Ford has revealed the all-new Focus ST, which featuresa new engine as well as the option of an automatic. Here's all you need to know about the Blue Oval's performance model.

The all-new Focus ST offers the most responsive and agile driving experience ever – on road and track. This is the claim from Ford and given the upgrades, it's plausible. The headline change is the introduction of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, now pushing out 206 kW and 420 Nm. Ford claims a 0-100 kph tume of less than six seconds.

Ford has also introducedan electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) for a front-wheel drive vehicle further enhances cornering and stability. There is the option of either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, and Ford has introduced Selectable Drive Modes.“Intelligent technologies like eLSD and CCD make our all-new Focus ST the most ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ yet, able to switch from refined tourer to focussed performance car at the push of a button,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve incorporated learnings from programmes including the Ford GT and Focus RS to develop a mid-size performance car with a degree of flexibility that’s unique in its segment.”

Ford also claims its new Focus ST will boast class-leading spaciousness as well as advanced driver assistance systems such asAdaptive Cruise Control now enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic,Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camera-based predictive curve light and sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends in the road and – for the first time in the industry – road signs,Active Park Assist 2 that operates gear selection, acceleration and braking in addition to steering, to enable fully-automated manoeuvres at the push of a button,Ford’s first Head-up display to be offered in Europe andEvasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions.

Naturally, Ford will also equip its new Focus ST with SYNC 3 connectivity, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At the time of writing, Ford SA is unable to comment on South African availability.

The new Ford Focus ST cabin

Further Reading

Spy Shots: 2020 Ford Focus ST

Ford Focus ST (2015) Review

Extended Test: Ford Focus ST [with Video]

Track Test – Ford Focus ST [Video]

Ford Focus ST Review