Focus ST arrives under $40K

Ford has launched its Focus ST performance flagship. And the good news for hot four fans is the XR5-replacement goes on sale this month at $38,290 plus normal dealer and on-road costs.

The sticker price for the five-door ST hatch is an $1800 increase on the 2011 XR5 ($36,490) but undercuts the closest of its competitors, Mazda's 3 MPS ($39,490) and the five-door version of VW's iconic Golf GTI ($40,490). Pricing for the ST was first announced in August.

Ford Australia will not follow its UK and European counterparts in offering the wagon version of the ST. According to Ford Australia boss Bob Graziano only limited quantities of the new Focus flagship will be available to the local operation -- thus the hatch-only push.

Though production of the cooking model Focus variants has shifted to Thailand, ST production will remain in Germany. This will see Ford Australia limited to around 100 Focus STs per month. By way of comparison Volkswagen sells towards 4000 Golf GTIs each year.

The latest Focus hot hatch heralds the alignment of the Australian market with Ford Europe's ST performance badging. The new Focus and its Fiesta hot hatch counterpart (due in 2013 but yet to be confirmed) dump the local XR4/XR5 monikers, in favour for the Euro ST nomenclature.

Focus ST is powered by a direct-injected 184kW/340Nm version of Ford's EcoBoost 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder. The turbo four is matched to a conventional six-speed manual gearbox. No autobox or dual-clutch automated manual option is offered.

Ford Australia's performance claims for the ST place the acceleration time for 0-100km/h at 6.5sec. This compares to 6.9sec (claimed) for manual GTI and 6.1 for the Mazda. Top speed of the Focus ST is 248km/h.

ADR Combined-cycle fuel economy for the ST is 7.4L/100km – a substantial improvement on the 166kW five-cylinder XR5's 9.3L/100km.

The new ST includes a strong equipment specification with bi-xenon headlamps, daylight running lamps, rear LEDs and unique trapezoidal centreline exhaust all standard.

Inside the five-door hatch gets standard Recaro front seats (with partial leather, colour-matched upholstery), dark headlining, extra gauges and a swag of ST-logoed equipment and trim items. A nine-speaker Sony audio system is matched to Ford's SYNC infotainment system. This delivers full Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation but not the full Internet connectivity the system offers in markets like the USA. Mr Graziano says SYNC will evolve over the next 12-24 months as local infrastructure is established.

Starting and entry is keyless.

In chassis terms the ST misses out on the limited edition RS's impressive REVO-knuckle modified front struts, instead using specially tuned conventional Macpherson struts. Rear suspension is independent.

The ST's electrically-assisted power steering features unique 'Torque Steer Compensation' and Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (ETVC) is also fitted. The latter employs differential braking to increase traction and combat understeer in a manner that is similar to the GTI's EDL (Electronic Differential Lock).

The new Ford Focus ST is also on target for the segment in terms of safety equipment. Six airbags are standard, as are the normal driver aids such as stability control and antilock brakes. The ST's stability control has the option of selecting a more dynamic sport mode. It can also be deactivated – this is not an option in standard Focus models.

Like the XR5, engine tunes are a key part of the Focus ST equation. While the XR5 used a 'passive' system to channel certain frequencies of engine sound into the cabin, the Focus ST uses an electronically controlled acoustic channel.

The so-called Sound Symposer allows induction noise to be vented to the cabin when the vehicle is driven in a spirited manner, but limits noise when cruising and using smaller throttle openings.

It works -- the timbre of the old XR's tuneful five-cylinder engine is retained but the car is quiet and civilised when cruising.

Ford claims the Focus ST is its "first global performance car". It will be sold in more than 40 markets worldwide.

Says Ford Australia: "The ST (Sport Technologies) badge was introduced first in Europe in 1997 and is reserved for sports-tuned variants of key Ford models. Customers have come to appreciate that cars carrying the unique Ford ST badge balance high performance with real-world practicality and refinement".

“This is the car that Ford enthusiasts across the world have been waiting for,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer, Ford of Europe. “We’ve worked hard to make sure drivers will experience the true essence of what the ST badge means - wherever they are.”

The core attributes of the Focus ST were thrashed out by a working group comprised of members of Ford Team RS in Europe, and the Special Vehicles Team in the United States, says Ford Australia. Ford engineers from the Asia-Pacific region also provided input.

“It’s the same car everywhere, from the engine to the suspension to the styling – right down to the tyres,” said Dieter Schwarz, head of Team RS. “You will be able to drive an ST in Australia and it will be the same dynamic experience as driving one in Los Angeles, London or Rome.

“Our performance strategy now is based on the fact that performance fans globally want the same thing,” added Schwarz.

Ford Australia has confirmed the Focus ST will be offered with myFord Capped Price Servicing. Under the scheme, the maximum price for a standard A or B logbook service is capped. Ford Australia expects to announce the pricing in the coming days.

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