Ford launches revised Focus ST

Ford has launched the revised Focus ST, which makes its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Along with styling changes and suspension revisions, the big news is that there will be a diesel option in the shape of a 2.0 TDCI unit with 185PS that promises official economy of 61.4mpg. The new Focus ST will arrive in early 2015.

The ST TDCI will be a strong rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTD thanks to a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds while CO2 emissions of 114g/km mean low annual tax. It will feature alongside the petrol powered Focus ST which retains the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 250PS.

Its 0-62mph time remains unchanged at 6.5 seconds but, thanks to an automatic start/stop system, fuel economy has improved slightly to 41.5mpg while lower emissions, now 158gkm, mean it drops down one VED band. It also gets a sports tuned exhaust and thanks to 400Nm of torque which is available from just 2000rpm, in-gear pace should be strong.

Styling changes for the refreshed Focus include a new bonnet design narrower headlights, a bigger front bumper and rectangular fog lights, giving it a more aggressive appearance. A new dark grey paint colour called Stealth is available as are new 19-inch ST Design alloy wheels.

The interior also gets an overhaul with a simpler layout with less buttons on the centre console and a redesigned flat-bottomed leather steering wheel. New options include Adaptive Front Lighting which adjusts the angle and intensity of the xenon lights.

Under the skin there are significant changes with new springs and shock absorbers for the front and rear suspension while the calibration of the power steering has been altered to make it more responsive. Ford has revised the Electronic Torque Vectoring Control settings to improve traction while Michelin has developed a new 19-inch tyre for the ST, designed to maximise lateral grip.