Test drove one today
 

I have to say, the new Focus ST has met almost all of my expectations and exceeded a few. There's a silver Focus ST for sale in Harvey, LA. The hood gap is a much exaggerated issue IMO (didn't look out of place to me), but the trunk is kind of shallow. I love how this car blends in in plain colors (silver, black, white) it really doesn't stand out too much in silver and it's making me think I'd rather get one in white than Tangerine Scream. The seats are nice, however I was disappointed that the lumbar support is not adjustable like in the VW GTI (and some may find it snug, I was comfortable but my waist is less than 30").

I test drove a VW GTI less week and have found that there's not a whole lot of comparisons that have been offered so here are some pros and cons I noticed:
+The Ford Focus ST makes a much better engine sound. I love it.
+The Ford Focus' new car smell wasn't nearly as overbearing.
+I actually like the implementation of MFT. Very trick.
~The steering in the VW GTI felt a little bit more fluid to me. I didn't get to drive the Focus ST far enough to get used to the quick ratio of the steering, but it certainly felt strange, I think I could grow to like it once accustomed to it.
-The solidity and refinement everybody refers to when defending the GTI, it's there, even if only slightly. The doors feel slightly more substantial, make a slightly better sound when closing, but it's very negligible.
-The VW has a couple really nice touches like the gas-charged shock that holds the hood up. The engine compartment is way less cluttered and actually gives room to work on the engine. The Focus ST's engine cover and compartment altogether are incredible tacky in comparison (IMO).

Overall, I'd pick the Focus ST for two reasons: It's less expensive and I think the car sounds way better under throttle. The VW GTI is however the car to get if you want the most premium feeling car in this category.

I just thought I'd offer my opinion on how the two cars compare. I really like the Focus ST and will probably order one next year.

Shout out to Don Bohn Ford in Harvey, LA. Shane Petty was very nice and nobody in the dealership was pushy in any way.

Or you could compare myfordtouch and good game.

Good game? Are you suggesting it's overly complicated? Looked straight-forward to me. I normally set up whatever I need to (Nav, music, etc.) before I start driving and that I can change a song, adjust the climate control, or many other things using simply voice command is a really nice touch. Worked okay in the dealership, but I guess it's a YMMV sort of thing. If you're asking about the infotainment the GTI I drove was a base model, but the gauges and screen on the dash were much more easily legible than those in Focus ST.

Thats a great comparision. Very similar to what the mag's are saying.

What about power? I haven't been allowed to drive the ST yet (just a lowly salesman) but I used to sell VW and absolutely loved the GTI. I always thought it felt stronger than 200 hp and 207 torque. How does the ST feel in comparison in terms of acceleration?

I still can't get over the GTI's steering wheel... That thing is incredible.

Based on my own perception, the GTI felt like it pulled a little harder at low RPMs. The ST feels much more powerful in the mid range. While power is instantaneous in the GTI, the ST felt like it had a little (barely any) lag. I'm sure many people will disagree with me, but this is only my opinion, I have little experience with turbocharged gasoline engines.

For my money I'm probably getting the ST for these reasons:
1. Focus ST sounds better under throttle. It sounds addictively good.
2. I can get the Focus ST configured how I want for less than $30,000 out the door (leather, nav, hids). The only way I could consider buying a GTI is if I could get $4,000+ for my trade
3. Cost of maintenance. If you DIY the oil filter is $15, $45+ for oil in the GTI.

I was thinking about the Titanium with a manual, but looks like an ST would be about the same price with a lot more power and a 6 speed. I'm afraid the ST might be a bit too much of a race car for a daily driver though. What do you think? Does the ride beat you up? I love performance cars, but I want something my girlfriend would be comfortable driving too.

I didn't find the ride to be punishing, but it is firm. Probably not as comfortable as your BMW but definitely more comfortable than my 2006. The only comfort complaint I could see is for people with a wider frame (I'm small). Test drive both, but I'd regret not spending the extra money on a ST.

Thanks for this, sorry for the delayed response.

BTW, let me know before you pull the trigger on one. My manager can get pretty aggressive price-wise, we might could make it worth your time to go through us instead. Have a color preference? I believe we have a red one coming in with all the goodies.

You'd be crying in your corn flakes if you buy a manual Titanium instead of the ST. For the same money? In 5 years, the ST will be worth $5k more than the Titanium. Better power, better interior, better seats (unless you're tubby)... just better.