Reffro

The new Focus ST has just had its prices announced by Ford. Available to order from 1st October and in three trims the base (but still well equipped) version costs £17,495 OTR. They are claiming 150mph, 0-60mph in 6.5secs.

I'll include more details later, but just think about that price for a moment, cheap or what.........


NEW FORD FOCUS ST – HOT HATCH, COOL PRICE

New 150mph Focus ST from just £17,495 OTR
Order books open 1st October for both three and five-door models
2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder Duratec ST engine - 225PS
Explosive 320Nm of torque from just 1,600rpm
Exceptional handling, road-holding and braking
Agile, fast and powerful, Focus ST remains refined and practical
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 13 September, 2005 - Fast yet refined, the new Ford Focus ST offers a mouth-watering performance package for the enthusiast driver and, with on-the-road prices from £17,495, establishes a new value benchmark in the UK market.

The exciting new Focus ST is a significant evolution of Ford's ST brand, delivering an addictive combination of performance and affordability – something the blue oval has pioneered over the last 20 years - since the days of the Escort XR3 and RS Turbo.

The new Focus ST is the most powerful Focus road car developed to date and has proved its potential by lapping the infamous Nurbürgring a full 10sec faster than the original Focus RS, itself a modern performance icon. Ford TeamRS, the company's UK-based racing and performance arm, has developed a car specifically for the performance enthusiast without compromising day-to-day comfort or practicality.

Focus ST is available to order from 1st October in three specifications and in an exciting choice of colours including Performance Blue, Panther Black, Colorado Red, Sea Grey and an eye-catching Electric Orange.

Focus ST £17,495

Standard specification includes a characterful 2.5-litre Duratec five-cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine developing 225PS at 6,100rpm and 320Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. Unique 18in alloy wheels, three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel, special ST body styling and a large rear spoiler complete the sporting credentials.

Inside, Recaro sports seats, black headliner, 'submarine' lighting, a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, and unique additional instrument pod containing a turbo boost pressure gauge, and oil temperature and pressure dials, all come as standard.

Focus ST 2 £18,495

More generously specified than the Astra VXR, Focus ST 2 is also positioned £500 cheaper. Furthermore, it costs a significant £1,500 less than a four-cylinder Golf GTI. Additional specification over ST 1 includes an MP3-compatible Sony CD/radio system, Xenon Headlamps, heated front windscreen and ESP traction and stability management.

Focus ST 3 £19,495

Focus ST 3 adds electric 10-way adjustable Recaro front seats, full leather trim and a Sony six-CD autochanger to Focus ST 2 specification.

Power for performance

Unique in this segment, the ST's turbocharged five-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 225PS at 6,100rpm. Equipped with a slick operating six-speed manual gearbox it is capable of a top speed of 150mph, and needs only 6.5sec to accelerate from zero to 60mph. With such performance potential, the Focus ST positions itself firmly in the league of high performance sports cars.

Jost Capito, Director Ford TeamRS, believes that the Focus ST is the purest expression yet of the "ST" brand. "We have spared no effort in making this the most exciting Ford Focus road car yet," said Capito. "It is a perfect car for drivers who love that unique performance experience, but do not want to sacrifice high standards of refinement, comfort and practicality."

With its carefully enhanced sporting image, the ST is worthy of Ford's affordable performance heritage. The ST states its intentions clearly on low-profile 225/40 R18 tyres mounted on 18x8in cast aluminium wheels. Inside and out, Focus ST is a well-crafted, refined performer – a highly capable sports car for everyday use.

Focus ST Chassis

The already outstanding Focus chassis, which offers class-leading handling and road holding, has been substantially modified and uprated for the ST. Additional stiffness at the front has been achieved by adding an extra cross-member across between the MacPherson struts by the bulkhead.

The front springs have been stiffened by 30 per cent and the dampers recalibrated to match. The rear springs also have been stiffened by 30 per cent and the anti-roll bar diameter increased by 5 per cent. Overall ride height has been lowered by 25mm.

The brakes have been upgraded to match the performance of ST, developing the already impressive system employed on other Focus models. The 320mm diameter front ventilated discs have been fitted with large calipers and high-performance pads to provide even better initial bite, heat management and extended endurance, as befits the Focus ST's high performance potential.

Comprehensive safety features have been developed in tandem with the Focus's high performance and these include a rigid passenger safety cell, footwell reinforcement, collapsible steering column and pedals and side impact protection door beams. Additional passive safety systems are driver and passenger front and side airbags, pyrotechnic seatbelt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection system on front seats.

Developing the Focus ST look

The Focus ST signals its performance credentials with design cues that echo Ford’s World Rally Championship contenders.

The visual weight of the front bumper emphasises the Focus ST lowered stance, and the aggressive inverted-trapezoid lower grille gives more graphic impact to the nose.

Flanking the lower grille, fog lamp openings are trimmed in brushed aluminium.

At the rear, reversing and rear fog lamp features are given similar design treatment, while the lower bumper has been sculpted to create the appearance of a sportscar-like aerodynamic venturi from which the chrome-tipped dual sport exhausts emerge.

