Review: Ford Focus ST (2019)

New Focus ST on sale in summer 2019 with prices from £29,500 for the diesel and £31,500 for the 280PS 2.3 Ecoboost petrol.

Available as a five-door hatchback or estate, the new Focus ST is powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine producing 280PS and 420Nm of torque. There will also be a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel version with 190PS and 400Nm.

Based on the excellent new Focus, the ST model is set to be as comfortable as it is fun to drive, says Ford. The position of the Recaro front seats has been finely tuned - suggesting they might not be as high up as they were in previous models - while tweaked engine mounts provide an increase in refinement.

An ST-embossed aluminium gear knob and scuff plates add a sporting touch to the interior, along with a sport steering wheel, alloy pedals and metal grey stitching. There's also Ford's SYNC3 multimedia system, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The petrol Focus ST hits 62mph in less than 6.0 seconds - half a second quicker than the old model, and potentially as fast as the Honda Civic Type R.

Selectable drive modes will be offered for the first time on a Focus ST, along with an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). This will ensure the front-wheel-drive system responds quickly to changing grip levels and driver inputs.

Buyers get the choice of a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lag technology developed on the Ford GT supercar will be introduced on the Focus ST to ensure immediate power delivery when in Sport or Track drive modes.

Also new is rev-matching technology which automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, available as part of the optional Performance Pack for 2.3-litre EcoBoost manual models.

Exterior colours include Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury - both exclusive to the ST in the Focus range - along with Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Buyers can choose between 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Ford Focus ST 2.3 Ecoboost 280 2019 Road Test