Great sounding review cant wait to get mine but will definitely miss the fiesta st

 

Thanks for info, very interesting.

Can i ask, is your Mk3 a Pre or Post face lift, and riding on 18" or 19"

How did the ride in Normal and Sport on B roads compare to your mk3?

My mk3 is pre face lift on 18", and the ride quality is really good. The front suspension changes to the face lift mk3, even on 18", probably improved handling but certainly reduced comfort. Dealer was giving me a really good deal on a face lift they couldn't sell last year, and on bumpy roads I found it jittery and nervous over bumps that mine just absorbed.... so I waited for the mk4

Horses for courses etc... be interested to hear your thoughts versus which mk3 you currently own.

 

Thanks for info, very interesting.

Can i ask, is your Mk3 a Pre or Post face lift, and riding on 18" or 19"

How did the ride in Normal and Sport on B roads compare to your mk3?

My mk3 is pre face lift on 18", and the ride quality is really good. The front suspension changes to the face lift mk3, even on 18", probably improved handling but certainly reduced comfort. Dealer was giving me a really good deal on a face lift they couldn't sell last year, and on bumpy roads I found it jittery and nervous over bumps that mine just absorbed.... so I waited for the mk4

Horses for courses etc... be interested to hear your thoughts versus which mk3 you currently own.

Hi Colm,

My current MK3 is FL on a 66 plate. Its on 18" Y design. When I test drove the MK3 on 19" I found it way to skittish on B roads and pretty rattly on the A roads too. The 18" rims are much more forgiving (and I think look better too). I regularly traverse B roads as I live in Norfolk, so it's kind of compulsory rather than an option. The 19" option would have broken my spine in a few months. I had to haggle with my dealer to get them changed tho as the standard option was the 19" black finish. I don;t think the handling difference was noticeable. Maybe on a track but not everyday driving and I'm still able to traverse roundabouts at speeds enough to make them interesting.

The MK4 in normal is fine on a B road. I didn't try sport but went straight to Track. It was interesting but not comfortable and a tiny bit unpredictable in less than flat corners. The sport mode would be something in between at a guess. I'm due to take delivery this coming Tuesday, (finally got insurance but it was with Admiral) so I will take it for some further B road testing and report back.

As an after-note, although on paper the MK4 is quite a bit quicker than the MK3, it doesn't really feel it as the power delivery is smoother.

Thanks

M

 

One huge downer for me is the replacing of a standard hand brake lever with an electronic HB with auto hold. Personally, I really don't like these, but hey ho, a lot of hatches going this way now.

I didn't know this....hadn't seen it mentioned in the reviews. It probably has been but I never noticed.
Like yourself I much prefer a traditional handbrake, but as you say the electronic version is becoming much more common nowadays. My current Audi and previous Honda both use electronic versions, but I do not use the Hold Assist(name will vary by manufacturer) because I prefer not to have all rear brake lights blazing for the duration of every stop.

P.S. We were speaking about colours earlier and I couldn't help noticing on your profile it says Spirit Blue for your current facelift ST. Ford dropped the ST exclusive Spirit Blue colour when the facelift model was introduced, and replaced it with the all model option Deep Impact Blue. I thought this was a mistake because my first pre facelift ST was Spirit Blue and a nicer shade than Deep Impact Blue IMO.
Curiously Ford continued to offer Spirit Blue as an exclusive colour on the Fiesta ST.

 

Thanks Ronnie - I picked the colour Deep Impact Blue as a stopgap as Performance Blue was there but suffixed 225 (which is a MK2 ref I think) My current face lift MK3 is Shadow Black.Might get a pic up before it goes. MY MK4 is Performance Blue. I contacted admin and I think they've fixed this now so I'll update this weekend
M

 

There is a topic for reviews from youtubers, journalists etc, which is all very interesting, but I'd be very interested to hear what actual owners that have collected the car have to say.

Even initial impressions, damping suitability across the various modes on B roads, fun factor, engine performance, likes/dislikes etc etc

As someone with one on order, it's concerning to see the first feedback on this forum from an owner who is disappointed with the engine (appreciate the honesty too BTW, alot of owners don't like to say anything bad about their new machine even if they are thinking it)

 

Just got mine and so far love it.

Engine seems like it wants to constantly give more all the time. Sweet spot seems to be around 2000rpm for the turbo.

Rev matching seems really nice and a good addition to the feel when changing down. Surprisingly the shorter steering seems instinctive straight away which is something I thought would take some getting used to.

