A Ford insider has reportedly confirmed to Autoexpress magazine that the hotted-up ST version of the new Focus hatchback will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. We remind you that the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan variants of the all-new Focus broke cover at the Detroit Show in January, followed by the European-market-only Station Wagon at the Geneva Salon in March.
It is possible that Ford may introduce the three-door hatchback version of the Focus alongside the ST in Paris. Either way, as with the current model, the hot hatch will be offered in both three- and five-door flavors.
Ford's product development boss, Derrick Kuzak, has already confirmed that the new ST will make use of the company's new EcoBoost engine (see here). This means the current ST's 225HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five will be replaced by Ford's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which is already offered on the refreshed S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs with 203HP, as well as on the facelifted Mondeo in 203HP and 240HP versions.
"Our commitment is to deliver an exciting performance model of the new Focus on a global basis and using a version of our advanced new Ford EcoBoost petrol direct-injection turbo engine," said Kuzak back in March. "We're not ready to reveal more details yet, but we recognize how important this model will be in the Focus line-up, particularly for customers in Europe."
We assume that the Focus ST will either get the Mondeo's 240HP unit, or perhaps an even more powerful version churning out around 250HP.
In addition to the EcoBoost engine, the new Focus ST will get a tweaked chassis with upgraded suspension, steering wheel and brake systems, as well as the usual aero add-ons and uprated alloy wheel / tire combos.
And while we know for sure that Europe will get the new ST, the company has yet to confirm U.S. availability.
*All Photos are of the standard 2011 Focus hatchback
Source: Autoexpress
8 Comments:
too bulbous! looks like a puffer fish...
whatever, the new Focus is the ugliest of its category, Megane, Astra, C4, they all look better and more premium than this
Inflated like the 70's AMC Pacer. The 2010 Dodge Caliber and Mazda3 are far more attractive. I drove a Mazda3 as a rental and a couple of Calibers while my Dodge Challenger was on order and we needed an extra set of wheels. Dodge has done a decent job repairing the Caliber's initial image of less than par interior materials. All that has changed, but I still favor the Mazda. The Honda Fit is neat and has superior quality and reliability and is a lot roomier than it looks. I think my wife will go with the Caliber, Jeep Compass or Jeep Patriot because of even more interior space and the availability of a sunroof, something not on every Mazda3 model. Dodge has a price advantage. We looked into a Ford Fiesta, but it is cramped and quite a slug power wise. We wanted to love it. I do like it over this heavy and over styled Escort. The Fusion is a decent sedan, but lacks the versatility of a five door hatchback and is priced to high.
The Ford Taurus is another Ford product that looks bloated.
Does this thing tweet?
Maybe like "I am about to be recalled!"
This is a nice looking vehicle and a 2.0-liter turbo w/ be great in US. However, a tall wagon or mpv such as the C-max (5 passenger) with adjustable rear sliding seating for more legroom would be fantastic with a turbo: fun, practical and roomy. Remember, Americans are stepping down from large SUV's. Forget the 7 passenger Grand C-max for US as Americans wont pay that price for a snug fitting mini-van when they can get a bigger van for the same price. Bring over the Focus station wagon before thinking about the the Grand C-Max. Also, offer a 2 door Fiesta in US as small car in US and entry level- younger people prefer 2 door cars as considered sportier.
Better get some earplugs handy. That little 2.0T makes a racket (and not in a good way) when pushed hard .
Anyone who isnt a nutter like to make a comment here?
It looks way better than the Fiesta.
P.S. Is that a boner in the first photo?!
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