Focus ST interior

Focus ST’s unique additional instrument cluster, incorporated in the upper fascia, creates an immediate visual impact. Turbo boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure are displayed by three separate gauges and provide the enthusiastic driver with key operating data.

Focus ST’s black headliner and A-pillars give the interior an intimate, cockpit feel. The leather steering wheel has an increased rim section with bold thumb grips and three brushed aluminium-finished spokes. Stylish Recaro sport driver and passenger seats provide the optimal lateral support required for spirited driving.

These figure-hugging seats can be specified with colour-keyed inserts to match the exterior colour of the car. This no-cost option is available on selected colours in the Focus ST range.

Andy M3

Basically, they are using the Volvo S60R engine. 2.5 5 pot 20v. The power is obviously restricted a lot. I don't know how many components will be the same as the Volvo, but from a remap the S60R can achieve 345hp.

This car sounds very promising and i can't wait to see on in the flesh. And for that money it seems reasonable value next to the Golf GTI, Megane etc.

john banks

Sounds ace in standard form if left like that or just remapped, but as a seriously modifiable car then it would be hampered by FWD, I hope it does well and they go on to do a 4WD version. Some of the T5 engines like to snap rods if you take the torque to decent levels? Seems odd to be thinking of an EJ257 as a bit stronger given the ease with which it handles 400 BHP/400 lbft?

davyboy

...at this point I should waffle on about how I was talking to the 2 project managers of the ST Focus at the ring last Friday in their pre production "little baby". I'll spare you, but even in pre-production form the car looks fantastic, especially with the bright orange paint.

Shame I never got a pic of the Focus cabriolet mule that was driving around the area too.

Steve vRS

Sounds great! With this, the Astra VXR and Meganne 225 Cup, the MY06 WRX needs to be very well priced.

Steve

john banks

davyboy, don't spare us, tell all if you have the time to type it...

davyboy

Just messing really........and theres not a huge amount to say really, other than they were very pleased with what they had acheived, and that it was a huge honour to actaully get an ST project.

I think the car I saw only had a sun roof and the paint as optional extras - it looks pretty cool inside with the 3 gauges in the centre of the dash. Nice colour coded recaro seats.

They thought it was a car designed for everday use, which can also lap the ring faster than the more hardcore RS version, so I imagine it's a little softer sprung.

Clare may remember more of the conversation.....I was more interested in how I get a job driving the 'ring and get paid!

Dave

john banks

Does sound a nice daily driver, especially with discounts and the cheap option packs compared with a Golf.

wez_sti

they do look really good in the flesh, esp as davey says in the Orange they are doing (copied from Lambo!)

over 10sec's quicker round the Ring' than the RS aswell, cant be bad!

just a shames its front wheel drive, they wont do a 4WD

Wez

Sport160

I'm amazed its only ST2 and above that has ESP Traction and Stability Management, the ST 1 might be a handfull in the wet depending on pwer delivery/drivers lead foot.

Wish

iTrader: (2)

Well ive just called my local ford dealer, who tells me they have had NO orders for the car, which i was quite shocked about.


PS. Ive gone for a Panther Black ;-)

THORPEM

Any idea where this info came from, Can't find it on the web anywhere... I may be able to get one as a company car. Anyone know what the CO2's are

Andy M3

co2 should be similar to the s40 t5 volvo as it is the same car

andy

THORPEM

Sweet!!!, If thats the case I'll be having one if the cars is allowed.. Anymore details links etc, would be great, I'm due to order a new one at the mo

FirebirdUK

Hehe - above all it's a FORD...

Fix Or Repair Daily

Stevie_h

Agreed, scoobs are looking a bit overpriced and underspecced these days.

Ste

Reffro

FORD FOCUS ST TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Data

Engine Type 2.5L 20 V DOHC
Displacement (cc) 2522 cm 3
Bore (mm) 83,0
Stroke (mm) 93,2
Fuel type, grade Unleaded, 98 or 95 (RON)
Max power (ISO kW/PS) 165.5 kW (225 PS)
At engine speed (rpm) 6100 /min

Max torque (ISO Nm) 320 Nm
At engine speed (rpm) 1600 – 4000 /min

Compression ratio 9.0
Cylinders 5, in line
Cylinder head/BLOCK aluminium alloy
Valves per cylinder 4
Valve gear DOHC with direct-acting mechanical shimless tappets
Turbocharger KKK-Warner integrated turbo system
Engine management BOSCH MOTOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Fuel injection Sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI)
Ignition Electronic distributorless
Emission level European Stage IV, with electronic on-board diagnostics (EOBD)

TRANSMISSION
Transmission type manual 6-speed
Clutch Type SINGLE DRY CLUTCH AND DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL

SUSPENSION
Front Suspension. Independent MAcPherson struts with offset coil spring
Rear Suspension Independent Short-Long Arm (SLA) Control Blade multi-link system

