Friday 27th June 2014

Ford Focus ST facelift details

Refresh brings dynamic tweaks, a new interior plus an ST diesel for the first time

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With rivals like the SEAT Leon Cupra and Megane 275 Trophy having arrived recently, the Ford Focus ST was in danger of becoming overlooked in the hot hatch ranks. To return it to the forefront of prospective buyers' minds, a mid-life facelift aims to rejuvenate the fastest Focus.

Diesel shown in new 'Stealth' colour

The most significant news is the introduction of a diesel Focus ST, which most definitely isn't an STD. Really. The Golf GTD rival uses a 185hp 2.0-litre TDCI with 295lb ft from 2,000-2,750rpm. 62mph takes 8.1 seconds and the top speed is 135mph. Just as importantly, fuel consumption is officially rated at 64.2mpg with 114g/km too.

The diesel is the grey car in these pics, identical cosmetically to the petrol car. This even extends to the twin-hexagonal centre tailpipes, which may or may not appeal.

But to the petrol car, the ST that we already know and (mostly) love. Power is unchanged at 250hp from the 2.0-litre Ecoboost but the introduction of stop-start improves mpg to 41.5 and CO2 to 158g/km.

A properly sized central screen; hurrah!

Further modifications underneath should make it an even greater drive than previously. Ford mentions 'an even sharper dynamic performance' in the press material as 'it probably torque-steered a little too much' wasn't deemed appropriate. So there are new front springs, revised torque vectoring control and tweaks to the steering that should improve turn in and front axle control.

Moreover, Ford has added different engine mounts to assist 'front-wheel traction and gear shift quality' (go on, just admit it...). There are new Michelin tyres developed specifically for the ST as well. So it's rather more than a new headlights job, and a facelift that promises even more enjoyment from the Ford.

The ST's interior has been updated too, which is welcome. The fiddly Sync 1 system with its small screen and tiny buttons has been replaced by, erm, Sync 2. But this does at least bring a larger (eight-inch) screen plus a layout that looks far more user friendly.

Five-door and estate still being offered

So hopefully more of the same from the Focus ST, with a few remedial measures where they were required. If it remains conspicuously good value (prices TBC), then Ford will have no trouble selling a fair few more. Orders can be placed from the autumn, which will surely be the time to pounce on a cheap pre-facelift car too. And yes, Ford is still making an estate.

 

 

[kultsch88]

Still don't like the 'melted' look rear lights...

[vrsmxtb]

Why are all "hot" diesel versions of these hatches only about 180bhp? Surely Ford, VW etc can squeeze more than that out of a 2litre diesel lump?

[GroundEffect]

vrsmxtb said:

Why are all "hot" diesel versions of these hatches only about 180bhp? Surely Ford, VW etc can squeeze more than that out of a 2litre diesel lump?

185PS is a lot for a 2.0 diesel with a single turbo. There are higher output 2.0 DERVs but they require twin turbos and other such options that don't fit in to C-cars.

[ezi]

Be interesting to hear some road test reviews on how the uprated mounts/springs etc have altered the drive compared to the old one

[vtecyo]

"Focus STD"

Nice one.

[renaultgeek]

great except for the tail pipes. looks like a template for dog biscuits. I like that there's a diesel, wish renault still did the dci RS Megane.

[QuattroDave]

Finally rid of the fugly face and glad to see they've uncluttered the centre console too. Agree with comments that the rear is still not quite right but altogether a much more visually appealing proposition.

Although the face still suits the fiesta and the seemingly never going to be released new mondeo which looks, dare I say it, lovely in the metal.

[0000]

Quite like the look of these, bit nearer the Mk3. 8.1 sounds reasonable for something that returns >60mpg, has 5 doors and the running costs of a Ford.

[Steve vRS]

Sniff was quick off the mark...

http://sniffpetrol.com/2014/06/27/ford-focus-gets-...

I do like the look of these. An STD Estate or a 'Tavia vRS Estate...

Steve

[NWMark]

GroundEffect said:

185PS is a lot for a 2.0 diesel with a single turbo. There are higher output 2.0 DERVs but they require twin turbos and other such options that don't fit in to C-cars.

They do fit but I can only think of one, BMW 125d (214 Bhp) and the previous generation 123d (201bhp)

[Dave Hedgehog]

Steve vRS said:

Sniff was quick off the mark...

http://sniffpetrol.com/2014/06/27/ford-focus-gets-...

I do like the look of these. An STD Estate or a 'Tavia vRS Estate...

Steve

superb

[Mr SFJ]

Do the alloys look like Clio RS200's?

Or is it just me?

[mwstewart]

Dave Hedgehog said:

superb

From the same page:




Back to the Focus: I like the new front end, but I could never learn to like the rear.

[TobesH]

GroundEffect said:

vrsmxtb said:

Why are all "hot" diesel versions of these hatches only about 180bhp? Surely Ford, VW etc can squeeze more than that out of a 2litre diesel lump?

185PS is a lot for a 2.0 diesel with a single turbo. There are higher output 2.0 DERVs but they require twin turbos and other such options that don't fit in to C-cars.

Yes my BMW F31 320d is indeed a twin action turbo - has 184bhp apparently - with the superb 8 speed ZF 'box it's surprisingly rapid and does 50+mpg all the time. But Ford have to keep the costs down so any more 'horses' and you'll need trick turbos or you'll get too much lag. With all that torque, lots of lag will upset the handling and steering no end.

[iloveboost]

vrsmxtb said:

Why are all "hot" diesel versions of these hatches only about 180bhp? Surely Ford, VW etc can squeeze more than that out of a 2litre diesel lump?

That's good! The best 1.9/2.0 TDI engines from about ten years ago were making about 150hp about the same as the best 2.0L non-turbo petrol engines. They have pushed it up to about 180hp but so many petrol engines are turbocharged now that 180hp from a 2.0L TDI doesn't seem that good in comparison.

[TobesH]

This new ST looks great, I'm holding out for the RS, a deposit will be paid... unless I end up with an F30 M3...

[jorgereg]

There's no pic of an estate version, anyone has found information there will still be one?

[Axionknight]

I like this generation of Focus and these upgrades all seem pretty positive to me, especially if they have sorted the cluster fk of a dash out!

Wonder if the petrol ST will be avaialble in that grey colour? That looks really smart.

[vrsmxtb]

GroundEffect said:

185PS is a lot for a 2.0 diesel with a single turbo. There are higher output 2.0 DERVs but they require twin turbos and other such options that don't fit in to C-cars.

But most tuners can offer 200-220bhp remaps on a single turbo diesel. Surely a major manufacturer could do the same and make the necessary tweaks to ensure OEM reliability?

[JDMDrifter]

Its not too bad, still not a looker though