It’s grabbed the headlines in Europe and now Ford’s superb, high-performance Focus ST goes on-sale locally in October, priced at $38,290. Just 250 examples of the Ford Focus ST are coming to Australia in paint colour – ‘Panther Black Metallic’.
“This is the car that Ford enthusiasts across the world have been waiting for,” revealed Ford of Europe’s Matthias Tonn. “We’ve worked hard to make sure drivers will experience the true essence of what the ST badge means.”
Ford launched its ST (Sport Technologies) operation in Europe in 1997. This is a ‘One Ford’ global ‘bringing-together’ of Ford Team RS in Europe and the American Special Vehicles Team (SVT)…and only good things can result from that combination.
“It’s the same car everywhere, from the engine to the suspension to the styling – right down to the tyres,” explained Dieter Schwarz, head of Ford Team RS in Germany. “You will be able to drive an ST in Australia and it will be the same dynamic experience as driving one in Los Angeles, London or Rome.”
Focus ST employs Ford’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 184kW/360Nm. Drive is via a six-speed manual transmission.
Ford has paid particular attention to a distinctive high-performance exhaust note for the Focus ST’s twin central tailpipes. And a specially-developed sound symposer transmits that noise directly from the intake to the cabin.
Steering is a new direct variable ratio rack with minimal turns from lock-to lock and this works with torque steer compensation, three-setting dynamic stability control, torque-vectoring control and cornering understeer control (plus the sports-tuned suspension), racy 18-inch alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres to deliver the standout ride and handling which has the European motoring press so excited about the Ford Focus ST.
On the outside the Ford Focus ST (a five-door hatchback only) is all serious ‘aero’ with a massive roof spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser vents, side skirts and a one-piece front fascia.
Inside are Recaro-developed sports seats (leather-trimmed with cloth inserts to match the exterior colour), sports steering wheel, gear-lever and pedals and dark-coloured headlining.
We can’t wait to drive this one!
