Underlying the ‘world car’ role of the current Focus, the range’s performance variant was developed jointly by Ford Team RS in Europe and the Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in the United States, who also sought input from colleagues in the Africa and Asia Pacific regions.
The new Focus ST ditches the previous version’s five-cylinder, 2.5 litre engine in favour of a four-cylinder, 2.0 litre EcoBoost unit which boasts variable cam timing, high pressure direct fuel injection and a low-inertia turbo.
The result is 246 bhp (183 kW / 250 PS) and peak torque of 360 Nm (265 lb/ft), which is a lot for a front-wheel drive car. To put it into context, those outputs are substantially higher than the first generation Focus RS could manage, but they’re what the new ST needs if it’s to compete with rivals such as the Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250, Seat Leon Cupra R and Mazda 3 MPS.
Although no performance figures have been released, all of that power (and more importantly, torque) is going to be wasted if the chassis can’t cope. So, to make sure that’s not the case, Ford has employed many acronyms.
There’s three-mode ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), EDCC (Enhanced Dynamic Cornering Control), ETVC (Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control), CUSC (Cornering Under Steer Control) and FSSS (Ford Sport Steering System), which combines EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted Steering) with TSC (Torque Steer Compensation).
Visually, the ST has more presence than lesser Focus variants thanks to its 18” alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a centre-exit exhaust and a rear roof spoiler. The colour choice comprises Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Race Red or White.
On the inside, the key features are a darker headlining, extra gauges, a special steering wheel and Recaro front seats. However, unlike most performance cars, the rear-seat passengers haven’t been forgotten. They get a specially shaped rear bench that’s been designed for extra lateral support.
Globally, the Focus ST is going to be available as a five-door hatchback. Additionally, European customers will be offered the ST Wagon, which is based on the estate bodyshell and might open up a whole new market niche if it proves popular.
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