New Ford Focus ST and ST X priced

Pricing for the updated 2022 Ford Focus ST has been released today, which takes the European-bred hot hatch into Ford Mustang sports car territory.

Growing to two model grades for MY22 – the ST and new flagship ST X – the refreshed Ford Performance small hatchbacks are the sole offerings in the local Ford Focus range following a recent decision to axe garden-variety Active and ST-Line models due to slowing demand.

The upgraded MY22 Ford Focus ST range features updated aerodynamics and SYNC 4 infotainment, but the changes don’t come cheap – the regular Focus ST has climbed by $3000 in price, to $47,490 plus on-road costs, while the new flagship ST X is priced at $51,990 plus ORCs.

For reference, the latter is only $500 shy of the most affordable MY22 Ford Mustang that was also revealed today.

The refreshed Focus ST range will reach Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2022 with a carryover 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 in the regular ST grade.

The regular ST-X employs the same engine and is available with an automatic transmission only.

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.

Over and above the regular Focus ST, the ST X also scores Dynamic Pixel LED headlights (adaptive headlights), a head-up display, panoramic sunroof and adaptive sports suspension.

On the safety front, the Fiesta ST duo scores a new Intersection Assist function that monitors 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.

New 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 front and rear spoilers.

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

The German-built Focus ST is available in six exterior colours: Frozen White, Race Red, Mean Green, Magnetic Grey, Fantastic Red and Agate Black. A contrasting black roof and wing mirror cap option is also available.

How much does the 2022 Ford Focus ST cost?
ST – $47,490
ST (a) – $47,490
ST X (a) – $51,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs