It’s official – Ford is readying an all-new hot hatch version of the Focus. Speaking on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, product development boss Derrick Kuzak confirmed that a new fast Focus is on the way.
“It will get an EcoBoost turbocharged engine, be exciting to drive, great to look at and certainly worth waiting for,” Kuzak said. Likely to be badged ST, the new model will ditch the current car’s 2,5-litre five-cylinder engine for a more efficient and more powerful direct injection EcoBoost unit. Ford is staying tight lipped for now about exact details, but it’s thought to be a 2,0-litre offering 186 kW. Along with 350 N.m of torque, it should rocket the new ST from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 6 seconds and onto a top speed of 248 km/h. That will put it ahead of the VW Golf GTi and make it as quick in a straight line as the RenaultSport Megane 250.
While enthusiasts will miss the sound of the old ST’s warbling five-cylinder unit, they’ll welcome the new car’s increased efficiency. Expect 8 l/100km combined and CO2 emissions of 175g/km. Factor in torque vectoring and a range of driving modes – two of the new Focus’ highlight features – and it should be a hoot to drive.
The new Focus 5-door hatchback will go on sale in Europe early next year, so don’t expect to see the ST until the mid to third quarter of 2011 at the earliest. Before then, Ford will launch a last-of-the-line RS ‘Clubsport’, before embarking on a replacement for the RS, which will get the same 2,0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine, supplemented by a hybrid system complete with four-wheel drive.
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