Michigan has the worst roads in the country, and I have no issues with the pressures. I don't find the ST to ride harsh at all, so I am not sure how everyone is convinced the thing rides so bad. I have driven 3 different ST's in 2 countries and 10 states. Never once did I think the ride was harsh. I find it to be perfect for a sport compact. A well designed performance suspension is stiff, not harsh. The springs, twist beam, and dampers are all matched to produce fantastic performance and yet suitable for daily driving on terrible roads. The only possible time the ride was a little too harsh was on a section of mountain road in New Hampshire in which there was giant potholes, chunks of broken pavement, ruts, rocks, and gravel. It wasn't suitable for anything other than a SUV. I drove the ST pretty quick on it and avoiding taking out the oil pan and turbo hoses on the big rocks. The conditions looked more like a stage in Rallye Greece.
From what I read online, it seems most people say the ST is too expensive, has uncomfortable seats, rides too stiff, makes too much brake dust. Perhaps a regular car is more of your style then. The ST is a properly designed sport compact. All the complaints are just going to turn it into a lick-n-stick body kit without any performance.
To support BRGt350's comments:
1. The ST ride even with the high tire pressures is quite comfortable. My SES with the FRPP setup and Steeda, FSWerks and TB Performance mods rides like a rock compared to the ST (the OEM Hankooks are back on the SES and the ride is marginally smoother).
2. The ST pricing issue is obviously relative to each individual's wants, needs, and resources. Personally, I thought that it should start at $19,995 plus freight (missed that by $1,405).
3. Brake dust is unbelievable. Order Rado Grey wheels if you have a strong aversion to it and don't want to/can't clean your wheels on an every-other-day basis.
4. The standard driver's seat (same structure as the SE appearance package sport seat) has a lumbar adjustment which I find to be perfect when fully amped up. Again, personal choice.
5. The exhaust sound is nice when pushed.
6. The steering feels heavier than the SES. It will be interesting to see the difference when I swap out the 'stones/17's for Conti ExtremeContact DWS's on lighter SES 16 rims next month.
7. I got accustomed to MyTouch but the screen gets smudged super quick.
8. Armrest is out-of-the-way for a stick which is fine by me. Bryan may view it differently.
9. Get the Mountune short shifter. Fourth to fifth shift is more truck-like than hot hatch. Up-shift light comes on a little early but in following it, I got 32.5 mpg (50% city/50% suburban driving) on the first fill-up and 37.6 mpg with 95% 65 mph cruise-controlled, interstate driving on tank 2.
10. That said, I must say I like driving a Focus ST just as much as the Fiesta ST. With the Focus, I could drive in 5th all around town without having to downshift as much ad there was always plenty of power.
