Description

The fourth generation of the Ford Focus launched in 2018, and a year later in 2019 Ford Performance presented the spiced up Focus ST MK4 in both petrol and diesel flavours, in hatchback or station wagon bodystyles, with more power and more technology boasting improved performance figures compared to its predecessor, the Ford Focus ST MK3 (facelift).

The all-aluminium four-cylinder 2,3 liter EcoBoost engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, anti-lag technology and an electronically actuated waste-gate, produces 206kW / 280 PS at 5.500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 3.000-4.000 rpm, sending the power to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission (with rev-matching function) or through an optional 7-speed automatic. As a result, the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5,7 seconds which makes it -0,8 seconds quicker than the previous generation. 

On the other hand, there is also a diesel-powered Focus ST fitted with a 2,0 liter EcoBlue engine producing 190 PS of power at 3,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2,000-3,000 rpm, which is equipped with a Torque Vectoring Control System and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7,6 seconds.

For the first time, the new Focus ST gets an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) while it also benefits from optional Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) and Selectable Driving Modes: Slippery/Wet, Normal and Sport  and Track Drive Modes (Performance Pack only) which adjust eLSD, CCD, EPAS, throttle mapping, automatic transmission shift scheduling, electronic stability control, electronic sound enhancement (ESE) and climate settings to suit the driving scenario. Other modifications include a sportier suspension which is lowered by 10mm compared to the standard Focus and it is 20% stiffer at the front and 13% stiffer at the rear, larger brakes (330mm discs at the front and 302mm at the back) which are four times more durable, and sharper steering wheel with 15% faster ratio. As for the safety equipment, it includes adaptive cruise control with stop&go function, Lane-keep Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Park Assist 2 and head-up display.

Visually, the front-end Focus ST MK4 is distinguished by the sporty bumper which is very similar to the one on the ST-Line but features a larger area painted in black, honeycomb upper and lower grilles with Active Grille Shutter and LED headlights with redesigned graphics. On the profile there are 18″ or 19″ rims in dark finish with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and discreet side skirts, while at the back there is a larger spoiler, and a more pronounced diffuser with dual tailpipes. Inside, we find Recaro bucket seats upholstered in cloth, leather or leather/Miko Dinamica with embodied ST logos, flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminium ST gear knob, contrasting white stitcing and aluminium pedals. Other features include the 8.0-inch touch screen with SYNC 3 infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 10-speaker B&O Play audio system, DAB radio, built-in sat-nav and reversing camera. Those who will spec for the Performance Pack will also get Launch Control, Shift Lights, Rev-matching and an exclusive ‘Track’ Driving Mode.

Photos