Особенности интерьера Ford Focus ST
В салоне Ford Focus ST также можно найти массу изменений. Форд Фокус ST получил мультифункциональный руль в спортивном стиле, приборную панель с 4.2-дюймовым экраном и комфортабельные кресла переднего и заднего ряда с системой подогрева и кондиционирования.
Конструкторы оснастили Ford Focus ST всем необходимым оборудованием, которое применяется в современных автомобилях. Речь идет об адаптивном круиз-контроле, системе удерживающей машину в своей полосе и световой оптике светодиодного типа.
Наличие всевозможных помощников и ассистентов в Ford Focus ST значительно облегчает процесс вождения.
2023 Ford Focus Engine
There are plenty of petrol and diesel options for you to choose from here, but here’s the thing – like the Puma, Kuga, and Fiesta, the Focus is now a mild hybrid with a starter motor/generator connected to a 48-volt lithium-ion battery tucked away neatly under the front seat.
The battery stores energy harvested from braking and coasting and then uses it to boost the torque of the tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine – available as 123bhp or 153bhp – by up to 50 percent at low revs or 15 lb-ft at full load.
With the Gubbins hybrid, lower-powered engines (available from lowest-spec Trend trim and above) start from just over £25k, while more powerful units (available from later Titanium trims and above) start from closer to £26k. Both emit between 116 and 134g/km CO2 and claim 47.9mpg and above – an increase of about 15 percent compared to their non-hybrid equivalents and figures we found to be mostly achievable if tread lightly. Keep in mind that the less powerful MHEV can only be had with a seven-speed DCT gearbox, while a more powerful setup can also be mated to a six-speed manual.
Of course, you can still get the 1.0-liter petrol without all the mild hybrid stuff, plus there’s a 1.5-liter diesel for those who still want to fill up from the black pump. But our experience so far suggests you should ignore this and go for a hybrid. More on that in the Driving tab.
| 2023 Ford Focus | Specs | Price |
| ST | 2.3L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 6 SPEED MANUAL | $47,490 |
| ST | 2.3L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 7 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $47,490 |
| ST X | 2.3L, Premium Unleaded Petrol, 7 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $51,990 |
Verdict
The 2023 Ford Focus is set to redefine the hatchback segment with its sophisticated design, powerful performance, and advanced technology. With its range of engine options, refreshed interior, and striking exterior, the Focus appeals to both style-conscious drivers and those seeking a thrilling driving experience. Ford’s commitment to value is evident in the competitive pricing, making the Focus an enticing choice for hatchback enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for its release and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with the 2023 Ford Focus.
We will continue to do comprehensive updates with more new information regarding the 2023 Ford Focus. Immediately bookmark our website to get updates as soon as possible.
Safety
As with the Focus range in general, the ST comes with all the safety equipment we expect these days – including autonomous emergency braking – and a couple of extra features to underline its position as the halo model.
For instance, in addition to lane departure warning you get lane keeping assistance (which is easy to deactivate if you’re not keen, and unlike some rival systems it stays off rather than reactivates every time you restart the car), and the LED headlights are ‘dynamic matrix’ items that give you maximum visibility at all times while avoiding dazzling other motorists. It’s fascinating to watch these in action at night.
The ST also comes with bigger brakes and tuned suspension for sharper responses, while the electronic limited slip differential helps the front-wheel drive chassis to maximise traction.
Prices, specs and rivals
Ford’s updated Focus ST is available in two body styles and with two transmissions, but gone are the varying trim levels and diesel option. As such, a five-door starts at £36,950, with the auto raising the price to £38,400. The estate is also available with both transmissions, and costs from £38,350 and £39,700 respectively.
If this sounds like a lot for a Focus, you’d be right to think so, but to compensate all STs are very generously equipped, and it’s also worth remembering rivals have seen their own price rises. Highlights of its standard kit include 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers (hatchback only), a limited-slip differential and some very good sports seats that are heated and electrically adjustable. The recent updates also brought in some new Matrix LED headlights and a new infotainment system that we’ll get into later.
The aforementioned Track Pack included many of the same elements that made the previous ST Edition a definite improvement over the standard version. It costs a chunky £3000, but for that figure you get the same manually adjustable KW coilovers and flow-formed 19-inch alloy wheels, plus some new additions including a set of sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and Brembo four-piston brakes gripping larger 363mm discs on the front axle.
