ones are at least 201a and they all have the moonroof. Luckily they found exactly what I wanted. Seeing tuxedo black in person sealed it for me, I'm very happy so far. I'm taking it in Wednesday to get MFT and the ipc firmware updates.
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# ? Aug 19, 2013 19:32 |
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KakerMix posted:So get the dealer to work with another dealer that has the car you want. My R was originally in Texas (I'm in Florida) and it was painless to request the specific car I had already found. The dealerships worked together and I got the white 4 door with sunroof and navigation instead of the white 2 door sans nav that they had at my local dealer. I'm working on it. It's more of a hassle than I expected it to be though.
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# ? Aug 20, 2013 00:05 |
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# ? May 13, 2024 11:24 |
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This dude wants everyone to be aware of what he drives
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# ? Aug 20, 2013 00:15 |