- Two months after its world debut in Frankfurt, the Ford Focus ST arrives stateside.
- Only the Focus ST hatch will be sold in North America.
- The Focus ST was engineered by Ford's Global Performance Vehicles group.
LOS ANGELES — Two months after its world debut in Frankfurt, the Ford Focus ST has arrived stateside, making its North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Describing the Focus ST as "Ford's first global performance car," the automaker said it will offer the sporting edition of its compact hatchback in 40 markets, including the U.S. and Canada. While European customers can choose either the Focus ST hatchback or wagon, only the five-door hatch will be offered in North America.
The Focus ST was engineered by Ford's Global Performance Vehicles group, which partners the Special Vehicle Team (SVT) from North America with Europe's Team RS.
Power is supplied by a new performance-tuned and turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost direct-injection four-cylinder engine, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The engineers have lowered ride height and upgraded shocks, springs and stabilizer bars, while fitting a variable-ratio electric power steering unit.
The Focus ST rides on Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 performance tires, mounted on 18-inch Y-shaped alloy wheels.
The car is visually differentiated from the standard Focus primarily with a more aggressive front fascia and grille, side skirts, rear diffuser and roof spoiler.
The cockpit comes with Recaro seats, as well as sport steering wheel, gearshift and pedals.
Inside Line says: Bring the Focus ST wagon, too.
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jscion says:
09:18 AM, 11/18/2011
I love the Focus but this is absolutely tacky looking and a complete let down. The front end is terribly sculpted and styled almost looking like pieces are missing. The wheels look like something off a Fusion or something you can get optional with the Sport Package on the Focus SE. Are those tire tracks across the console? It's just hideous!!!Ford is limiting themselves to a very slim audience utilizing such terrible styling techniques on an otherwise awesome car.
tbone85 says:
08:04 PM, 11/17/2011
I'm always amazed when winners are named of driving comparos that can't possibly even be performed yet.
openeyes1 says:
05:51 PM, 11/17/2011
@akitadog; What a ST wagon, you've got to be joking, a hatchback is just like a wagon, but better looking (in Europe hatchbacks make up 70% of all auto sales). Just hope Ford keeps the boring sedan in dullsville, Ford should do fine with their sales in the states.
I just don't understand why most Auto manufacturers don't offer, driver controlled adjustable heights for their vehicles, lower heights = big problems in the snow.
akitadog says:
03:51 PM, 11/17/2011
Boooooooooooo, Ford!!!!!!
No ST wagon!!!!!!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
5lv8 says:
02:45 PM, 11/17/2011
Ford: Address the ridiculous high starting price of "high 20 thousands" (I am guessing around 26,000-27,000) or at least add a quality differential that you admitted would not be included. Otherwise I will buy the Fiesta ST.
fandiesel says:
02:41 PM, 11/17/2011
Make sure and check before you buy that the 6 speed manual transmission is not that Chinese made GETRAG that has been failing in the MUSTANG !
exinobel102 says:
12:45 PM, 11/17/2011
The interior looks tacky and too adolescent boy racer . The grill looks like a catfish. It's going to be interestig as to how it drives and handles though. I'll keep on buying my hot hatches from VW or Mazda.
rayzor says:
10:28 AM, 11/17/2011
Nice, very nice. Wish I was young again and in the market for a sport compact...Sigh!
frank908 says:
10:16 AM, 11/17/2011
I'd still rather have a GTI. Or a STI for that matter. This looks adolescent at best and no, the GTI and STI don't look as boy-racer as this Focus.
And sure as sh*t won't hold its value like the others as well.
lookatmyshoes says:
10:15 AM, 11/17/2011
If they offer a reasonable equipped version my guess is that it will cost a bit over 30k. engine should have around 250 HP
If I want a nice and stylish hatchback - GTI wins
If I want to have very fast hatch- the Mazda Speed 3 wins
In summary, it is a better idea to have a Focus Sport turbo 1.8 and 180 hp below 25k and will be a great option. Fast, efficient, affordable, Stylish etc..