New Ford Focus ST Edition adds extra track performance

Ford has added a new range-topping hot hatch model to its line-up with the Focus ST Edition. The new car is on sale now, priced from £35,785.

The Blue Oval promises that the Focus ST Edition will be the “most dynamic version yet of the fourth-generation Focus ST” and has made some significant modifications to the car’s chassis to back up these changes.

Ford Performance-tuned coilover suspension from motorsport specialist KW Automotive has been fitted in place of the standard car’s springs and dampers for extra track focus, with the two-way adjustable items manually tunable to the customer’s specification.

The ST Edition is provided with a technical document detailing how to configure the car to Ford’s special Nurburgring setting, as well as recommended settings for other driving conditions. The dampers feature 12 jounce settings (compression) and 16 rebound settings.

Powder coated blue springs that are more than 50 per cent stiffer than standard are also fitted, which drop the Edition’s ride height by 10mm at the front and rear when compared with the standard Focus ST. A further 20mm ride height drop is also offered.

Lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres complete the chassis modifications and help reduce unsprung mass by 10 per cent at each corner, further improving performance.

The five-door-only Focus ST’s powertrain is unchanged for the ST Edition, so the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine produces 276bhp and 420Nm of torque. It sends this to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential for a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Anti-lag technology inspired by the Ford GT supercar and the F150 Raptor pick-up also help improve throttle response when the Sport or Track driving modes are selected.

While the manually adjustable suspension isn’t affected by the driving modes, the different settings alter the configuration for the power steering, throttle response, eLSD and the ESC.

ST Edition models come finished in an exclusive Azura Blue paint colour with a contrast black roof and high-gloss black detailing, unique ST badging and part-leather Recaro sports seats with blue stitching in similar fashion to the smaller Fiesta ST Edition.

“The new Focus ST Edition takes the hot hatchback to a new level of handling precision and control,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. “Not only does it offer increased poise and responsiveness for the enthusiast, but also gives the ability to tailor the feel and handling balance of the car to the customer.” 

Click here for our in-depth review of the standard Ford Focus ST...