New Ford Focus ST: hot hatch for autumn

The order books are now open for the new Ford Focus ST with deliveries for September. We like the idea of a hot hatch to warm up autumn - although a quick look out the window now is giving us a hankering for some heat right now. What the heck has happened to summer? But we digress - let's talk a little more about the new, improved Focus ST.

There's a 2.0-litre 247bhp direct injection, turbocharged EcoBoost engine, it zooms from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, has a top speed of 154mph and offer max torque of 265lb-ft. Fuel efficiency has improved by 20% from the last model and is now at around 39mpg with CO2 emissions at 169g/km.

Fuel economy is also helped by the six-speed manual gearbox. And these are the specs for the Focus ST no matter where you are - it's part of Ford's global policy to give drivers the same experience whether they are in London or LA.

Part of the joy of hot hatch hooning is the sound it makes and a newly enhanced sound symposer relays the engine sound from the intake into the cabin. The glorious noise is aided by an exhaust system, with twin hexagonal tailpipes in the middle - this has been tuned to offer a refined noise at lower revs and a growl as the revs go up.

There's a new Sport Steering System with three modes, including the ability to turn off the Electronic Stability Programme or to have it activated only when essential. Torque Vectoring Control reduces understeer by applying brake torque to the inner wheel when you corner. Add to this some slick sports suspension which lowers the chassis and tightens it up so there's no risk of thinking you've gotten into Dad's spongy old saloon instead.

And, like all good hot hatches, it looks the part. We're loving this saucy Tangerine Scream colour too (below, in 5-door hatchback). Other shades include Spirit Blue, Race Red, Black, White and Silver. There are Recaro sports seats, a trapezoidal grille, bulging side skirts and diffuser-style vents all conspiring to make this car look as good as we think it'll feel on the road.

There are three trim levels on offer - the ST is priced at £21,995, the ST-2 is £23,495 and the fully leathered-up ST-3 is £25,495.



Power to the people! The 247bhp Ford Focus ST starts at just £21,995


By Georgia Lewis

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