13-09-2005
Fast yet refined, the new Ford Focus ST offers a mouth-watering performance
package for the enthusiast driver and, with on-the-road prices from £17,495, establishes a new value benchmark in the UK market.
The exciting new Focus ST is a significant evolution of Ford's ST brand, delivering an addictive combination of performance and affordability - something the blue oval has pioneered over the last 20 years - since the days of the Escort XR3 and RS Turbo.
The new Focus ST is the most powerful Focus road car developed to date and has proved its potential by lapping the infamous Nurbürgring a full 10sec faster than the original Focus RS, itself a modern performance icon. Ford TeamRS, the company's UK-based racing and performance arm, has developed a car specifically for the performance enthusiast without compromising day-to-day comfort or practicality.
Focus ST is available to order from 1st October in three specifications and in an exciting choice of colours including Performance Blue, Panther Black, Colorado Red, Sea Grey and an eye-catching Electric Orange.
Focus ST £17,495
Standard specification includes a characterful 2.5-litre Duratec five-cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine developing 225PS at 6,100rpm and 320Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. Unique 18in alloy wheels, three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel, special ST body styling and a large rear spoiler complete the sporting credentials. Inside, Recaro sports seats, black headliner, 'submarine' lighting, a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, and unique additional instrument pod containing a turbo boost pressure gauge, and oil temperature and pressure dials, all come as standard.
Focus ST 2 £18,495
More generously specified than the Astra VXR, Focus ST 2 is also positioned £500 cheaper. Furthermore, it costs a significant £1,500 less than a four-cylinder Golf GTI. Additional specification over ST 1 includes an MP3-compatible Sony CD/radio system, Xenon Headlamps, heated front windscreen and ESP traction and stability management.
Focus ST 3 £19,495
Focus ST 3 adds electric 10-way adjustable Recaro front seats, full leather trim and a Sony six-CD autochanger to Focus ST 2 specification.
Power for performance
Unique in this segment, the ST's turbocharged five-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 225PS at 6,100rpm. Equipped with a slick operating six-speed manual gearbox it is capable of a top speed of 150mph, and needs only 6.5sec to accelerate from zero to 60mph. With such performance potential, the Focus ST positions itself firmly in the league of high performance sports cars.
Jost Capito, Director Ford TeamRS, believes that the Focus ST is the purest expression yet of the "ST" brand. "We have spared no effort in making this the most exciting Ford Focus road car yet," said Capito. "It is a perfect car for drivers who love that unique performance experience, but do not want to sacrifice high standards of refinement, comfort and practicality."
With its carefully enhanced sporting image, the ST is worthy of Ford's affordable performance heritage. The ST states its intentions clearly on low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 18x8in cast aluminium wheels. Inside and out, Focus ST is a well-crafted, refined performer - a highly capable sports car for everyday use.
Focus ST Chassis
The already outstanding Focus chassis, which offers class-leading handling and road holding, has been substantially modified and uprated for the ST. Additional stiffness at the front has been achieved by adding an extra cross-member across between the MacPherson struts by the bulkhead.
The front springs have been stiffened by 30 per cent and the dampers recalibrated to match. The rear springs also have been stiffened by 30 per cent and the anti-roll bar diameter increased by 5 per cent. Overall ride height has been lowered by 25mm.
The brakes have been upgraded to match the performance of ST, developing the already impressive system employed on other Focus models. The 320mm diameter front ventilated discs have been fitted with large calipers and high-performance pads to provide even better initial bite, heat management and extended endurance, as befits the Focus ST's high performance potential.
Comprehensive safety features have been developed in tandem with the Focus's high performance and these include a rigid passenger safety cell, footwell reinforcement, collapsible steering column and pedals and side impact protection door beams. Additional passive safety systems are driver and passenger front and side airbags, pyrotechnic seatbelt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection system on front seats.
Developing the Focus ST look
The Focus ST signals its performance credentials with design cues that echo Ford's World Rally Championship contenders.
The visual weight of the front bumper emphasises the Focus ST lowered stance, and the aggressive inverted-trapezoid lower grille gives more graphic impact to the nose. Flanking the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminium.
At the rear, reversing and rear fog lamp features are given similar design treatment, while the lower bumper has been sculpted to create the appearance of a sportscar-like aerodynamic venturi from which the chrome-tipped dual sport exhausts emerge.
Focus ST interior
Focus ST's unique additional instrument cluster, incorporated in the upper fascia, creates an immediate visual impact. Turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure are displayed by three separate gauges and provide the enthusiastic driver with key operating data.
Focus ST's black headliner and A-pillars give the interior an intimate, cockpit feel. The leather steering wheel has an increased rim section with bold thumb grips and three brushed aluminium-finished spokes. Stylish Recaro sport driver and passenger seats provide the optimal lateral support required for spirited driving.
These figure-hugging seats can be specified with colour-keyed inserts to match the exterior colour of the car. This no-cost option is available on selected colours in the Focus ST range.
Text and photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
