What’s new?
The fourthgeneration Ford Focus hatchback made its debut here in 2019 with an initial lineup comprising three models, all featuring 134kW/ 240Nm 1.5 litre threecylinder turbo engines and power delivery via eightstage continuously variable transmissions.
Attractively styled, roomy, comfortable, dynamically accomplished and reasonably peppy, these first arrivals represented a strong start for the new Focus hatchback in New Zealand.
The ST model has now joined the lineup.
We always knew a new ST was coming — there was a sporty ST in the last generation, mustering 184kW/ 360Nm of punch from a 2.0 litre engine.
The new ST features a 2.3 litre turbo and has peak outputs of 206kW and 420Nm. So, as well as offering 50% more power and 75% more torque than the standard fourthgeneration Focus, it promises roughly 10% more power and 15% more torque that its sporty predecessor.
There’s another crucial drivetrain change, too: the previous ST deployed an oldschool sixspeed manual gearbox to deliver power to the front wheels, whereas the new ST has a sevenspeed automatic transmission.
The latest Focus is slightly bigger than the model it replaces and the ST is heavier, too. Even so, it boasts a superior powertoweight ratio.
A price tag of $59,490 for the
ST is competitive in the hothatch world, although VW’s soontobereplaced Golf GTI lists for $2500 less and the Hyundai i30 N is something of a performance steal at $54,990. The Honda Civic Type R and Renault Megane RS both carry a $59,990 tag. headlights and adaptive front fog lights.
Bluetooth and hardwired USB connectivity is provided (though with just two USB ports) along with full smartphone mirroring. Ford’s new and very userfriendly SNYC3 infotainment system, which incorporates the satellite navigation, speed sign recognition and voice control among other key functions, is also firstrate.
Active safety features include adaptive radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with
Overall: ★★★★+
Design & styling: ★★★★+
Interior: ★★★★
Performance: ★★★★+
Ride & handling: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Environmental: ★★★+
SPECIFICATIONS
Price (as tested): $59,490 Engine: 2261cc, turbocharged, fourcylinder petrol engine Max power 206kW, max torque 420Nm Transmission: Sevenspeed automatic transmission, frontwheel drive
pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear crosstraffic alert and parking sensors, plus a 180degree splitview rear camera.
The ST’s suspension is fitted with active damping, the brakes are heavily upgraded and there is an electronically controlled mechanical limited slips differential to apportion power delivery between the front wheels as efficiently as possible.
Brakes & stability systems: Disc,
ABS, BA, TCS, VSM, ESC
Safety: Fivestar NCAP
Wheels & tyres: Alloy wheels,
235/35 ZR19 tyres
Fuel & economy: Premium unleaded, 8.6l/100km on standard economy, fuel capacity 52 litres
Emissions: 199g CO2/km
Dimensions: Length 4378mm,
width 1825mm, height 1454mm
a visual treat. The Race Red paint scheme of the car supplied for appraisal by Ford New Zealand was very smart, too.
Time spent photographing the test car brought the point home; the Focus ST looks good from just about any angle, which is true of relatively few cars.