Ford’s first global performance vehicle, the new Ford Focus ST will go on sale in South Africa in November 2012. The new Ford Focus ST with its advanced EcoBoost engine offers performance, dynamic handling capability and style as well as a comprehensive range of driver assistance features.

New Ford Focus ST brings EcoBoost to SA

Engine Capability

The new Ford Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine that produces 184kW at 5500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 360Nm available between 2000rpm and 4500rpm. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Focus ST returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.2-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 169g/km, which is 20% less than the outgoing model. The Ford ST will accelerate to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 248km/h.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine achieves its performance with the combination of high pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) as well as redesigned intake and exhaust systems and unique calibration. A sound symposer relays the distinctive engine sound directly from the intake into the cabin.

??Driving Dynamics??

The new Ford Focus ST features a new Sport Steering System with a variable ratio steering rack that reduces steering sensitivity when driving in a straight line and increases sensitivity while cornering. The Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system is specially calibrated and detects and counters torque steer using Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC). The Electronic Stability Program offers three modes depending on the preference of the driver. The ST also features Torque Vectoring Control which applies brake torque to the inner wheel while cornering to reduce under steer and the Cornering Under Steer Control (CUSC) applies torque based on the under steer prior to ESP, whether it’s on or off.

The Focus ST features uprated shock absorbers and springs which lower the chassis by 10mm and the rear suspension has been revised with new parts developed specially for the ST. The uprated suspension knuckles and the new anti-roll bar design provide enhanced feedback and control while driving.

Exterior and Interior Styling

Available as a five-door hatchback, the new Ford Focus ST can be had in the signature colour ‘Tangerine Scream’ or ‘Spirit Blue’, ‘Race Red’, ‘Panther Black’, ‘Frozen White’ and ‘Moondust Silver’. The ST features Ford’s signature one-piece trapezoidal grille, bulging side skirts and a new rear bumper with diffuser-style vents in the lower fascia. The roof spoiler is designed to improve stability at high speed and reduce drag.

The interior is distinctly sporty with a specially designed steering wheel, gearshift and pedals while the dark headlining and trim on the pillars adds to its sporty appeal. The lowered Recaro seats offer length adjustment and cushion tilt. Trim options include ST1 and ST3. ST1 offers keyless start, deflation detection system, cruise control and power 1-shot up/down driver front and rear windows. The ST3 trim level adds automatic folding mirrors, keyless entry, DEATC, rain sensitive wipers and Bi-xenon HID headlamps including Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), automatic dimming rear view mirror and automatic wipers. This trim level also includes leather Recaro seats with 8-way adjustability with pull-out cushions and a Recaro rear bench.

The new Ford Focus ST also benefits from Ford SYNC which is a software platform that provides hands-free, voice activated in-car connectivity. External devices are connected using Bluetooth or USB.

New Ford Focus ST – Price