Ford Focus ST

The 2015 Ford Focus ST Facelift was officially unveiled at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. As expected, the new model carries the same engine found on the current version, which means that under the hood there is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with turbocharging that delivers 252 hp at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) of torque.

The engine pushes the Focus ST Facelift from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds, while fuel consumption is just 4.4 l/100 km (64.2 UK mpg). What’s more interesting is that the 2015 Focus ST Facelift also gets a 2.0-liter TDCi diesel engine that generates 183 hp.

The diesel-powered Focus ST accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds, while fuel consumption is just 6.8 l/100 km (41.5 UK mpg). Both models offer Auto-Start-Stop for the first time and use a six-speed manual transmission.

Regarding the design, the 2015 Ford Focus ST Facelift comes with redesigned front and rear fascias, new standard LED signature lightning, redesigned headlamps, black lamp bezels, rectangular foglamps as well as a new dynamically sculpted bonnet.

In addition, we find body-coloured side sills and rear air diffuser, a rear roof spoiler but also new twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes. The design is completed by the new 19-inch ST Design alloy wheels, which are offered as an option.

The 2015 Focus ST Facelift also introduces a new dark grey exterior paint colour called Stealth but also the Deep Impact Blue that join the current Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black, Smoke Storm and Race Red. Interior was redesigned too and comes with significantly fewer buttons, but also with an additional bank of three gauges located on the instrument binnacle that displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information.

The steering wheel was redesigned too and now features a flat bottom with soft-feel leather covered rim. Moreover, we find a satin chrome-topped gear level, ST pedals, satin chrome door grab handles, illuminated aluminum scuff plates and sports seats developed by Ford and Recaro.

According to Ford, the 2015 Focus ST Facelift will be offered in ST1, ST2 and ST3 trim levels. ST1 seats feature grey/charcoal/anthracite black fabric; ST2 adds partial leather with base and side bolsters available in four colours (Tangerine Scream; Performance Blue; Smoke Storm or Race Red); ST3 seats have a full charcoal black leather finish.

Ford’s redesigned Focus ST arrives with advanced technology such as the Ford SYNC 2 connectivity system, Adaptive Front Lightning, and the Active City Stop collision that is now operative at speeds of up to 31 mph or 50 km/h.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Focus ST Facelift

The new Ford Focus ST makes its global debut at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, U.K. - the ideal location to showcase the speed and enhanced driving dynamics of the global performance car.

The most advanced Ford Focus ST yet offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification that ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience. And for the first time, it will be offered with the choice of two powerful engines - one petrol and one diesel.

The first diesel Ford Focus ST takes day-to-day usability and sportiness to a new level by delivering the most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 Ford performance car ever; 185 PS 2.0 litre TDCi achieves 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds, 4.4 l/100 km (64.2 mpg), and 114 g/km CO2.

For customers who prefer petrol, the 250 PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.5 seconds, fuel efficiency of 6.8 l/100 km (41.5 mpg), and 158 g/km CO2. Both models offer Auto-Start-Stop for the first time that improves the EcoBoost version's fuel efficiency by 6 per cent and help make it the most fuel-efficient petrol Focus ST ever.

"The new Focus ST delivers an even more sophisticated balance of performance, driving dynamics, refinement and style - the core of Ford's Sports Technologies DNA," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "Even more enjoyable and rewarding to drive and with the choice of diesel power for the first time, the new Focus ST is in a class of its own."

The Ford Focus ST also will benefit from technology and craftsmanship first revealed earlier this year for the new Ford Focus - the world's best-selling global nameplate. The sporty and aggressive new five-door and wagon models will offer class-leading driver assistance technologies and connectivity features including the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system.

Ford has sold more than 140,000 Focus ST models in 40 countries worldwide since the car was first launched in 2002.

Enhanced driving dynamics

Ford Team RS, the award-winning European arm of Ford's Global Performance Vehicle group, made improving the entire driving experience the number one objective for the new Focus ST.

The sports suspension features all-new front springs and sportier new shock absorber tuning front and rear. In combination with the model-specific anti-roll bars and rear springs from the previous generation ST, these enhancements deliver an even sharper dynamic performance.

The calibration of the Electronic Power Assisted Steering and electronic vehicle control systems also has been revised to meet the specific sporting requirements of the new Focus ST.

These changes deliver:

A new Electronic Transitional Stability function in the advanced three-stage Electronic Stability Programme. This senses vehicle stability and driver inputs, intervening as required to maintain optimal precision and control during rapid changes of direction at speed - for example in a lane-change situation
Revised Electronic Torque Vectoring Control settings that further optimise wheel torque distribution, maximising traction through corners and increasing agility
Power delivery refinement under hard acceleration - particularly front wheel traction and gear shift quality - is also assisted by engine mounts engineered specifically to accommodate the performance of the new Focus ST. Additionally, Ford worked with Michelin to develop a new 19-inch tyre that complements the driving dynamics, especially maximising lateral grip.

