FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Ford Focus ST – 180kW and a wagon!
Hot hatch is confirmed for Australia, but fast wagon is on a wish listFord’s new generation hot hatch has broken cover on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show – and it has spawned a wagon for European markets. The fast family freighter is not yet confirmed for Australia – but it is available because a right-hand-drive version has been developed for the UK.
The Ford Focus ST is due to replace the XR5 in Australia by the end of next year. It will be sourced from Germany even though production of regular Australia-bound Focus models will switch to Thailand.
The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo Focus has more power and torque than the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo model it replaces.
Power is up from 166 to 180kW while torque is up from 320 to 360Nm (from 2000-4500rpm). The new engine itself is lighter, although overall vehicle weight is not yet published.
The engine output figures compare favourably to the class benchmarks, the Renault Megane RS250 (184kW/340Nm) and Volkswagen Golf GTI (155kW/280Nm).
The official 0-100km/h time claim for the new Ford Focus ST is 6.5 seconds, also on par with its peers.
Ford’s global director of performance vehicles, Jost Capito, told motoring.com.au that the vehicle would remain a six-speed manual “stick shift” for the time being (as is the case with the Renault Megane RS). However a twin clutch gearbox (similar to that used in the Golf GTI, and lesser Focus models) could become an option at later date.
The Ford Focus ST has an electronically controlled front differential – similar to that used in the Golf – not a mechanical limited-slip differential as used in the Megane RS.
“We believe we have the ideal solution for this level of car,” Capito said.
Ford purchased Renault Megane RS and VW Golf GTI hot hatches and assigned them to the Focus ST engineering fleet during development. The Focus ST has been tested at the Nurburgring but the company is yet to publish a lap time claim. Top speed is limited to 248km/h.
Ford Australia is yet to announce pricing but it is expected to be more expensive than the XR5 it replaces. The XR5 was sold at $36,990 and lower during runout.
The starting prices of the VW and Renault hot hatch rivals are between $40,000 and $45,000.
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