The new Ford Focus ST will be available this summer and looks like it has found the top of its game.
Now available with a 2.3l petrol engine, using a twin scroll turbo and producing 280ps and 420 n/m torque, or a 2.0l turbo diesel engine, producing 190ps and 400 n/m torque.
Like the current ST, it will be available in 5 door and estate versions, but an optional Performance Pack is available.
The car should be a better drive this year, with an electronic limited slip differential to help traction and cornering for the first time, as well as a rev-matching short shift six-speed gearbox or a seven-speed auto.
The rev-matching software electronically blips the throttle to match engine speed with gearbox speed for smooth changes. Both gearboxes have paddle shift.
New for this year’s model are selectable driving modes with 'wet/slippery' mode for that extra grip, ‘normal’ mode for your usual drive and ‘sport' which improves throttle response, exhaust note and steering feedback.
The performance pack adds another mode, ‘track', which adjusts most of the electronic stuff like the LSD and throttle mapping to suit the driving scenario. It even controls the electronic sound enhancement, although I am not sure if I would rather have an exhaust valve and side pipe with flames for this bit.
You also get launch control with the performance pack for a sub 0-60 in less than 6 seconds.
Exterior colour options chosen to emphasise the Focus ST’s dynamic styling include exclusive Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Bold alloy wheel options include 18-inch Dark Sparkle and Magnetite designs, with a 19-inch wheel also offered in Magnetite
The range of driver assist technologies are included and provide:-:
Adaptive 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, helping drivers focus their attention on the road ahead
Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions
The ST is fitted with the Synch 3 infotainment system which is excellent.
After having owned the current model for a while, I can’t wait to have a look at this one.