Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
It’s a very safe design. The previous generation got the balance right. Hopefully the facelift will spice up the tail lights.
It’s a very safe design. The previous generation got the balance right. Hopefully the facelift will spice up the tail lights.
bmwz4coupe
Subscriber
Nice design, but they have taken several design cues from BMW serie 1
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
Mercedes A-Class vs Ford Focus vs Kia Ceed: verdict
First place: Ford Focus
The best to drive. Practical, comfortable and well-specced, too. Cheap interior, but the Focus is back on top.
Second place: Mercedes A-Class
Knockout interior and enviable street cred but average to drive and complex controls
Third place: Kia Ceed
Better than third place suggests; Ceed now seriously good car - it just misses flair of Ford's drive and Merc's interior
Best hatchbacks 2019: Mercedes A-Class vs Ford Focus vs Kia Ceed | CAR Magazine
Focus ST should be a cracker to drive and with an option for a DCT should be able attract new potential buyers.
First place: Ford Focus
The best to drive. Practical, comfortable and well-specced, too. Cheap interior, but the Focus is back on top.
Second place: Mercedes A-Class
Knockout interior and enviable street cred but average to drive and complex controls
Third place: Kia Ceed
Better than third place suggests; Ceed now seriously good car - it just misses flair of Ford's drive and Merc's interior
Best hatchbacks 2019: Mercedes A-Class vs Ford Focus vs Kia Ceed | CAR Magazine
Focus ST should be a cracker to drive and with an option for a DCT should be able attract new potential buyers.
martinbo
Staff member
And yet, it is still a good looking design and the interior leaves behind that cheap hi-fi image to a considerable degree. I think it's a solid alternative to a Golf and I'd never thought I'd hear myself say that.
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
I can't see Ford failing with the new ST, not since I seen what they did with the new FIesta ST.
About DCT, if the manual gearbox is as good as the one in new Fiesta ST, personally I pick the manual.
A mechanical diff should be available this time.
I think the new Focus looks good with the right specs. But at home I see more of the new A-class driving around but swedish people are brand snobs LOL
Giannis
Staff member
It certainly is a solid Golf alternative - it always was. But, to me, it looks like a blob.
I'd certainly prefer it over a Golf, or even one of the french hatchbacks, but only because of the way it drives, not the way it looks.
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
New 2019 Ford Focus ST is hotter than ever with 276bhp
New Ford Focus ST hatch and Estate boosted to 276bhp, while a diesel-version producing 187bhp will also be offered
This is the new Ford Focus ST, which will get more power than ever as it prepares to go into battle with the Renault Megane R.S., Honda Civic Type R and the next generation of VW Golf GTI.
The Mk4 ST will pack up to 12 per cent more power and 17 per cent more torque than the previous iteration. Those gains are likely to be necessary as the car squares up to the 316bhp Civic and, within the next 12 months, a hot Mk8 Golf that’s expected to have up to 300bhp
Ford is continuing to offer the ST with a choice of petrol or diesel power, and the option of an Estate body style as well as the regular five-door. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine produces 276bhp at 5,500rpm, and 420Nm between 3,000rpm and 4,000rpm. The brand says the unit is the most free-revving Focus ST motor yet and offers enough to propel the front-wheel-drive five-door from 0-62mph in less than six seconds. That means it’s set to slice at least half a second off the Mk3 ST’s figure.
Image 2 of 13
The motor also features anti-lag – a feature gleaned from the development of the GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pick-up, Ford says. The tech, which is more commonly used on competition vehicles, keeps the throttle open even when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, maintaining pressure to the turbo and improving response. This ST’s system is said to be more of a performance aid than to produce the pops and bangs that have featured on throttle lifts since the Mk2.
The EcoBlue diesel is the most powerful engine of its type ever offered in a Focus, with 187bhp and 400Nm of torque. That latter figure comes in between 2,000rpm and 3,000rpm, but Ford claims 360Nm is available at just 1,500rpm. As a result, the Mk4 ST diesel has 10 per cent more power and double the torque of the Mk1 ST170.
This ST gets a limited-slip differential – a feature normally reserved for the Focus RS – but it’s an electronic e-diff instead of the mechanical set-up that has featured on previous extreme Focus models. Developed by Borg Warner, and available only on the petrol car, the e-diff uses hydraulic clutches integrated into the transmission to limit the torque being delivered to the wheel with less grip. This means it can redistribute up to 100 per cent of the torque to the wheel that has traction, helping to boost acceleration out of corners.
