Ford Focus ST upgraded

Ford Australia has announced an upgraded MY22 Ford Focus ST hot hatch range that brings updated aerodynamics, SYNC 4 infotainment and a new Focus ST X variant.

The latter will replace the upcoming MY21 Ford Focus ST-3 – which is still on track for local release late this year – when the refreshed MY22 Focus line-up arrives in showrooms in the second quarter of next year.

That means that until the new-generation Ford Focus RS emerges, the MY22 Ford Focus hot hatch range will comprise only the ST and the new ST X flagship, pricing for which will be announced closer to launch.

There are no changes to the Focus ST’s 206kW/420Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine, which continues with a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters as standard, or a six-speed manual gearbox as a no-cost option.

But both 2022 Ford Focus ST models will be more distinguishable thanks to the option of a new Mean Green hero paint colour plus new-design wheels – 18-inch for the standard ST and 19-inch for the ST X.

The new ST X also scores Dynamic Pixel LED headlights, which employs a front-mounted camera to offer Glare-Free High Beam, Dynamic Bending, Bad-Weather Light and Sign-based Light.

Finally, a new Intersection Assist function uses the Focus ST’s forward-facing camera in combination with radar to monitor the road ahead for potential collisions with oncoming vehicles in parallel lanes. The system can automatically apply the brakes at speeds of up to 30km/h.

This is in addition to Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring.

The updated Focus ST brings a range of exterior updates too, including a new bonnet design that increases the height of the nose for greater visual presence, while the Ford badge is relocated from the bonnet lip to the centre of the larger upper grille.

Newly LED headlights include integrated fog light functionality that brings a distinctive light signature and makes for a cleaner lower fascia design, while the LED tail-lights feature a new internal design with darker central section and new ‘loop light’ pattern.

Traditional ST upgrades continue to include honeycomb upper and lower front grilles, large side vents, beefier side skirts and both front and rear spoilers.

Inside, there are new Performance front seats designed in-house by Ford Performance, featuring 14-way power seat adjustment and heating.

But the biggest interior upgrade is the US-based car-maker’s latest SYNC 4 multimedia system with embedded connected navigation.

It also brings connected voice control, enabling natural language understanding by combining on-board data with internet searches. This is enabled by the FordPass Connect embedded modem.

Ford says this allows for quicker and more accurate responses to commands for everything from entertainment, phone calls and text messages to climate control and weather information.

All of this is presented via a bigger new 13.2-inch infotainment touch-screen, which Ford says is the largest in its class and which now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The new multimedia system also incorporates controls for functions such as heating and ventilation, which were previously controlled by physical buttons, resulting in a cleaner centre console.

As before, the FordPass app can be used to remotely check fuel level and odometer readings via the Vehicle Status function, as well as start the car via Remote Start and access a range of connected services using a smartphone.

Ford says Focus ST vehicles with SYNC 4 will benefit from a complimentary trial access to Connected Navigation and Connected Voice subscriptions, enabling features such as live traffic, weather and parking information.

The technical advances are rounded out by the addition of Blind Spot Assist (BAS), which joins Blind Spot Information System in the Focus ST’s driver-assist armoury.

Beyond monitoring the driver’s blind spot for vehicles approaching from behind, Ford says BAS can apply counter-steering to warn the driver and discourage a lane change manoeuvre if a potential collision is detected.

Until the MT21 ST-3 arrives, followed by the MY22 ST and ST X, Ford Australia’s Focus range comprises only Active and ST-Line hatch variants, both fitted with an automatic transmission and priced at $30,990 plus ORCs.

But come MY22 there will only be ST models available, with Ford discontinuing the Active and ST-Line to focus entirely on its Focus performance cars.