The new (global) Ford Focus, which is to be manufactured at the new Ford plant at Rayong (amongst other global sites) has received good reviews everywhere; however, it is the performance version, the Focus ST that has been receiving the rave reviews.
Body styling is the common or garden Focus but with a bigger grill and gaping air intakes, big wheels and lowered, but it is the engine that has captured the imagination of the motoring world. This is the Ford EcoBoost engine – a turbo four-cylinder sending 184 kW and 360 Nm to the front wheels of what is Ford’s most powerful ST yet and its first global performance car. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual at this stage.
2013 Ford Focus ST.
With Ford looking very much at the ‘drivability’ of this small performance car they have used a new electric variable steering that’s less sensitive in the straight-ahead position but requires less turning, for example, through a hairpin. This is supplemented by a Torque Steer Compensation system that, along with the steering, uses software to counteract torque steer, which is always a problem with a potent FWD chassis.
The ST is also fitted with an improved Dynamic Cornering Control system for a quicker and lighter turn-in and it can re-arrange the torque distribution between the front wheels electronically.
Focus ST interior.
Those who have driven the ST in Europe state that the ST is utterly composed, cornering fast and flat while a prod of the throttle serves to pull the tail back into line while the (standard) Recaro sport seats do a good job of restraining the driver and passenger.
The opinion is also that the ST is comfortable as a daily driver, too. The Focus ST’s ride was incredibly comfortable on the motorway and rural sections of the route through the south of France and the dramatically revised chassis did a good job of soaking up the rough patches and dips. Suspension enhancements for this ST include uprated shocks and springs and a revised rear suspension with new knuckles and an all-new anti-roll bar.
Specifications
Engine
Type: Ford EcoBoost 2.0 L I4
Displacement: 2000cc
Fuel supply system: direct injection
Max power 184 kW @ 5500 rpm
Max torque: 360 Nm from 1750 – 4000 rpm
Compression ratio: 9.3:1
Bore x stroke: 87.5/83.1mm
Fuel type: Petrol
Transmission
Type: six-speed manual
Performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.5sec
Maximum speed: 248 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7.2 litres/100 km (combined)
Overall length x width x height (mm): 4362 x 2010 x 1484
Wheelbase: 2648 mm
Brakes
Front: 320×25 mm discs, 57 mm wheel cylinder diameter
Rear: 271×11 mm discs, 37 mm wheel cylinder diameter
Anti-lock: Yes
Suspension
Front: Macpherson strut suspension with isolated sub-frame and electric variable ratio power steering. Shocks, springs, anti-roll bars and spring aids adapted to ST requirements
Rear: Control blade rear suspension derived from Focus RS. Shocks, springs, anti-roll bars and spring aids adapted to ST requirements
Wheels: 8.5x18in
Tyres: 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle AS2
