New Focus St
Face-lifted Focus ST and all-new Focus ST TDCi announced at Goodwood...
We reveal the face-lifted ST and there’s a diesel too!
Ford used the Festival of Speed at Goodwood to announce the arrival of the next generation Focus ST. Based on the recently updated Mk3 Focus models, the new ST features a fresh face and is packed full of the latest tech! Plus, for the first time ever, there will be a diesel variant of the Focus ST too, featuring a 185PS version of the 2.0-litre TDCi unit!
The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine remains in the petrol-powered ST, producing the same 250PS as the current version. It does however feature Auto-Start-Stop technology, which Ford claim improves fuel efficiency by as much as 6 percent compared to the current version.
The new diesel version features a 2.0-litre TDCi engine based on the 150PS variant found throughout the Ford range. Featuring a revised air intake system, sports exhaust system, and a new engine calibration, the ST’s TDCi kicks out 185PS, and a very healthy 400Nm of torque is available from 2000-2750rpm!
The new ST also features loads of upgrades over its predecessor, and in many respects is a bit like a ready-modified version of the current model. The suspension has been tweaked significantly with new front springs, sportier damper settings all round, and stiffer bushes on the front lower control arms and rear spring links. The engine mounts have also been beefed up to cope with the vigorous driving Ford expects from its ST customers.
As well as these physical upgrades, the new ST has seen its software systems revised too, including the addition of a new Electronic Transitional Stability function within the ESP settings, and revised Electronic Torque Vectoring Control settings to help further improve torque distribution across the hard-worked front wheels.
The new ST is visually more aggressive than the current model, achieved largely by the use of the new design slimmer headlights, more chiselled front bumper, rectangular foglamps, and sculpted bonnet design. The ST’s signature honeycomb grille remains, but has been re-proportioned to fit the leaner, meaner look of the face-lifted model. A new style of 19in alloy wheel (available as an option) also adds to the tougher look of the new model.
Round the back, the centre- exit twin tailpipes are still the focal point, but are now housed in a redesigned rear bumper which gives the ST a much wider and
lower appearance. The signature Tangerine Scream colour option remains, alongside Race Red, Panther Black, and Frozen White of the previous model. Also exclusively offered for the new Focus ST is a dark grey colour called Stealth, while Ford’s Deep Impact Blue has also been made available for the model.
The already-impressive interior didn’t escape the designer’s pen either, now featuring even more tech and a simpler, easierto-use layout. The Recaros that form the mainstay of the cabin of any fast Ford remain, but the dash has been de-cluttered and features significantly less buttons than the current version. The ST interior hallmark of three gauges in a pod rising from the dash top ( boost pressure, oil temp, and oil pressure) remains.
The updated version also offers all the latest gadgets and driver aids that Ford’s engineers have come up with. SYNC 2 is perhaps the most notable, with its voice recognition system and eight-inch high- degree colour display that allows access to audio, navigation, climate control, and mobile phone settings. In addition, there are less obvious systems on offer, such as the Adapative Front Lighting which will automatically adjust the ST’s Bi-Xenon HIDs according to speed, steering angle, and distance to objects!
The new ST will be available in ST1, ST2, and ST3 trim levels. Ford say it will be available to order from Autumn this year, with the first deliveries expected in early 2015. Prices will be confirmed nearer the on-sale date.