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The ST’s closest rival in size is the Hyundai i30 N, which in its updated form is our favourite hot hatchback on sale right now. It’s perhaps the only hot hatchback in the class that has a favourable spec and price point to the Ford, starting at £35,110. It doesn’t compromise on kit, either, and comes with a far more impressive automatic transmission option in the excellent eight-speed dual-clutch ’box, which raises the price to £37,135.
If Hyundais aren’t your thing, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport costs from a more serious £41,890 and requires a dive into the options list to build an equivalent spec to that of even a basic ST. The Cupra Leon has identical hardware to the VW and will cost you from £38,495 in the lower of two trim variants, but it’s not quite as sharp to drive as the VW, let alone the Ford or Hyundai.
At the top of the current crop is the Honda Civic Type R. It’s the most technically impressive and exciting hot hatch we’ve ever driven, with careful engineering enhancements over the already brilliant FK8 version, more attractive styling and a vastly improved interior. You certainly pay for the upgrades though, with prices starting at £49,995.
2023 Ford Focus Reviews
The Ford Focus is a very important car for Mr. and Mrs. Car Buyers here in the UK, even though it wasn’t quite as popular in the past. This is perhaps the greatest example of the fact that, despite the seemingly unstoppable crossover upgrades, the true hatchback still reigns supreme.
But the Focus matters here at Planet Top Gear for more than just not being an SUV, for over the years it has been a consistently good drive, as well as cranking out some of our favorite hot hatches. We were moved to tears when Ford announced there would be no other RS, thanks mainly to steadily tightening emissions rules, so it’s a relief that the speedy Focus lives on in ST guise.
It’s only the fourth, but we get what you mean – the current iteration has been around since 2018 and only underwent a light facelift in late 2021, getting a new front grille and front and rear standard LED headlights. The fourth-generation car immediately improves upon its predecessor thanks to a slimmer profile, stiffer dynamics, and better crash safety, so there’s not much Ford can do at refresh time. Oh, and it already weighs less than the third-generation car – a reasonable 1,325kg for a three-cylinder manual.
- The new infotainment screen is easy to use
- It’s really fun to drive
- Spacious cabin
- Chassis, especially top spec, and engine. Safe and spacious too
Ford Focus ST in detail
- Engine and gearbox and technical highlights – Four-cylinder engine is powerful, but lacks flexibility; gearboxes only average
- Performance and 0-60 time – The ST’s performance figures are competitive, and it feels plenty fast enough on the road
- Ride and handling – Chassis has a neutral balance, but the steering and suspension have their limits
- MPG and running costs – MPG will hover in the low 30s, but you won’t get much better than that
- Interior and tech – New digital interface dominates an inoffensive cabin
- Design – While slick new headlights make for a more aggressive face, the rest is largely unchanged
Особенности внешнего вида
Если сравнивать Форд Фокус ST и его гражданскую версию, то главный герой сегодняшнего обозрения имеет более спортивный и хищный внешний вид. Масштабный рестайлинг Ford Focus ST кардинальным образом изменил экстерьер кузова.
Спереди Ford Focus ST выставляет на показ аккуратный бампер с крупноразмерной фальшрадиаторной решеткой и глубокими секциями светодиодных фонарей. Боковины Ford Focus ST могут похвастаться ярко выраженный рельефом и выштамповочными элементами.
Корма Ford Focus ST так же выглядит достойно благодаря обтекаемым формам и аккуратному бамперу. С низу бампера по его краям выглядывают патрубки выхлопных труб, а с верху двери багажника красуется небольшой аэродинамический спойлер.
2022 Ford Focus ST Hatchback Technology
A significant revamp within the Focus ushers inside the use of Ford’s newest Sync 4 infotainment, which includes a big, 13.2in dashboard- mounted touchscreen.
The 2022 Ford Focus ST Hatchback system now integrates the heating and ventilation controls, which, Ford claims, final results in a “cleaner and fewer cluttered centre console”.
According to Ford, the system continues to be designed so that motorists “never are more than the usual touch or two” from being able to operate any function.
The Sync 4 system is suitable with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features speech recognition and can acknowledge over-the-air software updates.
Owners with the FordPass app can use that to check their car’s gas ranges and oil existence from their smartphone.
2023 Ford Focus Facelift
The facelifted Ford Focus is officially out in China, showing a slight stylistic difference compared to the European model that debuted last year. Available in sedan and hatchback forms, it comes with a single non-electric four-cylinder petrol engine under the hood.
