Ford Focus ST updated

Ford Australia has announced the updated 2015 Ford Focus ST hatch will go on sale from May 1 priced at $38,990, representing a price rise of $700.

The updated 'LZ' Ford Focus ST features "sportier and more athletic styling" which now boasts a wider and lower stance according to Ford. New bonnet creases as well as narrower headlight clusters and new-look fog lamps round out of the design changes.

While the twin hexagonal exhaust system and roof spoiler return as major design cues, Ford has added two new exterior colours: a dark grey dubbed Stealth and Deep Impact Blue. They join red, silver, white, black and the bold orange/yellow known as Tangerine Scream.

A darker finish on the 18-inch alloy wheels are offered in addition to the silver colour.

Although the powertrain remains untouched, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine good for 184kW/360Nm, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox, Ford's Team RS has fettled the suspension to deliver "even sharper dynamic performance".

The front end benefits from all-new springs as a more aggressive calibration for the shock absorbers front and rear are intended to improve cornering dynamics. Other adjustments were made to the front lower control arms and rear spring links, specifically stiffer suspension bushes.

For those who spend their days in grid-locked traffic, the Ford Focus ST
offers an automatic engine stop-start system for the first time, which
lowers claimed fuel consumption from 7.4L/100km to 7.3L/100km.

Tweaks to the electrically-assisted power steering have been made to improve steering response and refinement and Ford's Team RS has also adjusted the hot hatch's stability control systems.

Inside the vehicle changes have been made to the infotainment system, which now comprises the more advanced and intuitive SYNC2 system, operated via a larger 8-inch colour touchscreen system. It also results in "significantly fewer buttons in the cabin" according to the Ford press statement.

Alloy pedals, partial leather Recaro sports seats, ambient lights, and illuminated ST scuff plates return for active duty.

For a $2000 premium buyers can now tick the box for a range of advanced driver aids and features. The Technology Pack adds autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – which works at speeds of up to 50km/h – along with blind spot detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping aid. There's rear cross traffic alert to warn driver's of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a tight spot, a driver impairment monitor and automatic high beam headlights as part of the $2000 tech package.

"We believe the combination of a freshened design along with new key technologies and an enhanced driving experience will resonate with our performance customers for this important model," said David Katic, Ford Australia's general marketing manager.

Until the all-wheel drive, 235kW-plus Ford Focus RS arrives mid-way through 2016, the Focus ST remains the most powerful hot hatch in Ford Australia's arsenal.