Ford really has come a long way since the One Ford strategy came along. Not only are the cars better looking, but they handle as well and equipment levels have crept steadily upwards (prices as well though). One of the coolest new Fords around is the new Focus ST, a compact hot hatch that Europeans have been buying for year, but which has been denied access to the US until now.
The Focus ST is so good it was on Motor Trend's Top 10 sportscar shootout and has made it to the cover of every print mag in the States. However, Consumer Reports thinks there's an even fast Ford, one which oddly offers less, not more. We're talking about the Fiesta ST, a subcompact with a 1.6-liter turbo engine.
In their latest "Talking Cars" they tell us that the Fiesta ST is the performance bargain of the moment and a lot more fun than the Focus ST, which has too much power for the road. They also tell us that the optional sports seats, basically the most expensive option on the whole car, are to be avoided. Spending $2000 extra gives you the sensation of being placed in a vice.
The same review talks about the Jaguar F-Type as being the "English equivalent of a Corvette". They also point out popping exhaust are computer-controlled and are getting old.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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