"Ford has long enjoyed a reputation for producing performance hatchbacks with superb driving dynamics and the new Focus ST more than lives up to that pedigree," Bakaj added. "The engineering enhancements to the suspension, steering and electronic control systems deliver greater responsiveness, agility, precision and an exhilarating driving experience - whichever powertrain you choose."

Power of choice

The new 185 PS 2.0-litre diesel engine that debuts in the new Ford Focus ST has been optimised to deliver ST performance and character alongside fuel efficiency and everyday practicality.

The increased power output of the Focus ST 2.0-litre TDCi - a 23 per cent gain over the 150 PS 2.0-litre engine in the new Focus range - is achieved by electronic calibration, a revised air intake system and a new sports-tuned exhaust.

Peak power is developed at 3,500 rpm and there is 400 Nm of torque available from 2,000-2,750 rpm, enabling the new Focus ST diesel to achieve a maximum speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). The torque output enables impressive in-gear acceleration and strong performance at low rpm. In 6th gear, acceleration from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) takes just 9.7 seconds in sixth gear, the combination of a shorter ratio and the increased power enabling the Focus ST to outpace the 150 PS Focus by 2.2 seconds.

Ford's 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing technology, and high-pressure direct-injection to deliver uncompromising performance. Peak power is available at 5,500 rpm, 360 Nm of torque is available from 2,000-4,500 rpm, and maximum speed is 248 km/h (154 mph).

Both engines use a six-speed manual transmission with a performance-oriented, short-throw shift. The gear ratios - exclusive to ST and matched individually to each engine - deliver rapid acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at speed.

Powerful appearance

The new Ford Focus ST features sportier and more aggressive styling than the previous generation, with a lower, wider stance; new dynamically sculpted bonnet; slimmer headlamps and rectangular foglamps.

The sports bodykit also includes body coloured side skirts and diffuser elements either side of the exhaust, and a rear roof spoiler optimised for aerodynamic performance. All new Focus ST models feature twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes.

Black lamp bezels, ST badging and new 19-inch ST Design alloy wheels - that are available as an option - complete the look.

"Focus ST has proved very popular with Ford's sporty customers and the new model takes that to an even more striking and dramatic level," said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. "The signature honeycomb upper grille has been reproportioned, there are new rectangular fog lamps in the outer apertures, and the lower fascia offers a much sharper definition and profile. At the rear, the width of the car is emphasised by a new full-width graphic."

A new dark grey exterior paint colour called Stealth is introduced exclusively to the Focus ST. Deep Impact Blue also is new to the range that includes Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black and Race Red.

Cockpit-style cabin

Ford has redesigned the Focus interior for a more intuitive layout that also is simpler, with a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly fewer buttons in the cabin.

An additional bank of three gauges - an ST hallmark - is situated on the instrument binnacle and displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information. A new, flat-base sports steering wheel with a soft-feel leather covered rim; a satin chrome-topped gear lever; and ST pedals deliver the interior that ST drivers expect.

Satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates add extra touches of refinement, and sports seats developed jointly by Ford and Recaro provide the support required to fully enjoy the ST driving experience, and also are comfortable for every day driving.

The new Ford Focus ST will be available in ST1, ST2 and ST3 trim levels. ST1 seats feature grey/charcoal/anthracite black fabric; ST2 adds partial leather with base and side bolsters available in four colours (Tangerine Scream; Performance Blue; Smoke Storm or Race Red); ST3 seats have a full charcoal black leather finish.

Advanced technologies

Driver assistance, convenience and connectivity technologies that will be introduced for the first time include the Ford SYNC 2 connectivity system. SYNC 2 offers access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones using class-leading voice control and a high-definition, 8-inch colour touchscreen that displays the ST logo on start-up.

Adaptive Front Lighting, available for the first time on the Focus ST, adjusts the intensity and angle of the Bi-Xenon HID headlamp beams according to vehicle speed, steering angle and distance to objects to provide optimal illumination. Cross Traffic Alert also is a new addition for Focus ST, and warns drivers reversing from parking spaces if other vehicles are about to cross their path.

Ford's enhanced Active City Stop collision avoidance system - now operative at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) - readies the brakes if a potential impact is detected and - if the driver does not respond - will automatically apply the brakes. Lane Keeping Aid applies steering torque to guide the Focus ST back in to lane if drifting is detected.

Available to order in Europe from autumn 2014, the first new Ford Focus ST models are scheduled to be in dealerships from early 2015.

Topics: ford, ford focus st, facelift, diesel