No longer seen as just an engine donor, the early fast Focus is a bona fide modern classic, so grab one while you can.
Keen to make its allconquering Focus even more appealing and build on its ‘Sports Technology’ ST brand, Ford announced the Focus ST170 in March 2002.
With even the most basic Focus having surprisingly good driving dynamics, Ford’s engineers had to go all-in to create a performance version that would demonstrate a measurable improvement on its cooking counterparts.
Consequently, they tore down the base 2-litre Zetec engine and built it back up with such goodies as lightweight cast aluminium pistons, forged conrods, a trick cylinder head with high lift cams and variable valve timing and a tuned manifold, which changed its flow characteristics to create torque at low to medium revs and all out power from 6000 rpm upwards. In fact, it wasn’t until the rev counter was hitting a heady 7000 rpm that the ST170 produced its maximum 170 bhp. The power was channelled through a new Getrag six-speed gearbox and driveshafts that were 13 per cent stronger than those of the normal 2-litre Focus.
The springs were also 10 per cent stiffer than the 2-litre’s and the handling was further enhanced with the additions of tuned dampers, a low-friction steering rack, 7x17 inch alloys and tweaks to the Control Blade rear suspension. The alloys also provided clearance for new 300 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm solid rear items.
But while plenty had gone on under the ST’s skin, visually it followed a less is more approach. Other than the multi-spoke alloys, the only nod to the ST’s sporting prowess was a discreet boot spoiler, a smattering of ST badges, body-coloured side mouldings, a mesh grille and projector-style foglamps. Inside, the ST170 was equally restrained, with halfleather trim complemented with drilled pedals and a few bits of metallic trim.
Throw in the fact the ST170 was available in three-door, five-door and estate body styles, and it was no surprise that it soon hit the spot with car buyers.
Fast forward to today and, if truth be told, its appeal to enthusiasts of older Fords has been mostly as an engine donor, but if the growing demand for good examples is anything to go by, then the ST170 is fast becoming a modern-day classic Ford in its own right.
and their mounting brackets can be expensive to replace. Fan activation switch is prone to heat damage, so ensure it cuts in properly. Fuel pump’s wiring, and its cradle, are often perished,