Rapid advances: new Focus ST is best
I’ve always liked the ST, but Ford says the new car is the most advanced, offering new chassis control, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification, ensuring a responsive and refined driving experience.
For the first time, the ST will be offered with a diesel option. This unit will deliver the most fuel-efficient and lowest-CO2 Ford performance car ever. The 185bhp, 2.0-litre TDCi will achieve 0-100 kph in 8.1 seconds, while also delivering 4.4 l/100 km (64.2 mpg), and emissions of just 114 g/km CO2.
ST customers will be more familiar with the petrol, which is a 250bhp, 2.0-litre EcoBoost and delivers 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds, fuel efficiency of 6.8 l/100 km (41.5 mpg), and 158g/km CO2.
Both models offer auto-start-stop for the first time, improving the EcoBoost version’s fuel efficiency by 6%.
“The new Focus ST delivers an even more sophisticated balance of performance, driving dynamics, refinement and style — the core of Ford’s sports technologies DNA,” said Joe Bakaj, vice-president, product development, Ford of Europe.
Ford Team RS said improved driving experience was the number-one objective for the new Focus ST. Thus, the sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier shock-absorber tuning, front and rear, in combination with the anti-roll bars and rear springs.
The electronic, power-assisted steering and electronic vehicle-control systems have been revised. The new electronic transitional stability function senses vehicle stability and driver inputs, to maintain optimal precision and control during rapid changes of direction at speed.
The revised, electronic, torque vectoring control settings optimise wheel-torque distribution, maximising traction through corners and increasing agility.
Power delivery under hard acceleration has been refined — particularly front-wheel traction and gear-shift quality. This is assisted by engine mounts engineered to accommodate the performance of the ST. Ford worked with Michelin to develop a new 19-inch tyre that complements the driving dynamics, maximising lateral grip.
The suspension, steering, and electronic control systems have been enhanced for an exciting driving experience.
The new, 185PS, 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is debuting in the new Focus ST, has been optimised to deliver ST performance and character, alongside fuel efficiency and practicality.
The increased power output of the Focus ST 2.0-litre TDCi — a 23% gain over the 150PS 2.0-litre engine in the new Focus range — is achieved by electronic calibration, a revised air intake system, and a new sports-tuned exhaust.
Peak power is developed at 3,500rpm and there is 400Nm of torque available from 2,000-2,750rpm, giving the new Focus ST diesel a maximum speed of 217km/h (135mph). The torque output enables impressive in-gear acceleration and strong performance at low rpm. In sixth gear, acceleration from 80-120km/h (50-75mph) takes just 9.7 seconds, the combination of a shorter ratio and the increased power enabling the Focus ST to outpace the 150 PS Focus by 2.2 seconds.
The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine also uses turbocharging, but features twin-independent variable cam timing technology, and high-pressure direct-injection to deliver its perky performance. Peak power is available at 5,500rpm, 360Nm of torque is available from 2,000-4,500 rpm, and maximum speed is 248km/h (154mph).
Both engines use a six-speed manual transmission with a performance-oriented, short-throw shift. The gear ratios — exclusive to ST and matched individually to each engine — deliver rapid acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at speed.
In terms of looks, the new Focus ST features sportier, more aggressive styling, with a lower, wider stance; new, dynamically sculpted bonnet; slimmer headlamps and rectangular fog lamps.
The body kit also includes coloured side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the exhaust, and a rear roof spoiler optimised for aerodynamic performance. All STs feature twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes, black lamp bezels, ST badging and new, 19-inch ST design alloy wheels.
“Focus ST has proved very popular with Ford’s sporty customers and the new model takes that to an even more striking and dramatic level,” says Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. “The signature, honeycomb upper grille has been reproportioned. There are new rectangular fog lamps in the outer apertures, and the lower fascia offers a much sharper definition and profile. At the rear, the width of the car is emphasised by a new full-width graphic.”
Ford has also redesigned the interior; it is a more intuitive, simpler layout. An additional bank of three gauges — an ST hallmark — is situated on the instrument binnacle and displays turbocharger boost pressure, and oil-temperature and oil-pressure information. A new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather-covered rim, a satin, chrome-topped gear lever and ST pedals complete the interior. Sports seats were jointly developed by Ford and Recaro. Adaptive front lighting adjusts the intensity and angle of the Bi-Xenon HID headlamp beams according to vehicle speed, steering angle, and distance to objects to provide optimal illumination.