The 2022 Ford Focus China leaked last February but new press photos give us a better look at the update, with every bit of information available on the official website. Styling-wise, the facelift model is closer to the European model than before. However, on the Chinese Focus the grille merges with the headlamps for a more aggressive fighter-jet-inspired look, while the LED graphics are also different. Additionally, the black trim on the grille and intakes contrasts with the body-colored wings on the front bumper.
The profile remains unchanged while the rear gets a slightly sportier diffuser with dual exhaust pipes. In terms of length, the hatchback measures 4,401 mm (173.3 inches) and the sedan measures 4,664 mm (183.6 inches) while retaining the same 2,705 mm (106.5 inches) wheelbase. Chinese buyers don’t get the crossover-style Active variant but they do get the sporty ST-Line and a new S Edition inspired by the discontinued Focus RS. The ST-Line comes with 18-inch charcoal gray alloy wheels with red brake calipers, while the S Edition comes with glossy black wheels alongside a black rear spoiler and a set of racing decals.
Inside the cabin, we find an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen incorporating the SYNC + Zhi Mo infotainment developed by Ford and Baidu (as opposed to SYNC 4 ). Equipment includes a B&O audio system, and a Ford Co-Pilot360 ADAS suite that offers Level 2 autonomous driving. Depending on the model, we find black and blue seats, carbon fiber styling and suede-like trim, blue seat belts, and a perforated leather steering wheel with red stitching.
The mid-life facelift also brings a few interior updates, with all but the base-spec Trend trim getting a giant 13.2-inch infotainment system that handles navigation, media, and phone connectivity. Ford says the screen is the largest you’ll find in the segment, but it’s important to sacrifice precise climate control buttons, all of which are now relocated to a small bar at the bottom of the screen. Seems like a step back to us.
It’s quite a pleasant experience behind the wheel. The front seats aren’t the most comfortable we’ve ever sat in, but they’re surprisingly roomy in the back, thanks to a much longer wheelbase than the cramped third-generation Focus. Boot space is a useful 375 liters with the seats on top as well, only five less than the Volkswagen Golf.
There are all the usual driver assistance systems shoppers expect these days, and you’re not just being helped, you’re connected. Download the Ford app and you can perform various tricks remotely – find the car, check fuel, lock, and so on. Local hazard information also warns you of potential hazards ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.
2023 Ford Focus Featured
There seem to be almost as many suspension settings as there are engines. The lowest power hatch has a torsion beam arrangement. It uses banana-shaped springs that push the outside rear wheel outward as the car rolls around a corner, keeping the trailing arms straight and the wheels more aligned.
Meanwhile, the more powerful hatch gets a short and long arm arrangement (as pioneered by the original Focus). The advantages are quiet driving and steering precision.
Then there’s the crossover-style Focus Active with extra black plastic cladding and what Ford describes as “rough road suspension” with a slightly higher ride height. Not an off-roader in and out, then.
2023 Ford Focus MPG
One of the upgrades for the facelifted Focus is the addition of mild hybrid technology to the engine with an automatic gearbox, which is designed to help save fuel a bit. As such, the 125hp petrol manual version gets no electric assistance, giving the same 55mpg fuel economy figure as the 155hp manual (which gets mild hybrid assistance). As for the automatic, the 125hp engine reaches 53mpg and the 155hp can reach 54mpg.
The manual 155 has the lowest CO2 emissions, up to 134g/km, while the automatic 125 has the highest, up to 149g/km.
When the diesel engine goes back on sale, official figures show it could reach 64mpg with CO2 emissions of 139g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
Following the facelift, the only Focus ST engine choice is a 2.3-litre turbo petrol with 280hp and up to 420Nm of torque; the optional seven-speed automatic transmission is restricted to 415Nm, but both this and the standard six-speed manual gearbox are now said to cover 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds.
The old 2.0-litre diesel alternative had just 190hp and required 7.6 seconds to go 0-62mph; we’re not mourning its loss.
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A limited-slip differential boosts traction on the way out of corners.
The Focus ST automatic transmission is pleasant enough, and will be welcomed by those who often find themselves stuck in traffic. But the equivalent Golf GTI auto offers sharper reactions, and the Ford is undoubtedly at its most engaging where the manual gearbox is fitted. For without this direct ability to take control of the 280hp engine, performance can feel strangely flat at times.
This is a taut and agile car, for sure – and closer in character to the GTI Clubsport than the regular Golf GTI due to higher compromises it demands in terms of ride comfort in exchange for its tighter body control in the corners. Even so, it’s easy and approachable when it comes to driving quickly, rather than spikey and aggressive, which means you soon find yourself falling into a rhythm with it over your favourite roads. It does sometimes seem like hard work before it really feels like its moving at its most fulsome, however.