Image 3 of 13
Image 3 of 13
The ST’s ride height is 10mm lower than a regular Focus’s, while damper stiffness is up by a fifth at the front and 13 per cent at the rear. The car has bespoke Michelin Sport Pilot 4S tyres and the power steering gets a boost, too, going beyond the quick response of the current Fiesta ST; you need just two turns of the wheel, lock to lock.
A six-speed manual gearbox features as standard across both petrol and diesel engines; this has a seven per cent shorter shift throw than in regular Focuses. As part of an optional Performance Pack, which also brings Continuously Controlled Damping, you’ll get a gearshift indicator light and rev-matching technology to help maintain momentum during downshifts. The latter can be deactivated if you want to heel-and-toe conventionally.
In addition, the petrol edition of the ST is available with a seven-speed auto gearbox, which assesses driving style and optimises gearshift timings accordingly. It can also be controlled using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
The ST gets a selection of styling upgrades, although the car is still similar in appearance to the ST-Line trim level. There’s a revised front grille, a bigger and more angled rear spoiler, unique alloy wheels and the option of two exclusive colours: Ford Performance Blue and, in a nod to the five-cylinder Mk2 Focus ST, Orange Fury.
Image 5 of 13
Image 5 of 13
Inside, there are Recaro sports seats, aluminium pedals, metal flourishes on the vents and grey stitching. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system – an eight-inch display incorporating navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality – also features.
The ST is due to arrive in dealers towards the end of the summer, with the petrol, diesel, five-door and Estate models all available from launch. Early versions will all be in the top ST-3 trim level, Auto Express understands, and pitched at the higher-end customers who made up around 70 per cent of Mk3 ST sales anyway.
There’s no word yet on pricing, but we’d expect a modest increase over the outgoing car, with a five-door ST-3 EcoBoost costing around £27,500, undercutting the Hyundai i30 N Performance by more than £1,000.
Do you like the look of the new Ford Focus ST? Let us know your thoughts below...
Related keywords:
CAR NEWS
FORD FOCUS ST HATCHBACK
by Taboola
New Ford Focus ST hatch and Estate boosted to 276bhp, while a diesel-version producing 187bhp will also be offered
This is the new Ford Focus ST, which will get more power than ever as it prepares to go into battle with the Renault Megane R.S., Honda Civic Type R and the next generation of VW Golf GTI.
The Mk4 ST will pack up to 12 per cent more power and 17 per cent more torque than the previous iteration. Those gains are likely to be necessary as the car squares up to the 316bhp Civic and, within the next 12 months, a hot Mk8 Golf that’s expected to have up to 300bhp
Ford is continuing to offer the ST with a choice of petrol or diesel power, and the option of an Estate body style as well as the regular five-door. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine produces 276bhp at 5,500rpm, and 420Nm between 3,000rpm and 4,000rpm. The brand says the unit is the most free-revving Focus ST motor yet and offers enough to propel the front-wheel-drive five-door from 0-62mph in less than six seconds. That means it’s set to slice at least half a second off the Mk3 ST’s figure.
Image 2 of 13
The motor also features anti-lag – a feature gleaned from the development of the GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pick-up, Ford says. The tech, which is more commonly used on competition vehicles, keeps the throttle open even when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, maintaining pressure to the turbo and improving response. This ST’s system is said to be more of a performance aid than to produce the pops and bangs that have featured on throttle lifts since the Mk2.
The EcoBlue diesel is the most powerful engine of its type ever offered in a Focus, with 187bhp and 400Nm of torque. That latter figure comes in between 2,000rpm and 3,000rpm, but Ford claims 360Nm is available at just 1,500rpm. As a result, the Mk4 ST diesel has 10 per cent more power and double the torque of the Mk1 ST170.
This ST gets a limited-slip differential – a feature normally reserved for the Focus RS – but it’s an electronic e-diff instead of the mechanical set-up that has featured on previous extreme Focus models. Developed by Borg Warner, and available only on the petrol car, the e-diff uses hydraulic clutches integrated into the transmission to limit the torque being delivered to the wheel with less grip. This means it can redistribute up to 100 per cent of the torque to the wheel that has traction, helping to boost acceleration out of corners.
Image 3 of 13
Image 3 of 13
The ST’s ride height is 10mm lower than a regular Focus’s, while damper stiffness is up by a fifth at the front and 13 per cent at the rear. The car has bespoke Michelin Sport Pilot 4S tyres and the power steering gets a boost, too, going beyond the quick response of the current Fiesta ST; you need just two turns of the wheel, lock to lock.
A six-speed manual gearbox features as standard across both petrol and diesel engines; this has a seven per cent shorter shift throw than in regular Focuses. As part of an optional Performance Pack, which also brings Continuously Controlled Damping, you’ll get a gearshift indicator light and rev-matching technology to help maintain momentum during downshifts. The latter can be deactivated if you want to heel-and-toe conventionally.
