The new generation Ford Focus ST will launch in Australia and
New Zealand in Q1 2020. The hot hatch will be imported from Germany and will
set buyers back AUD 44,690 (US$ 30,671).
Unlike the model
sold in the Old Continent, which is offered with both a petrol or a diesel
engine, Australia’s Focus ST will only pack the former. The 2.3-liter
turbocharged unit develops 276 HP and 420 Nm of torque and is
paired to a six-speed manual, while the seven-speed dual-clutch is a no-cost
option.
The Focus ST sets
itself apart from the rest of the lineup with a sporty body kit, honeycomb
grille, LED lights, sculpted side skirts, dual chrome exhaust tips and 19-inch
machined alloys shod in 235/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The re-tuned
suspension lowers ground clearance by 10 mm, while stopping power is
provided by the upgraded brakes, with 330 mm front and 302 mm rear
ventilated discs. Color choices include Ford Performance’s Blue and Orange
Fury, Frozen White, Race Red, Ruby Red, Magnetic and Shadow Black.
Inside, the compact
hot hatch features heated Recaro sports seats trimmed in leather and suede,
aluminum pedals, a chrome gear lever, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in
perforated leather, ST badging and sporty trim. The SYNC 3 infotainment system
with an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, sat-nav,
wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry & go, ambient lighting and dual-zone
climate control are also standard.
A suite of safety
systems is part of the offering, including autonomous emergency braking with
pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot information with cross traffic
alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, hill launch assist, dynamic
stability control, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, automatic high
beams and LED DRLs.