On the plus side, it’s also not so firm on its 19-inch wheels that longer journeys become unthinkably punishing. Adding the optional Ford Performance Pack and the adjustable ‘Continuously Controlled Damping System’ helps tailor this aspect further. Though how long your passengers will tolerate the firmer setting will vary with their constitutions and the condition of their lower spine, this certainly adds a additional measure of immediacy and precision when travelling swiftly on smoother roads.
On bumpier ones, you’ll probably find yourself soon returning to the normal setting. Unlike the smaller Fiesta ST, the Focus never quite achieves the state of suspension nirvana that sees it skimming over bad surfaces at higher speeds, so the more comfortable suspension mode is a necessary compromise.
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It’s good fun in the bends, but an I30 N is even better.
Similarly, if you’re expecting a driving experience like that of the Fiesta ST, only bigger, the Focus ST isn’t quite as playful – or preternatural – in its responses. There’s lots of grip, and the electronically controlled differential achieves a lot of traction, but the car doesn’t always react exactly as you were expecting, occasionally requiring a correction to the line you thought were taking through the corner.
At lower speeds, meanwhile, the way the chassis is set-up can result in the front end following the pitch of the road more than you were anticipating – and that’s at constant throttle, rather than when accelerating. You’ll feel the same sensation through the steering wheel when passing over the crown of the road as well.
It’s still lots of fun, and an impressive way to cover ground rapidly, with the Track Pack adding to this. It’s basically the same list of parts added to the pre-facelift Focus ST Edition and therefore drives in much the same way. The KW coilover suspension is even firmer than stock and can’t be adjusted without getting some spanners out.
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The optional Track Pack adds KW coilover suspension, lightweight wheels, Brembo brakes and more.
You’re aware of every surface imperfection passing under you, yet the tightly controlled damping prevents it from feeling crashy and brittle. It feels keener to turn into a bend than the regular ST and grip levels are higher in the dry thanks to the uprated tyres. It’s not cheap, but for the track day enthusiast or those more interested in the hot than the hatchback it’s worth having.
Even so, the Hyundai i30 N delivers even more raucous thrills for thousands less.
Ford Focus Electric 2023
Ford’s next electric car will be a small SUV that builds on Volkswagen’s foundations and likely shares the influence of the Mustang Mach-E; all Fords have a plug by 2026.
Ford will introduce its next electric car for the European market in 2023, following the launch of the Mustang Mach-E in 2020. The new car will be built at the Cologne brand plant in Germany following a substantial modernization of the facility to suit electric car production.
It is expected to use Volkswagen’s ‘MEB’ electric car platform (which supports the ID.3 hatchback) as part of the deal between the two manufacturers.
The news came in February 2021, at the same time Ford confirmed that by mid-2026, all of its cars in Europe would be “zero-emissions capable”, using either pure electric or plug-in hybrid power. The move to pure electric cars will only take place in 2030.
The new car is expected to be a small SUV that will be styled to fit the larger Mustang Mach-E, taking a similar design to the Mustang sports car.
It is expected to have similar proportions to the ID.3 it will share the platform with, albeit with a more SUV-like body. Officially, Ford has described the car as “the first all-electric volume passenger vehicle built in Europe for European customers”.
Judging by the ID.3 dimensions, the Ford effort should be roughly the size of a Ford Puma when it hits sales. This will leave some space within the brand’s reach between the new car and the existing Mach-E; the price should sit somewhere around the £30,000-£40,000 mark.
The use of the MEB platform means Ford will also get Volkswagen’s battery technology and electric motor. Therefore, the battery options of 58 and 77kWh are most likely, with an electric motor output of 143 or 201bhp.
The new model will need a range of between 250 and 300 miles to compete with its competitors built using the same mechanical underpinnings.
In late 2019, Ford Europe chief designer Murat Guler told us that the Mustang’s design influence is likely to show up on smaller electric Ford models: “The Mustang’s influence isn’t considered until the previous direction with the car doesn’t work,” he asserts.
“Once we introduced the Mustang as inspiration, it came together quickly. We’re excited about what it brings to electric cars, and yes we’ve talked about expansion, into a kind of family.”
Ford’s new electric car platform in the US. While Ford is collaborating with Volkswagen to produce the next European electric model, its zero-emissions efforts in the US will be supported by two new, self-developed platforms.
