Australia in line for new Ford ST
Ford Australia has confirmed its new fourth-generation Focus ST will touch down in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2020 at $44,690 plus on-road costs for both the six-speed manual and – for the first time in ST – seven-speed automatic.
The pricing represents a jump of about $5000 more than the previous iteration, putting the new ST below the Volkswagen Golf GTI, at $46,190, but above Hyundai’s i30 N Performance hatch at $40,490.
Powered by a 206kw-420nm version of the Blue Oval’s 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the new ST will sit atop the latest Focus range until the next Focus RS lobs at some point.
Although the new ST’S 2.3-litre engine has been detuned compared with similar engines used in other Ford products, such as the upcoming 236kw-448nm 2.3-litre Mustang High Performance, it is still 22kw and 60Nm above the peak power and torque of the superseded Focus ST with its 2.0-litre engine.
The bigger ST engine is also a tad more powerful than the i30 N Performance 202kw-353nm 2.0-litre unit.
Fed by a twin-scroll turbo, the Focus ST’S engine hits peak power at 5500rpm and top torque at 30004000rpm.
No performance figures were disclosed, but Ford executives have previously forecast a 0-100kmh dash in under six seconds.
The manual ST gets Mustang-style rev matching, along with a slicker, lighter shift feel, while the automatic – unavailable until now in ST – has paddle shifters.
To be made in Germany, the new ST brings a host of upgrades shared with the latest fourth-generation launched in Australia early this year.
Bigger inside and more rigid in the body than before on the new C2 platform, the ST gets a five-star safety rating from ANCAP.
Unlike other Focus variants launched to date, the ST steps up with an electronic limited slip differential, launch control and a more sophisticated suspension with continuously variable damping and a fully independent rear end. The ST’S ride height is 10mm lower than the standard Focus.
The new multi-mode drive system allows the driver to select slippery, normal, sport and track modes, with a steering wheel button shortcut directly to sport mode.
The ST now rides on 19-inch machined alloy wheels, fitted with 23535 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
The bigger brake discs – 330mm at the front and 302mm at the rear – have red-painted callipers for dramatic effect.
Other exterior visual cues for the ST include a honeycomb front grille, LED headlights, tail-lights, fog lights and daytime running lights, unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear spoiler. The exhaust gets dual chrome exhaust tips.
Other touches include rear privacy glass and heated power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps.
A rear-view camera provides a 180-degree view, while the autonomous braking has pedestrian detection.
Colour options include Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black.