Pricing for the new Ford Focus ST has emerged via a reliable source ahead of the car’s local launch.
According to the source, the new Focus ST will be offered in two spec levels for our market, both of which will be five-door models with manual transmissions.
– The entry point will be a “base-spec” model wearing a list price tag of R309 530
– A “high-spec” model will cost R363 700
While the exact specification of these models is still unclear, it’s fair to assume that it will be similar to the UK market’s base-level ST-1 and range-topping ST-2 trims.
In UK ST-1 spec, the Focus ST’s features include 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted LED rear lights, fabric-trimmed Recaro sports seats, Torque Vectoring Control, tyre deflation warning system, alarm/immobiliser, radio/CD/USB/aux audio system with Ford SYNC system and a host of ST styling kit (rear spoiler, model-specific steering wheel and gear knob, body kit etc.)
ST-2 adds an uprated audio system, dual-zone climate control, auto lights/mirror dim and wipers, full leather trim for the Recaro seats with 8-way driver and passenger adjustment, Recaro 3-seater rear bench and bi-Xenon headlamps.
To recap, the new Focus ST will feature a turbocharged 2,0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine developing 184 kW and 360 N.m of torque, placing it squarely in the same league as such performance-hatch luminaries as the Renault Megane RS and Volkswagen Scirocco R. Although the new engine is considerably more powerful than the five-cylinder 2,5-litre turbo unit it replaces, Ford claims that it will improve on the outgoing unit’s fuel economy and emissions outputs by 20 per cent.
Power will be channelled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. To counter any potential torque steer such a setup may incur, Ford will utilise a system dubbed Torque Vectoring Control, which acts in a similar manner to a limited-slip differential, as well as Cornering Understeer Control which creates yaw torque between the front wheels in both power-on and lift-off cornering scenarios.
Read a driving impression of the new Ford Focus ST