The first is the rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive flexible architecture that will be housed under future compact and full-size vehicles, including two- and three-row SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks. The second platform is for Ford’s next-generation large pickup trucks and utility vehicles.
Only the former is likely to be used for Ford sold in Europe, but even that is uncertain given the aforementioned ties to Volkswagen. Ford just announced a lifestyle and commercial version of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck for the US market, and the fully electric Transit will arrive in the UK in 2022.
2023 Ford Focus Redesign
Especially the Ford Focus 2023 will likely not experience many changes when compared to the usual universal design of the new technology. It will have a wide roof spoiler, lower cancellation, and a high dose of energy recorded at between 250 and 275, however.
As far as we all know, this power is supposed to come from a 2-liter two-cylinder engine, but you will find gossip about a 1.5-liter generator. That energy would put it above a reliable collection, but it would provide some benefits at the cost of enhanced customization, and this is unlikely.
We saw a pair of Leads accents inside the reduced fascia, at first. Looks like one of the many newest versions, all bbq grills. Has exploded in dimensions, using only 2023 MY. It’s placed on the inside of the fascia, so the headlights get more space but less space between them.
It seems that the current vehicle overall has a more significant aspect when compared to the current 2023 Ford Focus. The increase in dimensions should provide extra space on the inside as well. This shift is necessary for the Ford 2023 Focus to get comparable to types like the Honda Civic as well as the Volkswagen Golf.
The size will never be enough to stay aggressive. It could also be to improve the technology and quality of the applied fabric, Azure Oblong. So the interior became the most criticized part of the previous decades of the Ford Focus.
Can have a highly adaptable worldwide Ford Focus 2023 program. Most of the Ford cars in the C section also come from the same base. These versions range from the Kuga – To Escape crossover. The car will be until 2023, it will probably be available next season, just before that.
The global scale of the tailgate will not change, using this type of system. However, the wheelbase will be longer. Your legroom will likely increase along with cargo space, because of that.
The Ford folks had to do the most incredible job possible using this type of design, with the growing demand for Sports utility vehicles.
2023 Ford Focus Design
Ford Focus 2023 has a smaller design and also a more luxurious design. Several tread technologies are present in this new car. We need not hesitate in the performance of this new car.
This car has incredible speed. This may be a good competitor. Here are some of the advantages possessed by this new car.
There are two possibilities for the refresh of the Ford Focus 2023. Spy in Germany found this pair of Fords in disguise, which could be one of 2 things. It was an updated 2022 model that underwent shakedown testing or development mule.
Maybe one of them. Ford’s focus model changed. It is refreshed to be new. The new model is fresher and more attractive. It’s nice to see something fresh.
Some cars have a different arrangement in which the hand drive is placed. What about the Ford Focus 2023 Both the right and left focus drive models bearing British license plates are of concern, this underscores the fact that Ford relies on British and German operations.
We can choose one of them whether we are accustomed to driving with the right steering wheel or with the left steering wheel. It can be a good alternative for different customers all over the world.
There are no major changes from the car as we can see from some of the pictures. While some of the photos on some websites don’t show much of a change, they do show that Ford is working on a new grille for the Focus ST.
The hood and headlights look unchanged. But the grille will get a new treatment. Although the overall appearance is not that different, there are some changes in some parts, such as the grille.
We find the same styling from the current focus in the Ford Focus 2023. Ford will likely retain the honeycomb styling finish of the current focus ST, but the shape of the grille could change to better reflect the Aston Martin-inspired look Ford adopted.
The shape of the grille of this car is different. It was changed to reflect what the Aston Martin has. The shape of the lattice is better than before.
2022 Ford Focus ST Hatchback Engine
The powertrain line-up of the Focus is largely unchanged even though the 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine, badged Ecoboost Hybrid and accessible with 123bhp or 153bhp, is currently offered using a seven-speed automatic gearbox for the very first time.
ST-Line models with the automatic gearbox will also characteristic paddle shifters, while the Focus ST’s 276bhp 2.3-litre petrol powertrain stays unchanged. The petrol 1.0-litre Ecoboost powertrain is obtainable having a six-speed guide only as well as a 123bhp output. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is obtainable in 118bhp guise.
Under the hood, the 2022 Ford Focus ST Hatchback is powered by 1.0-liter EcoBoost using a 48-volt delicate system offered with 123 hp or 153 hp. Power is sent towards the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed guide gearbox or perhaps a new optionally accessible seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.
