Ford renews Focus ST range

FordFordUnited Kingdom, 1909 > present33 models
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unveiled the updated version of the Focus ST at this weekend's dynamic debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​where the vehicle participated in the hill climb competition. For the first time the sportier version of the model will be offered with a diesel engine.

The American brand promises that the new Focus ST will offer "a more balanced and refined driving experience with more response".

The big news from Ford for the facelifted Focus ST is the introduction of the 2.0-liter TDCi diesel engine with 252hp and 400Nm of torque. With this engine the ST accelerates to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 218km/h. With an average fuel consumption of 4.4l/100km, CO2 emissions are fixed at 114g/km of CO2.

The petrol version uses the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 247hp and 360Nm of torque. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 248km/h and reaches 100km/h in 6.5 seconds. Ford indicates an average consumption of 6.8L/100km and CO2 emissions of 158g/km.

Both engines are combined with a manual six-speed gearbox with shorter shifting ratio.

The new Focus ST will be sold in five-door and wagon variants and most of the updates arise from the changes to the base Focus unveiled earlier this year. Moreover, the new ST also receives a number of changes introduced by Ford Team RS team aiming to improve the driving experience.

The sport suspension gets new front springs and a new sporty configuration on the front and rear bumpers. The sway bars and rear springs are identical to the previous Focus ST.

The calibration of the electronic power steering (EPAS) has also been revised to provide "faster response thanks to a variable ratio steering, with a better overall balance." The three modes of the electronic stability program (ESP) system have also been retouched in order to maintain accuracy and control during quick changes of direction at high speed.

In terms of design, Ford gave the Focus ST a lower and wider stance. The ST has received a renewed sculpted bonnet, an upper grille with new proportions and thinner headlights and rectangular fog lights.

The sports body kit of the new Focus ST also includes side skirts in body color and diffuser elements on each side of the exhaust pipes and a rear spoiler optimized to improve the aerodynamic performance.

Interior modifications include the introduction of Ford's more intuitive panel with a significant reduction of buttons throughout the cabin. However, the ST retains the additional gauges that indicate turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure.

The Focus ST also gets a new sports steering wheel with flat bottom coated in soft-touch leather. The ST version also includes sports seats jointly developed by Ford and Recaro, a gear lever with satin and a chrome cover on top, sport pedals, chromed door handles and lighted door sills in aluminum.

As with the current car, the Focus ST will be available in three trim levels named ST1, ST2 and ST3.

The adaptive front lighting system is for the first time available in the Focus ST and, in addition, the drive systems also receives Cross Traffic Alert, Active City Stop collision avoidance and Lane Keeping Aid.

The new Focus ST will be available to order in Europe from autumn 2014 and the first vehicles should arrive at dealerships in early 2015. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.