What's the news?
Ford has revealed the new ST version of the Focus, and it'll come hunting for the Golf GTI's scalp later this year.
It's packing a 280hp version of the Mustang's 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, and is packing GT race car-style anti-lag technology to improve its responsiveness. There'll also be a 190hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, for those dwindling number of buyers looking for a hot diesel.
"Intelligent technologies like eLSD and CCD make our all-new Focus ST the most 'Jekyll and Hyde' yet, able to switch from refined tourer to focussed performance car at the push of a button," said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. "We've incorporated learnings from programmes including the Ford GT and Focus RS to develop a mid-size performance car with a degree of flexibility that's unique in its segment."
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine has 420Nm of torque to go with its 280hp, and Ford currently claims that it'll propel the Focus ST to 100km/h from rest in "less than six seconds." It uses a twin-scroll turbo, which scavenges exhaust gases from two separate channels, and the anti-lag system (which keeps the throttle open when you lift off the accelerator, keeping exhaust gases flowing to the turbo) should keep the engine feeling sharp.
The diesel version gets what Ford says is the most powerful oil burner ever offered in a Focus, and while it's 90hp down on the petrol engine, it has 400Nm of torque, available from 2,000rpm to 3,000rpm, and with 360Nm of that available from as little as 1,500rpm.
Both versions get a six-speed manual transmission, which gets the rev-matching tech from the Mustang, blipping the engine for smoother gearshifts. There will also be the option of a new seven-speed automatic transmission, with gear-shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
"The EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel powertrains have unique characters, but are equally charismatic," Roeks said. "The Focus ST's sporty 'pops and bangs' soundtrack perfectly matches the car's feisty performance and is an essential part of the ST experience."
In suspension terms, the ST is 20 per cent stiffer at the front, and 13 per cent stiffer at the rear, and obviously it gets the most sophisticated (and expensive) independent multi-link rear suspension, instead of the cheap torsion bars of the most basic Focus models. It also rides 10mm lower than standard, and uses CCD adaptive dampers which adjust their stiffness every two milliseconds depending on the driving settings, steering inputs and braking.
The electronic limited slip differential can shunt up to 100 per cent of the engine's power between the front wheels, depending on which one has the best traction. It's been developed for Ford by Borg-Warner, and Ford claims that it's both: "Faster to deploy and offers greater precision than a traditional mechanical LSD." It can even predict when a loss of traction is about to occur based on the steering and throttle inputs.
The steering rack is borrowed from the Fiesta ST, requires just two turns lock-to-lock, and is 15 per cent faster than the standard Focus steering setup. It also gets a new Steering Torque Disturbance Reduction software system, a unique steering knuckle geometry (inspired by the old Focus RS), and bespoke-specification Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
The front brakes grow to 330mm x 27mm and feature dual-piston callipers. Rear discs now measure 302mm x 11mm, and Ford says that they have four times the fade resistance of the old Focus ST brakes.
The electronic driving mode control features three modes as standard - Slippery/Wet, Normal, Sport and, for models equipped with the Performance Pack, Track Drive. The flat-bottom steering wheel gets a dedicated Sport button which allows quicker access to the Sport mode than scrolling through the menu options.
"Selecting Track mode instantly makes braking response more direct and edgy; introduces higher steering efforts for more feedback; tunes the throttle to be more aggressive; instructs the eLSD to deliver maximum traction; and gives drivers more leeway within the ESC system," said David Put, Ford Performance vehicle dynamics. "Drivers can have full confidence in the Focus ST's ability to deliver on the track."
The digital instrument pack has been inspired by the Ford GT supercar, and gets digital turbocharger boost pressure, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges, and it's also where you select launch control for the 2.3-litre turbo models.
The cabin also gets Recaro front bucket seats, augmented engine sounds pumped through the speakers (in Sport and Track modes), plus what Ford claims is class-leading interior space, especially if you go for the estate version (there's an estate ST - hurrah!).
Outside, there's a chunky bodykit and a big boot spoiler, plus 19-inch alloy wheels. Colour options include Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black.
Safety kit includes adaptive cruise control (with traffic stop-start on the auto models), active headlights with a camera-based active curving function, park assist, a heads-up display (the first one that Ford has offered in Europe), and evasive emergency steering assist.
There's also the usual eight-inch SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system, which comes with full smartphone connectivity and a wifi hotspot.
"Our target was to deliver an all-new Focus ST that is as effortless to drive day-to-day as the rest of the Focus line-up," Roeks said. "The model's comprehensive range of technologies means customers gain exhilarating ST performance without sacrifice."
Focus ST sales will start in the summer.