Which hot hatchback? Focus ST vs MS3

My M Roadster has been relegated to weekend only use since the birth of my son and needing to shuttle him to daycare every day. As such, I was looking to replace my 2007 Mazda3 hatchback daily driver with something a little more entertaining with similar hatchback functionality.

The Mazdaspeed3 seems like a natural fit after having a stellar experience with my Mazda3. I would likely look for a low mileage 1st generation MS3 (2007-2009) as I never cared for the 2010+ styling. I wish there was some news about the next generation 2014+ variant.

The Focus ST drove great and there was a lot to like here however, there were also a few minor details that bothered me in comparison with the MS3. The Ford's cabin and cargo hatch area felt smaller despite the measurements suggesting otherwise. Also, it would be nice to get the Recaro seats without having to step up to the 201A package with MyFord Touch or the subwoofer infringing upon the cargo space.

Anyone else cross shop these two and/or have other feedback to provide on either of these models?

Thanks in advance, John

I'm assuming no WRX due to gas mileage or interior features?

I do love my 2013 WRX but it does only average about 23mpg. A friend with a Focus ST gets ~25-26 with similar driving.

Own the 1st gen ms3, have driven the Focus ST in anger.

I bought the ms3 new in 2007, well before I knew my son was even... well you get the idea. He's two now. Been pretty reliable all things considered. Had it in for a couple TSB's, and other than that, It's been routine maintenance for 75k or so. It's comfy, fast, and handles fairly well. Has room for the kiddo and his jargon. Car seats fit...ok. Not great. However since I'm the only one that drives it I put the seat behind the passenger and let it be their problem. Mine is...not stock. a used ms3 will be cheaper than the ST.

Stock for Stock- the ST is a better "car". It's smoother, quieter, more...refined. Suspension is better out of the box IMO, though my ms3 would probably put a whuppin' on a stock Focus ST. The Ecoboost feels more.....linear. It's like driving a v6 almost. The ms3 is RIGHT NOW with the boost. I don't know how well a car seat fits in the back of the Focus, I took the MINI that day and didn't have my seat to compare. I actually prefer the looks of the ST- though I love my ms3. Side by side were I to never modify either car and they were the same price? I'd probably own the Focus right now. As it sits, I am VERY happy with my ms3 and see no need to move it along any time soon. Stupid bullE36 M3 broken ass MINI on the other hand....

You might want to look at the 2014 version of what you have, a Mazda 3. I just bought a 5 door, it's not hot but quite peppy and has tons of room for a DD. I'm sure the 3 door will be hotter. Either Road & Track or Car and Driver, can't separate the two in my mind anymore, just tested a 3 against the Focus and liked the 3 better.

BTW: Another factor for a DD is fuel mileage. Mine is rated at 43 on the highway. I have less than 1,000 miles on it and averaged over 35 both tank fillups so far.

The real LSD in the MS3 makes it hands-down the winner in my book over the Focus ST, and I have driven both in anger.

+1

MotorTrend, AutoGuide and Everyday Driver all have good ST vs MS3 comparo videos on the tubes: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=focus+st+mazdaspeed3

nocones wrote: I'm assuming no WRX due to gas mileage or interior features?

I might need to revisit the WRX again as the last one that I test drove was ~2011 and don't recall it being particularly memorable. I was disappointed to see Subaru drop the wagon/hatchback from the next generation WRX.

Thanks for all of the feedback!

I vote MS3 because cheaper and real LSD. Plus you're already familiar with the Mazda3.

Rupert wrote: You might want to look at the 2014 version of what you have, a Mazda 3.

The 2014 Mazda3 looks very good indeed. I sure hope we get a manual transmission option for the 3s (2.5L). The pricing for the 2014 Mazda3s seems steep thus making the Focus ST look like a better deal for what you get.

I owned an MS3 before my son came along. I loved it then. I still love it even though it's owned by a friend of mine. This friend has two sons and fits both car seats pretty well in the car. He has a short wife so he puts his 3 yr old's seat behind her and the infant seat behind him. He's right around 6 feet and fits pretty well. The hatch is cavernous. That said, they bought a Volvo SUV thing for total family long hauls. I sold it to drive a 335i for a few years.

I test drove the Focus ST when I was car shopping after the BMW. I knew I'd need to fit a toddler forward facing car seat. I also knew that our plan was to have an infant in the next year so knew a rear facing seat would be in the car for a total of two kid seats. I tested the fit of the seat. Forward facing worked pretty well. The front seat had to be pushed up a bit more than normal but it would work as long as the kid didn't kick the back of the seat too much. Rear facing was a no go. The ST was just too small. It would fit but the front seats had to be uncomfortably close to the dash. All this testing was done with a Britax Boulevard 70 something. All that said, driving the car was sublime. I can't believe something with that much power gets that kind of mpg.

I then started looking at Ford Taurus SHO's. Used they were the same price as a new Focus ST. I now own the SHO. I love it. Mpg is way worse than an ST but it's a true family hauler. Fast, roomy, sure footed, and with some room for adult amenities like bluetooth and a really good stereo. Also, everyone and their gear fits. Even for long trips.

Javelin wrote: The real LSD in the MS3 makes it hands-down the winner in my book over the Focus ST, and I have driven both in anger.

The ms3 does do some EXCELLENT burnouts...so I've heard. From someone else. Yeah.

I absolutely abhor my Mazda3. Then again, it's got the autotragic, and it's one of the worst transmissions I've ever experienced...

Back when I had my ms3, I once fit three 5&under kids in the back seat (none were mine). One was big enough to be out of a car seat in the middle, and the two smaller kids went in forward facing seats on the outside. It worked fine for a day of running around town but isn't something I'd want to do all the time in that car.

Hmmmm...

I think the Ecoboost is going to be around longer and get more support from the manufacturer since Mazda has gone all Skyactiv.

The lack of a "real" LSD in the ST is a concern if I was doing track events or autocross, but I don't think it will matter for a daily driver.

Xceler8x wrote: I test drove the Focus ST when I was car shopping after the BMW. I knew I'd need to fit a toddler forward facing car seat. I also knew that our plan was to have an infant in the next year so knew a rear facing seat would be in the car for a total of two kid seats. I tested the fit of the seat. Forward facing worked pretty well. The front seat had to be pushed up a bit more than normal but it would work as long as the kid didn't kick the back of the seat too much. Rear facing was a no go. The ST was just too small. It would fit but the front seats had to be uncomfortably close to the dash. All this testing was done with a Britax Boulevard 70 something. All that said, driving the car was sublime. I can't believe something with that much power gets that kind of mpg.

Our Graco MyRide didn't go rear facing either. Forward facing was ok. We ended up jumping on a used Mazda5 with a stick.