A 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine with out electrification rated at 123 hp is also accessible using a six-speed handbook, as well as being a 118-hp 1.5-liter diesel paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 Ford Focus ST Hatchback will, as prior to, be marketed in each hatchback and estate bodystyles.
2022 Ford Focus ST Hatchback Engine
Ford has worked to enhance the practicality in the estate by revamping the bags compartment with a new carpet that, it statements, is easier to clean and an additional facet load internet.
Additionally, there are twin LED lights to illuminate the compartment, an adjustable load flooring using a hinge that may be employed as being a virtual divider as well as a moist zone having a water- resistant liner.
2023 Ford Focus RS
2023 Ford Focus Much has been said about the fourth-generation Ford Focus RS hot hatch that has yet to be revealed, with new reports claiming it has been canceled but is it happening?
According to Caradisiac, the next Focus RS program has been discontinued due to the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emission target across the EU fleet of 95 grams per kilometer, which will start next year. Suspected source? Ford himself.
However, CarsGuide understands the news of the death of the new Focus RS is premature, as there is still a chance it will come to fruition.
It’s important to note that the second and third-generation models were revealed about four and five years after their non-performing counterparts, respectively.
So, given that the fourth-generation Focus debuted in April 2018, its flagship RS could appear in the first half of 2022, if not 2023, which means Ford still has time.
Just like the previous two generations, the next 2023 Focus RS could launch after the mid-life facelift of its non-performing counterparts, but it all depends on Ford working in a cost-effective way to minimize model pollution.
Autocar reported in April 2018 that the new Focus RS would retain the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine sourced from the Mustang, but add a 48V mild-hybrid system that reduces emissions.
Two months ago, Autocar published another report, citing a senior Ford executive who claimed “light hybrids aren’t enough”, with a high-performance version of the Escape SUV’s mid-size plug-in hybrid powertrain instead set for the next Focus RS.
When contacted by CarsGuide, a Ford Australia spokesperson said: “It’s too early to speculate about the RS’s plans.”
However, they added that “the C2 platform underpinning the new-generation Focus features a state-of-the-art, technology-packed architecture that enables our Focus to deliver a range of efficient powertrains”.
Reading between the lines, it seems that the new Ford Focus RS 2023 is still in development – for now – and is trying to snatch the Mercedes-AMG A45 S crown.
2023 Ford Focus EU-Specs
Unlike the EU-spec Focus which was available with a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, the Chinese model gets a more powerful non-electric 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost unit producing 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS). ) and up to 270 Nm (199 lb-ftoverboostue in overboost mode. The factory is exclusively mated to a sporty six-speed automatic gearbox which differs from the European seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and comes with three driving modes – standard, economy, and sport. Power is sent to the front axle which enables acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.9 seconds.
Ford says it has retuned the suspension and steering in the facelift model, while the ST-Line and S Edition variants get a sportier chassis arrangement sitting 10 mm (0.4 in) closer to the ground. Brakes were also upgraded with 308 mm (12.1 in) front and 302 mm (11.9 in) rear discs.
The updated Focus will be manufactured by the Changan Ford joint venture in Chongqing, China. Note that this is the second facelift for the fourth-generation Focus in China, following its original debut in 2018 and the first facelift in 2020.
Overview
If you’re after an old-school hot hatch, the Ford Focus ST could be right up your street. It does without complicated four-wheel drive systems and hybrid assistance to deliver rowdy fun and a dollop of practicality on the side. After a 2022 refresh the range has been slimmed down to a single 280hp petrol engine with manual or automatic gearbox in hatchback or estate flavours.
Updates to the Focus ST include a taller nose and larger front grille, incorporating the Ford badge (instead of the bonnet), while slimmer LED headlights are fitted. There’s a new Mean Green paint option, and some changes to the alloy wheel designs. Highlights on the inside include the latest Ford Sync 4 infotainment system and new Ford Performance seats.
You can still add the Performance Pack for a couple of go-faster features, but now there’s a more extreme Track Pack. This is significantly more expensive, adding manually adjustable coilover suspension, bigger Brembo brakes, lighter alloy wheels with stickier tyres and a Track mode. A black roof, mirrors and rear diffuser mark them out externally.
It’s not the bargain it once was, although it still undercuts the hottest Cupra Leon, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW 128Ti. However, the Hyundai i30 N undercuts all of them despite offering some of the biggest grins. Or for ultimate hot hatch thrills in a smaller package, consider the Parkers Awards-winning Toyota GR Yaris – which offers 261hp and four-wheel drive, assuming you can find one.