The new Ford Focus ST now features:
- New front and rear bumpers
- Re-designed fender
- New hood
- Re-designed front and rear lamps
- Bluetooth® capability with hands free voice control functionality
- Ford Power start button
July 18, 2008, Pretoria – Ford will add some extra spice to the already popular Focus ST model range with the introduction of a new Focus ST for 2008. The new Focus ST is more refined in its appearance whilst still staying true to its sporty heritage.
The Focus ST will continue to be available in both three-door and five-door configurations.
“The ST logo represents the Ford brands performance character, which is synonymous with affordable, dependable performance,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager.
Previously Ford’s performance models were identifiable by the XR nomenclature and later the RS logo but more recently the ST badge has come to the fore. ST stands for Sports Technologies and is a product of Ford’s TeamRS organization.
There is no denying that the Focus ST has been designed with the enthusiast in mind. It’s low stance and aggressive lines are reminiscent of Ford’s World Rally Championship contenders. The new model has received a number of cosmetic enhancements including a new front bumper with integrated new fog light housing; a larger air intake for better cooling and a new honeycomb grille. The hood has been changed to integrate with the new head lamp design and its new lights cluster arrangement.
The fender has also been re-designed to fuse with the new bumper design. The rear tailgate sports a new diffuser-style bumper, which improves high speed stability and merges with the newly styled rear lights.
The ST will continue to be identifiable by its signature Electric Orange and Performance Blue colour options. Both models will continue to feature body coloured: spoilers; door handles; mirrors and body side mouldings. Neat attention to detail in the form of special ST badges on the front wings and the highly sculpted, five-spoke wheels with low-profile tyres further distinguish the ST model.
The new Focus ST delivers new levels of technology for connectivity in in-car systems thanks to the Bluetooth® connectivity function with Voice Control.
The advanced system allows you to utilize your cell phone even if it is in your briefcase or handbag with no wiring or cradle required. The system supports various phone operations including: digit dialing, last number dialing, incoming calls and voice tag dialing. In addition, the system will dial a number requested from the driver’s phone address book. The voice control can be used for the phone, radio, CD player and climate control (5-door only).
The Ford Power start button is also a new feature allowing easy, keyless vehicle activation that has been added to the already impressive specification list of the Focus ST.
Other interior features remain unchanged with full leather trim standard on the Focus ST 5-door and optional on the Focus ST 3-door. Sculpted rear seats are also standard on both models, while leather and brushed-aluminium finishes further characterise the interior environment.
The Focus ST continues to be powered by the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. It produces 166kW at 6 000rpm and has a torque peak of 320Nm at 6 000rpm. Mated to a slick shifting six-speed transmission the Focus ST moves from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240km/h.
The ST’s handling has been tailored to reward the enthusiast driver but at the same time allow for refined driving. Reduced ride height, quicker steering ratios, stiffened front and rear springs, and rear anti-roll add to the agility and handling characteristics of the car.
The Focus ST is equipped with a high-performance braking system: four-piston brake calipers bite into 320 millimetre ventilated brake discs at the front, while at the rear two-piston brake calipers combine with 280 millimetre discs.
In addition, Ford’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) offers safe and controllable braking under extreme conditions. Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system is also available on the Focus ST. ESP intervenes in critical handling situations, assisting the driver by braking individual wheels as needed.
Like all Ford Focus models the Focus ST boasts a comprehensive safety package. Features include a rigid passenger cell, footwell protection, collapsible steering wheel pedals, and side impact protection door beams. Among the passive safety system are driver and passenger front and side airbags, standard inflatable side curtain airbags for front and rear-seat occupants, pyrotechnic belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection systems on the front seats.
“The beauty of the Focus ST is that it offers the enthusiast driver a dynamic performance in a practical and affordable package for everyday use. The new Focus ST builds on this ethos by offering a further enhanced package with the same impressive performance ability,” concludes Pillay.
The Focus ST also benefits from Ford’s latest warranty and service plan, which comprises of a 4 year / 120 000km fully comprehensive manufacturer warranty. Service intervals are scheduled at 20 000km with a Ford Protect service and roadside assistance plan in place for five-years or 60 000kms.