Fuel wise I did a bit of a snail drive home for 45 miles with a few fast moments and pulled around 42mpg with the air con on. Although obviously it isn't going to be a saint with fuel it does seem to be reasonable enough to enjoy without being paranoid of the fuel gauge. Ride in normal mode was comparable to a normal Focus kind of comfort you would expect. Sport mode does open the throttle up when you keep the accelerator the same and switch modes so for now I shall reserve it for when I am fully acquainted with the car.

Some slight torque steer on harder pull away's but it's nothing unmanageable, if anything it just reminded me to pay attention more.

For now that's about all I can say other than invest in some good shampoo and time giving it a decon polish. Seems every Ford now has some layer of grease on the paint which can be stubborn to get off (not damaging just a pain).

 

Hi Colm,

My current MK3 is FL on a 66 plate. Its on 18" Y design. When I test drove the MK3 on 19" I found it way to skittish on B roads and pretty rattly on the A roads too. The 18" rims are much more forgiving (and I think look better too). I regularly traverse B roads as I live in Norfolk, so it's kind of compulsory rather than an option. The 19" option would have broken my spine in a few months. I had to haggle with my dealer to get them changed tho as the standard option was the 19" black finish. I don;t think the handling difference was noticeable. Maybe on a track but not everyday driving and I'm still able to traverse roundabouts at speeds enough to make them interesting.

The MK4 in normal is fine on a B road. I didn't try sport but went straight to Track. It was interesting but not comfortable and a tiny bit unpredictable in less than flat corners. The sport mode would be something in between at a guess. I'm due to take delivery this coming Tuesday, (finally got insurance but it was with Admiral) so I will take it for some further B road testing and report back.

As an after-note, although on paper the MK4 is quite a bit quicker than the MK3, it doesn't really feel it as the power delivery is smoother.

Thanks

M

Update - 2 days in and there are couple of minor niggles which I hadn't noted before. I'll sound like I'm wailing but, Ford, where is my sunglasses holder? I know you've added a bit more storage where the trusty old handbrake used to be but, c'mon, my overhead glasses bin was indispensable. And, give me back my illuminated ST kick plates. I really miss those #sadface.

Other than that still extremely pleased. I haven't really pushed it yet, and with the additional torque available with a tiny throttle input, I haven't really had to. The throttle response and damper stiffening changes from normal to sport or track mode are really noticeable. More than I thought and welcome in the roundabouts. In normal mode, this car drives so smoothly, even my partner likes it (and she hated my MK3). I like the cruise feel in normal on a good A road. Feels like a much bigger car. I am having some infuriating time with the cruise control though. It often won't engage and flashes up "adaptive cruise not available" with no other information. Useful. Maybe a user error!

Speaking of user error. I also managed (and I have never done this in a MK3 or my previous Type R or Golf GTD) to slip very briefly into second (at around 70) on 3rd to 4th change up. The gates are close so watch out for this!

Other points to note. No one really knows what it is yet. A good thing. Also, after picking up and driving for 60 miles or so, I was unsure about the overall 'feel' so checked the tyre pressures. Now, I don't know if this a shipping thing or the dealer did this, but all 4 corners were at 50 psi so I had to drop 12-14 psi all round. Note this if you're picking one up soon.

On a lighter note, I don't think my neighbour likes the noise it makes. Oh well!

M

 

Also, after picking up and driving for 60 miles or so, I was unsure about the overall 'feel' so checked the tyre pressures. Now, I don't know if this a shipping thing or the dealer did this, but all 4 corners were at 50 psi so I had to drop 12-14 psi all round. Note this if you're picking one up soon.

M

I had a similar thing when I picked up my ST Line X. Steering felt very light on the drive home. I checked the pressures next day and pressures were too high. I had 40 on front when should be 33. Reset pressures to what they should be and feels much better.

 

Should be a basic PDI check I would have thought. Dealers huh!

 

They pump the tyres up to max pressure cos they don't know how long they will be sat be delivery or even sales sometimes.

 

Done about 150 miles in mine so too soon to really tell on certain areas but normal mode is a lot better than the old ST, not as stiff, sport mode feels like the old ST did suspension wise but the diff makes difference, turn in is fantastic, floor it mid apex and you feel everything working to push you out of the corner. Pop and bangs seem to be intermittent at the minute but Im putting that down to being brand new (similar on my 3.5 RS, got better once bedded in). However they sound real and happen when youd expect, down shifting onto overrun is a tad addictive....

Auto blip, you can override it as such by blipping a little more aggressively (higher up the rpm).

Over all so far feels great, everyone reacts well to the orange paint too!

