The new Ford Focus ST has been revealed ahead of the car’s global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The 2015 Focus ST offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification that ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience. And for the first time, the new Focus ST will be offered in diesel engine option.
The diesel engine in the Focus ST is a 2.0-litre TDCi that develops 182hp and 400Nm of torque. It enables the car to run from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 km/h. In terms of fuel efficiency, owners can expect to average 4.4 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.
For customers who prefer petrol, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder is capable of producing 247hp and 360 Nm of torque. This enables the hatchback to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 247 km/h. Thanks to a new engine start/stop system, the model averages 6.8 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.
The Focus ST also will benefit from a revised suspension with new front springs and sportier new shock absorber tuning front and rear. In combination with the model-specific anti-roll bars and rear springs from the previous generation ST, these enhancements deliver an even sharper dynamic performance. The calibration of the Electronic Power Assisted Steering and electronic vehicle control systems also has been revised to meet the specific sporting requirements of the new Focus ST.
Power delivery refinement under hard acceleration is also assisted by engine mounts engineered specifically to accommodate the performance of the new Focus ST. Additionally, Ford worked with Michelin to develop a new 19-inch tyre that complements the driving dynamics, especially maximising lateral grip.
Key cosmetic changes to the Ford Focus ST include a lower, wider stance, sculpted bonnet, reproportioned upper grille, slimmer headlamps and rectangular foglamps.
The sports bodykit also includes body‑coloured side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the exhaust, and a rear roof spoiler optimised for aerodynamic performance. All new Focus ST models feature twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes.
A new dark grey exterior paint colour called Stealth is introduced exclusively to the Focus ST. Deep Impact Blue also is new to the range that includes Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black and Race Red.
Inside, Ford has redesigned the Focus for a more intuitive dashboard layout, with significantly fewer buttons in the cabin. However, the ST retains the additional bank of three gauges – displaying turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure – on the instrument binnacle.
The performance model gets a new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim. The ST also features sports seats developed jointly by Ford and Recaro, a satin chrome-topped gear lever, sports pedals, satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates.
As with the current car, the Focus ST will be available in three trim levels named ST1, ST2 and ST3. ST1 seats feature grey/charcoal/anthracite black fabric; ST2 adds partial leather with base and side bolsters available in four colours and ST3 seats have a full charcoal black leather finish.
The revised Focus ST comes with the Ford Sync 2 connectivity system, which offers access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones via voice control and an 8-inch colour touchscreen.
Adaptive front lighting is available for the first time on the Focus ST, while the car also gets Cross Traffic Alert – which warns drivers reversing from parking spaces if other vehicles are about to cross their path – Active City Stop collision avoidance and Lane Keeping Aid.
Available to order in Europe from autumn 2014, the first new Focus ST models are scheduled to be in dealerships from early 2015 with pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
