Blue oval hot hatch becomes even more desirable, pity you can’t have it says Ford SA.

Ford Focus ST fansaround South Africa, allow us to show you the forbidden fruit: the new ST Edition.

The Golf 8 GTI’s natural rival, which is unavailable locally, has a new variant. Ford is undoubtedly trying to counter interest and possible customer migration to the new VW Golf 8 GTI, with this ST Edition.

It takes a proven hot hatch product evolution theme, with some upgraded suspension bits and new wheels.

Ford is marketing this as the best factory ST you can buy, mostly due to its adjustable suspension set-up. Sourced from Dutch specialist KW Automotive, the ST Edition has two-way adjustable coilovers at all four wheel corners.

Inside those coilovers are twin-tube dampers, which feature superior oil recirculation, making the ST Edition a lot more predictable to place, at speed, on bumpyroads.

This suspension upgrade lowers the ST Edition by 10 mm, compared to a standard ST’s stance. KW Automative’s coilovers allow for 20 mm of total ride height adjustment.

Ford’s product planners want ST Edition customers to make the most of the suspension upgrades, with appropriate tyres. As such, this new limited-edition Ford hot hatch rolls Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, on lightweight 19-inch wheels.

Not only do these tyres provide greater mechanical grip, but Ford claims the ST Edition has 10% less unsprung mass, per corner, compared to the standard ST.

There are no powertrain or exhaust upgrades, which mean the ST Edition is powered by that familiar 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, good for 209 kW and 420 Nm of torque.

Only available in Ford’s signature hot hatch colourway – Azura blue – the ST Edition won’t become an option for South Africa blue oval fans. Despite being available in right-hand drive.

A pity, as it has everything to be a true Golf 8 GTI alternative. There is even a Nurburgring setting for the KW Automotive suspension.

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