New Ford Focus ST Set to Simmer in Summer

Ford’s all-new Focus ST will go on sale across Europe in summer 2019, a sibling to the fourth generation Focus in five-door and wagon body styles. The all-new Focus ST will be manufactured at Ford’s Saarlouis assembly facility, Germany, following a €600 million investment.

Powered by a choice of 280 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol and a 190 PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, deliver up to 12 per cent more power and 17 per cent more torque compared with the previous generation Focus ST.

The front-wheel drive, 2019 Focus ST gets Ford’s first application of an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), using computer-controlled pre-emptive actuation, sharpening responses to changing grip levels and driver inputs.

Outside View

Externally the new 2019 Focus ST stands on unique alloy wheel designs. Revised upper and lower front grille designs are optimised for increased cooling capability, and bold signature lower wing elements channel air in to the air-curtain inlets for improved aerodynamic performance.

A larger, more steeply angled rear roof spoiler increases downforce to support the Focus ST’s driving dynamics. A twin exit tailpipe configuration borders the rear diffuser element, with those choosing the Performance Pack adding red brake callipers to the look.

Exterior colour options chosen to emphasise the Focus ST’s dynamic styling include exclusive Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Alloy wheel options include 18-inch Dark Sparkle and Magnetite designs, with a 19-inch wheel also offered in Magnetite.

Inside Story

The driver’s hands fall to a sports steering wheel, as they sit into Ebony coloured Recaro seats with a choice of high-quality cloth, leather, or partial leather and Miko Dinamica materials, with an ST-embossed aluminium gear knob and scuff plates; alloy pedals; metallic hexagonal and satin silver decorative elements; and metal grey stitching for the seats, door inserts and centre console soft side pads.

Ford’s SYNC 3 connectivity system allows drivers to control audio, navigation and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands supported by an 8-inch colour touchscreen. The system provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility free of charge, and available FordPass Connect embedded modem technology turns the vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices

2019 Ford Focus ST Engines

A new generation of Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium engine uses advanced turbocharging technology to deliver 280 PS power at 5,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque.

Engine response is enhanced using a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, which scavenges exhaust gas energy more effectively using separated channels to minimise interference between gas pulses. An electronically actuated waste-gate allows closer control of boost pressures for optimised engine performance. In addition, a unique exhaust system that reduces back pressure, bespoke air intake system and optimised intercooler further improve breathing.

Anti-lag technology specifically developed for the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pick-up is introduced to the Focus ST, for immediate power delivery in Sport and Track Drive Modes. Anti‑lag keeps the throttle open when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, alleviating the reversal of air flow from the turbocharger to maintain compressor wheel speed and enabling boost pressure to build faster on demand.

Ford’s 190 PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue delivers peak power at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm – and 360 Nm from 1,500 rpm. This engine produces 10 per cent more power and more than twice as much torque as the 2.0‑litre Duratec ST petrol engine in the first generation Focus ST.

Focus ST 2.0-litre EcoBlue models feature Torque Vectoring Control technology, which improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering.

Focus ST Transmissions

Customers can choose for a six-speed manual, which uses Ford’s new rev-matching technology that debuted on the new Ford Mustang is also introduced as part of an optional Performance Pack for 2.3-litre EcoBoost manual models.

There is also a quick-shifting new seven-speed automatic transmissions, with Selectable Drive Modes technology allowing the driver to adjust the vehicle’s character to suit the driving scenario. Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) is standard for five-door EcoBoost variants. Adaptive Shift Scheduling – which assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings – is enhanced to offer more flexibility and the ability to differentiate between road and track use. Drivers can select gears manually using steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.

The all-new Focus ST steals Ford’s fastest-steering-response crown from the Fiesta ST. The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system is 15 per cent faster than the standard Focus, requiring two turns lock-to-lock.

Drive Modes include - Slippery/Wet, Normal, Sport. For models equipped with the Performance Pack you get Track Drive Modes that adjust the eLSD, CCD, EPAS, throttle mapping, automatic transmission shift scheduling, electronic stability control, electronic sound enhancement (ESE) and climate settings. A dedicated “Sport” button on the flat-bottomed steering wheel gives direct access to Sport mode, and an additional “Mode” button allows drivers to quickly scroll through the Drive Mode options.

The Focus ST comes with a host of Ford driver assistance technologies:

• Adaptive Cruise Control now enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centering for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic
• Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camera-based predictive curve light and sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends in the road and – for the first time in the industry – road signs
• Active Park Assist 2 that operates gear selection, acceleration and braking in addition to steering, to enable fully-automated manoeuvres at the push of a button
• Ford’s first Head-up display to be offered in Europe, helping drivers focus their attention on the road ahead
• Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions