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What hot hatch do you own?
This poll is closed.
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
[Edit Poll (moderators only)]

 
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sadnessboner
Feb 20, 2006

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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Sten Freak
Sep 10, 2008

Despite all of these shortcomings, the Sten still has a long track record of shooting people right in the face.
College Slice

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.

I told him I was looking at manuals and he kind of laughed and advised me not to, because they can be a pain to drive sometimes, but then he said he drives an S2000, and also went on to say that if I got the Veloster in manual it'd be faster too.
I was seriously considering the Veloster turbo for a while and all the commercial reviewers said the manual beat the pants off the auto from a fun driving perspective. This is right when they were coming out and I couldn't find one to buy so never got to see for myself.

Atmus
Mar 8, 2002
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.

Gunshow Poophole
Sep 14, 2008

OMBUDSMAN
POSTERS LOCAL 42069




Clapping Larry

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.

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.

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.

Atmus
Mar 8, 2002
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.

ZippySLC
Jun 3, 2002


~what is art, baby dont post, dont post, no more~

no seriously don't post
$29k for a fully loaded Focus ST3. drat, that's a lot of money for a Focus.

Ireallylikeeggs
Jul 29, 2003

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

albear
Jun 7, 2001

the doctor will see you now..

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.

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.

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?

Math You
Oct 27, 2010

So put your faith
in more than steel
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.

SpellEdge
Sep 14, 2007
Atk:13 Add: Don't Act

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.

Ireallylikeeggs
Jul 29, 2003

albear posted:

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?

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.

Laranzu
Jan 18, 2002
I'll say it again. If the ST2 came with HIDs I would have done it to avoid the terrible infotainment system.

Ringo Star Get
Sep 18, 2006

JUST FUCKING TAKE OFF ALREADY, SHIT
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.

Bob A Feet
Aug 10, 2005
Dear diary, I got another erection today at work. SO embarrassing, but kinda hot. The CO asked me to fix up his dress uniform. I had stayed late at work to move his badges 1/8" to the left and pointed it out this morning. 1SG spanked me while the CO watched, once they caught it. Tomorrow I get to start all over again...
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.

KYOON GRIFFEY JR
Apr 12, 2010



Runner-up, TRP Sack Race 2021/22

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.

bobfather
Sep 20, 2001

I will analyze your nervous system for beer money
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.

Ireallylikeeggs
Jul 29, 2003

bobfather posted:

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.

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.

Sepist
Dec 26, 2005

FUCK BITCHES, ROUTE PACKETS

Gravy Boat 2k
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.

Ringo Star Get
Sep 18, 2006

JUST FUCKING TAKE OFF ALREADY, SHIT

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.

Applebees Appetizer
Jan 23, 2006

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 :(

Ringo Star Get
Sep 18, 2006

JUST FUCKING TAKE OFF ALREADY, SHIT
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.

skipdogg
Nov 29, 2004
Resident SRT-4 Expert

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.

Kenny Rogers
Sep 7, 2007

Chapter One:
When I first saw Sparky, he reminded me of my favorite comb. He was missing a lot of teeth.
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 little lot plasticky, and started to get rattly in it's 5th year :argh: NUMMI! so I traded it for a '97 M3 which has treated me well all the way out to 195,000 miles.

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. :v:

I'm thinking I should go find something with a DSG in it...

Sockington
Jul 26, 2003

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:



Only new car I ever bought, and one of the few I wish I never would have given up :(


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. :(

Applebees Appetizer
Jan 23, 2006

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 :(

Gunshow Poophole
Sep 14, 2008

OMBUDSMAN
POSTERS LOCAL 42069




Clapping Larry
Why did Ford go with the Aston-lite styling for the Fusion, and the Fiesta... but not the Focus? I really love that grill :(

Sockington
Jul 26, 2003

leica posted:

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 :(

If I could do it again, I'd find a wrecked Mazda(speed?)3 and start swapping everything into it.

AvesPKS
Sep 26, 2004

I don't dance unless I'm totally wasted.
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.

mafoose
Oct 30, 2006

volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs and vulvas and dogs and volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs and volvos and dongs and volvos and dons and volvos and dogs and volvos and cats and volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs and volvos and dogs

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:



Only new car I ever bought, and one of the few I wish I never would have given up :(

I've been wanting one for a a DD for years now, or a Mirage Turbo!

Applebees Appetizer
Jan 23, 2006

I've seen a few on CL but they are always ragged out :(

Seat Safety Switch
May 27, 2008

MY RELIGION IS THE SMALL BLOCK V8 AND COMMANDMENTS ONE THROUGH TEN ARE NEVER LIFT.

Pillbug

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.

TheLarson
Oct 14, 2004

PREPARE FOR THE WOODSHED!
BOW BEFORE KING JIGGLES!


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).

Rhyno
Mar 22, 2003
Probation
Can't post for 10 years!

TheLarson posted:



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).

Post an update in your thread!

Atmus
Mar 8, 2002

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.

KYOON GRIFFEY JR
Apr 12, 2010



Runner-up, TRP Sack Race 2021/22

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.

KakerMix
Apr 8, 2004

8.2 M.P.G.
:byetankie:

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.

Gunshow Poophole
Sep 14, 2008

OMBUDSMAN
POSTERS LOCAL 42069




Clapping Larry

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.

SpellEdge
Sep 14, 2007
Atk:13 Add: Don't Act

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.

Atmus
Mar 8, 2002

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.

It can't be that hard to get the color and package you want.

I'm working on it. It's more of a hassle than I expected it to be though.

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Rhyno
Mar 22, 2003
Probation
Can't post for 10 years!
This dude wants everyone to be aware of what he drives

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