STEERING
Type Rack and pinion, RATIO 14,8
Turning circle (m) Kerb-to-kerb: 11.7

Brake System Dual-circuit, diagonally split, hydraulically operated discs front and rear. Vacuum servo-assist. Standard electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and optional Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) system

Front 320 x 25 mm ventilated discs
Rear 280 x 11 mm solid discs

WHEELS/TYRES
Standard wheel type Cast alluminium alloy
Standard wheel size (in) 18x8
Tyre size – standard 225/40 R 18

Exterior 3/5 DR
Overall length (mm) 4362
Overall width (mm) 1840
Overall height (mm) 1497
Wheelbase (mm) 2640
Front tread (mm) 1535
Rear tread (mm) 1531

WEIGHTS 3/5 dr
basic kerb (kg) 1317/1362 (inc. 75 kg person)
GROSS VEHICLE MASS (kg) 1860/1890
PAYLOAD (kg) 543/528
Luggage compartment (VDA) L 385

TARGETED PERFORMANCE AND FUEL ECONOMY
Max speed (kph) 241
Acceleration
0-100 km/h (SECS) 6.8
0-60 mph (secs) 6.5
Flexibility 50-100 km/h (4th) (secs) 6.1

FUEL CONSUMPTION
Urban (ECE l/100 km) 13.8 (20.4mpg)
Extra Urban (ECE l/100 km) 6.0 (47mpg)
Combined (ECE l/100 km) 9.3 (30.3mpg)
CO2 – combined mode (g/km) 224

john banks

Good on fuel and weight

trails

iTrader: (41)

funny how i ran fords from the age of 18 to 31 with no major issues and then as soon as i get my scoob; gearbox rebuild at 38k, immobiliser shutting down the whole car intermittently whilst at motorway speed ($hit scary), not to mention a whole new level of paranoia when leaving the thing anywhere…maybe ford’s aren’t so bad

wez_sti

according to several recent magazine reviews, Ford are now one of the most reliable manufacturers. good thing is they are always dirt cheap to repair if the worst thing should happen!

first car was a ford fiesta, didnt have one thing go wrong on it!

would like an ST but find FWD boring now

Steve vRS

In my experience, FWD feels very much like the 4WD split of a standard UK WRX. My Type R was a bit different though

Steve

Andy M3

Type R - as in Scooby <Now that is a drivers car

FirebirdUK

Only going on my experiences - I had an Orion 1.6i Ghia (on an H-plate) - it was only a year old when I had it - had nothing but trouble with it.

Some of the memorable problems were: the heater matrix going (emptying the contents into the car), it would never start (always had to park on a hill), the radiator pipes burst several times, it needed a new gearbox at 30k miles, and the most annoying thing was that it would stall every time you stopped unless you kept revving it. I'd been to the local Ford dealership so many times that the woman on reception had remembered my name, address and telephone number...

They might be a bit better now, but you can't beat the Japanese on the cars they build

trails

iTrader: (41)

tell that to Bluebird owners

Steve vRS

Yup. Far to scarey for me! I've got a nice slow Clio Cup now

Steve

FirebirdUK

LOL - had one of them before the Orion

Apart from a new battery, had no problems with it (never used to service it either). It was an e-reg (again only a year old when I had it) but had loads of toys compared to other cars at the time - electric windows (front and back), electric aerial, electric mirrors... Always wanted one of the turbo ZX models...

Funnily enough, I was behind a new shape bluebird the other day (it wasn't a UK car - had foreign plates on it) - it was quite a nice shape (much better than the square old thing I had)

Hehe - you still see some of those old bluebirds as taxis

Dream Weaver

I think the old myth of Ford's being unreliable is exactly that these days.

Our Focus has been faultless for the last 20k miles, not even an interior rattle, and I would happily part with some cash for the new ST.

davecweed

thats not correct mate, its the same as the s40 t5 engine, when remapped, can only manage 245bhp.

the s60r has a lower compression ratio compared this one, all the internals inside the s60r version have been forged and made stronger, etc, ive seen some of the internal parts for the 2 engines, when compared, they are different.

the compression ratio is going to be the biggest problem on the st/s40 version, in gaining more power.

john banks

On 8.7:1 compression on a chocolate Subaru engine I'm running about 190 BHP/litre on Optimax and standard internals (cast pistons), and I'm spreading the load across only 4 cylinders rather than 5. 4G63 will happily run 200 BHP per litre on 8.8:1 compression on standard internals, they even churn them out with over 170 BHP/litre with a warranty and a cat (340 version).

Why are these Volvo engines so weak and difficult to get power from?

davecweed

and a small turbo affects it aswell, im not saying that there is a problem with them, but why did volvo go to the trouble and expensive of making internals stronger and forged etc for the s60r running at 300bhp?

i know that the biggest problem on the s60r is heat soak, the intercooler setup is crap, inlet temps get hot.

there's 2 intercoolers, one's a 4 inch high thing, at the front of car(which does very little), then the 2nd intercooler(bigger full sized one) is sandwiched between the airconditioning rad and the engine rad.

if you switch on the air conditioning, your screwed, inlet temps get even hotter.