The new Ford Focus ST, complete with its all-new turbocharged 2,0-litre EcoBoost engine, has finally arrived on the local market in a bid to take top honours in the hot hatch segment.
The new Ford Focus ST is powered by a turbocharged 2,0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine developing 184 kW and 360 N.m of torque. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, this unit can propel the ST from standstill to 100 km/h in 6,5 seconds on the way to a 248 km/h top speed 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 with a combined cycle figure of 7,2 L/100 km.
Local examples will only be offered in five-door body shape with a choice of two specification levels; ST1 and ST3.
The entry-level ST1 specification includes keyless start, tyre pressure warning system, cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted LED rear lights, fabric-trimmed Recaro sports seats, Hill-Start Assist, Torque Vectoring Control (a system that acts in a similar manner to an electronic limited-slip differential), to counter torque-steer), 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.)
ST3 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.
Pricing:
Ford Focus ST 2,0 EcoBoost ST1 – R309 530
Ford Focus ST 2,0 EcoBoost ST3 – R353 700
Both models are covered by a 4 year/120 000 km warranty and come with a 5 year/90 000 km service plan as standard.