In addition, the petrol edition of the ST is available with a seven-speed auto gearbox, which assesses driving style and optimises gearshift timings accordingly. It can also be controlled using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
The ST gets a selection of styling upgrades, although the car is still similar in appearance to the ST-Line trim level. There’s a revised front grille, a bigger and more angled rear spoiler, unique alloy wheels and the option of two exclusive colours: Ford Performance Blue and, in a nod to the five-cylinder Mk2 Focus ST, Orange Fury.
Image 5 of 13
Image 5 of 13
Inside, there are Recaro sports seats, aluminium pedals, metal flourishes on the vents and grey stitching. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system – an eight-inch display incorporating navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality – also features.
The ST is due to arrive in dealers towards the end of the summer, with the petrol, diesel, five-door and Estate models all available from launch. Early versions will all be in the top ST-3 trim level, Auto Express understands, and pitched at the higher-end customers who made up around 70 per cent of Mk3 ST sales anyway.
There’s no word yet on pricing, but we’d expect a modest increase over the outgoing car, with a five-door ST-3 EcoBoost costing around £27,500, undercutting the Hyundai i30 N Performance by more than £1,000.
Do you like the look of the new Ford Focus ST? Let us know your thoughts below...
Related keywords:
CAR NEWS
FORD FOCUS ST HATCHBACK
by Taboola
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
- e-diff instead of the mechanical which Fiesta ST have when you choose the performance package.
- Michelin Supersport on the Fiesta and Michelin Sport Pilot 4S for Focus ST.
- the seats and steering wheel are exactly the same as Fiesta ST.
- Revmatching technology, something Fiesta ST don't offer.
- Michelin Supersport on the Fiesta and Michelin Sport Pilot 4S for Focus ST.
- the seats and steering wheel are exactly the same as Fiesta ST.
- Revmatching technology, something Fiesta ST don't offer.
martinbo
Staff member
Well done Ford!
I bet that deactivation doesn't mean having to disable stability control altogether (BMW) or preclusion in sportier driving modes (Porsche).
klier
Premium
VW can only dream about their cars driving as good as their Ford counterparts in the compact segment.
Uh-oh?
Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
It says in the pressrelease Focus ST use a electronic limited-slip differential developed by Borg Warner. They also write its better than a traditional mechanical LSD. Don't know if its marketing nonsense but I'm sure Martin knows a thing or two.
About Fiesta ST it says:
The Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing Differential is the natural fit for one of the most highly anticipated cars to appear in showrooms this year. Following a long line of award winning fast Fiestas, the first of which was the legendary XR2 of the 1980’s, the new Fiesta ST is set to shake up the hot hatch market on its launch this spring, aided by the availability of a fully mechanical limited slip differential.
Ford Performance engineers have integrated the Quaife ATB to work alongside the Fiesta ST’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system. The electronic aid improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. This in turn delivers optimal grip on dry surfaces and smoothness on wet surfaces.
martinbo
Staff member
It's important not to mix up interpreting "e-diff" terminology with "electronically controlled Limited Slip Differentials". More often than not, the term e-diff is used to describe the exclusion of a mechanical limited slip differential whilst using braking mechanics to mitigate wheel spin when using an open differential.
Some LSDs are purely mechanical, relying on beveled or helical gears to control slippage on a given driveshaft. Other LSDs are indeed electronic, meaning that electronically actuated components work with the differential itself to achieve the locking effect required from a true LSD. BMW's M-Diff and VAG's torque vectoring diffs are examples of such an application.
Some LSDs are purely mechanical, relying on beveled or helical gears to control slippage on a given driveshaft. Other LSDs are indeed electronic, meaning that electronically actuated components work with the differential itself to achieve the locking effect required from a true LSD. BMW's M-Diff and VAG's torque vectoring diffs are examples of such an application.
CrunchSlaughtered
RPM Ruler
The hint here is: electronic diff developed by Borg Warner. So for sure it is not a system using the brakes to simulate a LSD. It's a true LSD, which is either the type that you have mentioned or a clutch pack actuated by an electric motor, similar to the BMW's xDrive central clutch pack. My bet is for the latest.
hovabongZA
Tire Trailblazer
What kind of automatic transmission is the new ST using , torque converter or dual clutch? I cant find any detail on this.
Similar threads
Ford
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn,
Michigan, United States. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company
sells automobiles and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand, and luxury cars under its Lincoln brand.
Official websites: Ford, Lincoln
Official websites: Ford, Lincoln
