Ford has refreshed the snappy little Focus ST

Friday, 15 October 2021

Ford has given the Focus ST an update, along with adding hybrid power to the ST-Line X and Active variants.

Ford has updated the Focus ST with refreshed looks, more technology and two new electrified options.

Starting with the new variants, the Focus range will get 48-volt mild hybrid versions of the Active and ST-Line X, helping reduce emissions.

All the new Focus models have slightly altered styling, with the ST-Line X getting a special upper grille with a gloss black honeycomb finish and bigger side vents and lower grille. The ST-Line X also gets side skirts, a rear diffuser and a small rear spoiler.

The new Ford Focus ST in its new Mean Green paint finish.

Meanwhile, the Active features some SUV design cues like a raised ride height with black body cladding, along with vertical strakes in the grille.

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New Performance front seats are part of the update package.

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All Focus models also get the new Sync 4 infotainment system, coming with a 13.2-inch touchscreen.

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Ford isn’t talking specifications yet but did confirm both models will get a seven-speed automatic transmission. They will also get special drive modes, ranging between Normal, Sport and Eco modes that can adjust the responses of the throttle pedal, steering and gearbox.

The Focus Active also gets a Slippery mode for low-grip situations and a Trail mode that apparently helps “maintain momentum on deformable surfaces.”

Meanwhile, the Focus ST has been given new exterior styling along with new Ford-developed Performance seats to replace the Recaros on the previous model. Exterior changes include honeycomb upper and lower grilles, larger side vents, new side skirts, and redesigned spoilers on the lower fascia and roof at the rear.

Power still comes from a 2.3-litre Ecoboost turbocharged four-cylinder making 205kW/420Nm, paired with a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

The Focus ST also features selectable Drive Mode technology including Slippery, Normal, Sport, and Race Track; each with its own unique digital cluster design.

All Focus models get the new Sync 4 infotainment system, supported by a new 13.2-inch central touchscreen. The screen incorporates air conditioning controls, reducing clutter in the centre console, and offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Pricing and full specifications for the new Focus line-up will be confirmed closer to the mid-2022 launch date.