Ford Focus ST Auto review

What is it?

It could well be among Britain’s least common cars: a Ford Focus ST, the capable, entertaining, TG Award-winning hot hatch, fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The ST represents eight per cent of all Focus sales, with automatic versions making up only 25 per cent of that figure. It is therefore likely to be considerably less common than, say, a DSG-equipped Golf GTI. And, after more than a few ‘holy crap that’s quick’ moments, we know automatic hot hatches can be useful things.

Ford Focus ST Auto gearbox and performance

Is the Ford Focus ST Auto one of those useful things? Not especially.

To explain why, we need to take a slightly roundabout route. Rather than the sophisticated dual-clutch transmission used by those UberHatches, Ford’s seven-speed unit is a conventional torque-converter automatic. That is not inherently a problem; uncomplicated solutions can sometimes be the right ones.

Its operation is straightforward, too. In place of the manual gearlever sits a rotary selector, as expected, while the same sensible selection of four driving modes is available as in the manual car.

Beyond the new transmission option, the ST retains a persuasive formula: a 2.3-litre EcoBoost aluminium four-cylinder engine sending 276bhp and 310lb ft of torque to the front wheels.

It is respectably quick in everyday conditions as well. Ford gives the Auto ST a 155mph top speed, identical to that of the manual, and claims 0-62mph in exactly six seconds.

How does the Focus ST Auto drive?

Our long-term test of the manual Focus ST found it to be an exceptionally easy hot hatch to own and use. While its competitors tend to explore the wilder limits of the hot-hatch spectrum, the ST feels impressively well rounded. On that basis, the seven-speed automatic ought to make it a properly relaxed choice: ideal if you fancy the occasional ‘watch this’ moment without being that invested.

When left to its own devices and cruising along, the transmission changes gear smoothly enough. Downshifts in manual mode, operated using the pair of paddles behind the steering wheel, are slightly sluggish, while upshifts are... merely acceptable.

Should you choose the automatic?

No, again.

The automatic takes three tenths longer to reach 62mph than the six-speed manual, which completes the standard sprint in 5.7secs. It also costs £1,450 more, meaning you are effectively spending extra money to make a car intended to be rather quick, slower.

Since the Focus ST’s manual gearbox is such a pleasure to operate, choosing the automatic also means paying for an inferior hot-hatch experience. The transmission is neither outstandingly good nor sufficiently fast to justify its presence.

With so much else to enjoy - accurate steering, a nimble chassis and a strong engine - plus such a complete ownership package, why compromise matters by adding something whose sole effect is to reduce the enjoyment?

Keep your money, stop being quite so lazy and buy the manual.

Score: 6/10