Ford unveiled the latest ST variant of the 2012 Focus, in both hatchback and wagon forms, at the IAA.
The ST in this car’s name stands for Sport Technologies, and means they feature strong performance, fine handling dynamics, eye-catching style and the refinement needed for everyday use. In other words, true definition of a hot hatch.
The new ST series of the Focus are powered by the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, utilizing high pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) for the best compromise between performance and economy.
The engine has a maximum output of 250PS and strong torque levels in a broad, flat torque curve peaking at 360Nm. It is 20 percent more efficient and cleaner than the 5-cylinder unit in the old ST.
Ford enginners have gone to enormous length to make sure the new model feels as good as the old one. they’ve worked on the noise it makes an they’ve tweaked the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to reduce the torque steer. Further enhancements have also been made to the Focus ST’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with emphasis put on driver enjoyment.
The rear suspension of the five-door and the wagon versions of Focus ST differ slightly. The wagon features angled shock absorbers – as in the base model – to maintain the optimum amount of capacity in the luggage compartment.
The iconic Y-shaped spoke design of the previous generation Focus ST has evolved for the new incarnation. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels carry on the recognised Focus ST style but subtle revisions bring them up-to-date for 2012.
New Focus ST will be offered to European customers in three distinct trim options – ST1, ST2 and ST3. This approach is already familiar to owners of the previous Focus ST in the UK.
