Storming ST puts fizz into Focus

The Focus ST is the latest blue oval model to wear the iconic badge and will go on sale late in 2011 as the flagship performance model of the new range – at least until an RS arrives. A price tag of around £24,000 is likely. 

The hot hatch is certainly a looker; front-end styling is dominated by a huge mesh grille, while the muscular bodykit incorporates low sills, a roof spoiler and ground-hugging rear bumper.

The show car was finished in vibrant Tangerine Scream paint. Powered by a 247bhp turbocharged engine, it’s the first model developed by Ford’s global Performance Vehicles team, and features a version of the all-new direct-injection 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. 

This replaces the old 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit, and should be far more efficient, as well as improving performance. Ford bosses are remaining tight-lipped about actual figures until closer to the launch, but the expectation is it will hit 60mph in less than six seconds and reach 155mph. 

Sports suspension with a clever traction control system is designed to make sure all that power reaches the road via a six-speed manual transmission. The ST is also set to be the greenest hot hatch on the market, with fuel economy of around 35mpg and CO2 emissions of 180g/km. There will be no three-door version this time around, but an estate is a possibility.