I have driven both - and given them a fairly 'good go' and the ST inspires much more confidence than the clio

Excellent, thats very promising to hear.

I hear people saying that the car is lovely to drive 'around town' - but when does the power actually come into play, and when does it peak? 3k revs, 4k, 5k? When does the ST redline 7.5k revs? (I appreciate that those with 1,000 of less miles haven't done it yet!)

Can you hit 60 with only the first 2 gears? If not, thats potentially why the car is claiming only 7.9 to 60...?

Hows the torque? Again Ford cliam 140Ib/ft, but when does that peak? 2.5k revs? Does it force you into the back of the seat? Does it last? Can you feel much torque in 4th and 5th?

Apologies for all the questions, but it is a big decision afterall, the car has to be right, lol!

Tyson.

Would you like to know what I had for dinner also!? lol.

I dunno about the bulk of your questions as I don't have an ST, but the engine needs to get up to about 4k before it comes into its own.. much like my Puma.

I tend to find it reaches its peak at around 5.5k.

Do you spend a lot of time up there? Lol.

Tyson.

lol wow, 5500 rpm is mighty high... my puma has just about run out of puff around there! I find my Puma does best from 4000 up to 5250, I rarely take it higher than that..

The ST only has 7.5k revs on the clock, hence the redline will probably kick in around 7,250 revs, so theres not a lot of time being spent in the peak power band.

This accurate?

Tyson.

hmm not sure when peak torque and power comes about. i think peak ps is around 6200 with torque a bit less, at about 4500

Hey tyson, another chris, we're slowly taking over now, on to world domination i say

MWAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I know what Id make the world like... bird land (bird meaning girls in bikini's and tight little skirts with g strings and... ooooooooh.)

Well, yeah, sounds good to me

Can anyone live in Bird Land or just Chris'!!!!!
I'd love to live there.

er yeh can come in, but there will be an entrance fee.. lol

Does my chris badge get me in for free?

yep.