18th Mar 2007, 14:08

Have any of you guys tried the Shell V-Power fuel? If so, have you noticed any improvement?

28th Jun 2007, 15:17

There is a lot if conflicting reports on mpg. Can someone please give an indication of how many miles you would expect to get from a full tank of fuel based on an average urban/motorway driving at fun/normal speeds.

P.S What has happened to this site, its gone very quiet!!

15th Jul 2007, 08:44

I have started using Shell V Power in my ST220 and notice a bit of difference compared to ordinary unleaded. MPG is up a bit to 30mpg doing mostly country roads and a bit of town driving. Don't use motorways as we have none in the far north of Scotland, but on a recent trip to Glasgow averaged 34mpg.

29th Aug 2007, 12:56

Considering picking up an ST220 used.

Just a quick question. What is the actual difference between the 4 and 5 door, and does anyone have any pictures to illustrate the difference?

30th Aug 2007, 14:39

A few people asked about the ST TDCI, and although by now it is an extremely common car (far to common in fact) I thought I would comment. Before that though.

Loved reading this review and comments, its great to see almost Universal praise for a Blue Oval. (I am a big fan)

Its also a shame to see the stupid, irresponsible chav boy racers appearing.

"Its great at a set of lights, knowing there is going to be a race"

Grow up. Lights usually = town, anyone who drives quickly in town is behaving badly. Thing you should realise is that the hot women watching from the crossing you are racing away from is not thinking "Wow, a Corsa with huge arch gaps, wastebin sized exhausts, Little 4 pot engine coming out its bonnet, that's cool, I want to have much love with him."

She is thinking. simply, "what a **************"

I think the person who replied saying that its all about cornering, and the challenge of perfecting the line every time has it spot on.

Now, the ST TDCI.

Yes handles like the ST220. With the addition of a heavy diesel engine, so in tight (hairpin) corners it will understeer, but it still has that wonderful balance, get it near the limit, lift off and feel that balance (rear end gets light). Owners will (and already have) verify this, and I assure you, the ST TDCI has got it.

Its not as quick, but it is very torquey. I have an estate, (0-60 9.4, hatchback 8.9) but I am not sure it even feels that fast. Torque is limited in 1st and second, and it feels like it. By 4th it is pulling hard, and 5th and 6th are genuinely quick. It would be made fun off by an ST220 through the gears, but if you gave them both the lot from 60, starting in 4th gear, I really don't reckon there would be much in it.

Now, the Petrols achilles heel. 25mpg? HAHAHAHAHAHA - you can do that to me about the performance, I can do it to you now. It currently reads 42, I have had it as high as 45, even towing (another car) it managed 35ish.

To sum up, it has 98-99% the handling ability, 60-80% the performance (60 in first, 80 in 4th, maybe 90 in 5th/6th) 180-200% the economy.

It's a cracking car. Really, Really is. It is more fun to drive (better feedback, handling and balance) than my Audi S6.

If you like the ST220, and are covering serious miles, Test drive one. I don't believe there is a better sports family car out there. (Well the BMW 330D, but that is vastly more expensive)

30th Aug 2007, 16:46

Forget the ST220, buy a used Accord Type R; similar power and better performance and Honda reliability. You can pick a decent one up for about 5 grand.

31st Aug 2007, 18:14

The Accord Type R is a great machine, but I reckon although they are both sports saloons, they are quite different in character.

The Type R is far more hardcore than the ST.

However if you cover serious miles, the ST is a far better bet. More refined, Quieter, Bigger, Newer so more likely under warranty, and more motorway toys like Cruise, Climate, etc. Probably far more toys altogether, the Mondeo has just about every extra Ford could give it.

Decide what you use the car for, then take your pick.

Why did you come in to this discussion to say that? It would have been far more productive to say "consider the Type R, it's a bit more focused, and quicker."

Saying one is better than the other is a bit pointless, in my opinion. Give a Reason why.

And while the Type R has a cracking chassis, its not like the mondeo is bad is it? They are both at the top of their class, it is just they are, well, different cars.

1st Sep 2007, 03:52

Oh and the 4dr, 5dr and estate?

Unfortunately, ford.co.uk has taken the old Mondeo off its list so you can't see it there.

4 dr is the saloon, they are similar, but the boot is longer. The 5dr hatchback, the boot bit from the end of the rear window to the back is short, under 1ft.

2nd Sep 2007, 16:59

Ah cheers I know what you mean.

Also what is the fuel economy really like. mixed driving are you likely to see an average of 25mpg.

Motorway, bit of town driving and a few blasts down country roads?

22nd Nov 2007, 09:25

Don't get an ST220; mine blew up on me at 135 mph. I wasn't even pushing.

I've only had it a couple of months.

17k on the clock.

Does anyone know an alternative to an ST220, because I've got mine fixed, but don't feel confident driving it anymore.

I'm on a 25 grand budget.

26th Nov 2007, 16:49

I understand that you are now put off, but engine failure in the ST220 is rare, you are unlucky.

Only problems I know about with that V6 are on earlier mk2&1 mondeos, and include:

Water pump failure (can be cured by non ford replacement, cheaper too.)

Wear in Alternator bushes causing charging problem. (Problem in mine)

'Moosing' problem with water pipes.

Apart from these (which I don't think affect the st220 anyway) the engine is quite a strong unit.

Sorry you got unlucky.

30th Nov 2007, 06:34

Handling is a delight. Worth buying for that reason alone. Does things that no Vauxhall can even get close to.

29th Feb 2008, 04:13

I am 19 and own a ST220, wot an awesome car! I fell in love with it from the start! My mates have R32's and Clio V6's and go hell out of leather. They always ask why I don't try to keep up. I just reply that the ST220 is more fun cruising in 6 gear and hearing the v6 rumble at 1000 revs. I give her a blip now and again and it gives me a massive grin on my face tho!! get an ST220 people!