 

Any of you used the FordPass connect yet? Can the car be tracked using it? If so, do you think we would be able to inform our insurance company that the car does have an internal tracker fitted?? Surely should bring insurance quotes down a touch!

 

The slight lack of eagerness to rev is exactly what you would expect. Ford chose to use an undersquare long stroke engine, the 2.3 is basically a 2.0 with a longer stroke. = more mid range torque but cannot maintain it at higher revs hence the shorter max torque band. Not a bad thing for turbo engines, more about the experience. VW do it with their 2.0 tfsi, just not quite as under square. I have a VRS and it is good but doesnt rev out as well or fast as the MK3.5 st. Honda went square bore/stroke and it revs superbly uses the revs for power which the shorter stroke can handle. Its also about piston speeds, longer the stroke faster the speed, ring float can happen so revs are controlled for that too. This is why I prefer the 2.0 engine. You also have to remember these engines are about 20 years old, Mazda L blocks, they werent even designed as turbo engines. Ford have always done things like this, rarely design an engine until recently (1.0 1.5 3cyl) as it ends up. Mazda blocks, Cosworth heads/turbos etc.

The mk 3.5 RS was the same and In stock power tests came up short by about 10hp. Only car Ive seen that doesnt exceed original hp. Mk3s are pushing 260 standard.

Oh and your average motoring journalist wouldnt understand a word of that. Most are mechanically inept !

 

Any of you used the FordPass connect yet? Can the car be tracked using it? If so, do you think we would be able to inform our insurance company that the car does have an internal tracker fitted?? Surely should bring insurance quotes down a touch!

No, Just tried it with the wifes new Fiesta, needs to be an approved recognised tracker with lv anyway. Probably because it could be disabled by disconnecting the gsm or wifi or simply turned off in the menu!. Don't think that would be much of a challenge to the crooks.

 

Re the insurance, I asked for a quote from LV with csma privileges and it was £12 more than my mk3.5 at £231

 

Can we get back on topic please guys.

This section is for owner reviews.

 

is the turning circle any good on the new model as thats always bugged me on the others

 

Can we get back on topic please guys.

This section is for owner reviews.

is the turning circle any good on the new model as thats always bugged me on the others

:facepalm:

 

maybe an owner will review the turning circle :clap:

 

Can we get back on topic please guys.
This section is for owner reviews.

way to kill conversation. Always a good idea on a forum...

 

Posting on topic does not kill conversation Dan.

It helps other members to find, participate in and subsequently retrieve the subject matter.

 

Hello,just wated to share some impressions after first week with Shadow Black Mk4...
No comments about design...some people may liket it,others not really...In my opinion Mk3 looks better.Engine,drive modes and steering makes Mk4 real joy to drive(can't complain about my after lift Mk3 anyway).Only little niggles are in my opinion missing sunglasses holder and strange banging noise from rear suspension,when driving on some bumps-didn't face that with Mk3
...Hopefully its nothing serious.
Apart from that??? Its no point to mention fuel consumption when you owned Focust ST😈 and have a little bit heavy foot😎.

 

Hello,just wated to share some impressions after first week with Shadow Black Mk4...
No comments about design...some people may liket it,others not really...In my opinion Mk3 looks better.Engine,drive modes and steering makes Mk4 real joy to drive(can't complain about my after lift Mk3 anyway).Only little niggles are in my opinion missing sunglasses holder and strange banging noise from rear suspension,when driving on some bumps-didn't face that with Mk3
...Hopefully its nothing serious.
Apart from that??? Its no point to mention fuel consumption when you owned Focust ST😈 and have a little bit heavy foot😎.

Please do mention fuel consumption as it is important. My mk 3.5 has averaged over 37 from new. If these are much bellow 35 its a big negative for me. You should be able to get wltp at around 35?

Anyone can drive extreme and drop dramatically, all cars do that not just STs. And if youre drive is short urban driving no point mentioning it as any car would be ****.

 

Hello,just wated to share some impressions after first week with Shadow Black Mk4...
No comments about design...some people may liket it,others not really...In my opinion Mk3 looks better.Engine,drive modes and steering makes Mk4 real joy to drive(can't complain about my after lift Mk3 anyway).Only little niggles are in my opinion missing sunglasses holder and strange banging noise from rear suspension,when driving on some bumps-didn't face that with Mk3
...Hopefully its nothing serious.
Apart from that??? Its no point to mention fuel consumption when you owned Focust ST😈 and have a little bit heavy foot😎.

Any pics of the car mate ?