Even though the Ford Focus RS is now dead, at least the big blue oval isn’t side lining fans of its Ford Performance sub-brand. Well, in the UK at least, because the Brits still get to enjoy their Focus STs (which already has more than enough performance), and for this year’s update, the new Focus ST Edition even gets an upgraded adjustable suspension right from the factory!
The two-way adjustable coilovers are supplied by KW Automotive, which were then tuned by Ford Performance on the Nurburging. The suspension features twin-tube stainless steel damper housings, powder-coated in the signature Ford Performance blue colour, and drops the ride height by 10 mm, along with a “more than 50%” increase in spring rates compared to the standard ST.
The ride height can be further dropped by up to 20 mm, and the drivers can also individually adjust the 12 jounce and 16 rebound settings to their own likings.
If that all sounds like a foreign language to you, don’t worry – Ford has also prepared a technical document with recommended settings for different driving conditions (including a special Nurburgring Nordschleife setting) to help you extract every last drop of performance from the hot hatch.
Complementing the new suspensions is a new set of black-painted multispoke 19-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which – aside from looking cool – helps reduce unsprung weight on each corner by 10%.
The Ford Focus ST Edition also comes with an eLSD, which utilises a set of hydraulic clutches to distribute up to 100% of the available torque to the wheel with most traction. Other performance upgrades include a new improvedsteering knuckle design, and performance brakes with discs measuring 330 mm at the front, and 302 mm at the rear.
Looks wise, the ST Edition stands out from the regular variants with an exclusive coat of the Azura Blue hue, which debuted in last year’s Fiesta ST Edition, paired to a blacked-out grille, bumper inserts, wing mirrors, roof, rear spoiler, and diffuser. The ST badges also get special treatment here, edged with a black surround.
Inside, the ST-branded Recaro leather/suede sports seats get unique blue cross stitching – an accent that’s also repeated on the leather steering wheel, gear lever gaiter, centre console knee pads, and floor mats. Last but not least, the engine start button is now finished in a red colour with matching ST badges, setting the mood every time the driver starts the car.
The new Ford Focus ST is as tech-laden as it is fast. Learn more about it here.
There are no changes under the bonnet of the ST Edition; the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine still makes the same 280 hp and 420 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox – the ST Edition is not available with the seven-speed DCT.
Performance wise, the Ford Focus ST reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.7 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.
GALLERY
