Ford has lifted the veils off its all-new Focus ST hot
hatch. Just like its predecessor, the new Focus ST is available with two
engine and two body style flavors. The big news is the gasoline version ditches
the 2.0-liter turbo-four for a larger, more powerful 2.3-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder unit that makes 280 PS at 5,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm. That results in a 0‑100 km/h sprint of
under 6 seconds. For the first time, the Focus ST benefits from an electronic
limited-slip differential (eLSD) that improves traction and stability, as well
as Selectable Drive Modes.
The all-aluminum 2.3-liter unit benefits from
lessons learned with the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pickup as it
features anti-lag technology that promises “immediate power delivery” in Sport
and Track Drive Modes. When the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal,
anti-lag keeps the throttle open, maintaining compressor wheel speed and
enabling boost pressure to build faster on demand. Also, Ford offers a 2.0-liter EcoBlue turbo diesel in the new Focus ST. The unit is
rated at 190 PS at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between
2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm. It’s the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted to a
Ford Focus.
Both engines will be mated as standard to a
short-shift six-speed manual gearbox featuring rev-matching (optional as part
of a Performance Pack for the 2.3L engine) or an optional seven-speed automatic
transmission. The rev-matching function can be deactivated for those who prefer
an unadulterated driving experience. The automatic comes with standard paddle
shifters and Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which evaluates individual driving
styles to optimize gearshift timings.
The new Focus ST builds on the all-new C2
architecture from the latest Focus, adding unique suspension, braking, and
powertrain configurations. In Ford’s words, this results in “the most
responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever – on road and track.”
The hot hatch also features Continuously Controlled
Damping (CCD), which is offered as standard for five-door EcoBoost models. CCD
is said to enhance the short-long arm (SLA) independent rear suspension
configuration for improved refinement. As a result, Ford says customers will be
able to sample the best of both worlds, switching from a comfortable tourer to
a focused performance car at the push of a button. According to Leo Roeks, Ford
Performance director Europe, the new Focus ST offers “a degree of flexibility that’s
unique in its segment.”
Compared to the standard Focus, the damping
stiffness increased up to 20 percent at the front and 13 percent at the rear,
while the ride height is reduced by 10 mm. As for the electric
power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, it is 15 percent faster than the
standard Focus, requiring just two turns lock-to-lock. The brakes feature
larger discs overall with dual-piston calipers at the front and Electric Brake
Booster technology which is said to build brake pressure faster than a
hydraulic system.
Styling-wise, the 2019 Focus ST has a rather
understated yet tasteful appearance, combining a sharp exterior kit with a
sporty interior featuring Recaro front seats (available with cloth, leather, or
leather/Miko Dinamica upholsteries), sports steering wheel, and aluminum trim.
The all-new Focus ST will be available both as a
five-door hatch and five-door wagon and will go on sale across Europe this
summer. The United States won’t get the latest Focus ST at all.
