Vehicle Spotlight: Ford Focus ST

In 1998 Ford made a move that has changed the company ever since. They decided to enter into the “hot” hatchback scene with the Ford Focus. It was a wise move as the majority of competitors in the market came from Europe and Japan. The Ford Focus has had an enormous evolution through it’s production cycle since 1998. Now on the third generation, Ford decided to add a new Focus line known as the “ST” that is geared around performance. The “ST” made it’s debut in 2012 (other countries saw the ST available prior to 2012 in various racing events) with a 2.0 liter turbo charged engine capable of producing 252 horsepower from the factory.

Click for Ford Focus ST Images

Today’s Ford Focus ST has not changed much since it’s debut specifications. You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”! The current ST offers the same power plant, 2.0 turbo that is capable of generating 252 horsepower and 270 lb. torque. The ST offers front wheel drive (All Wheel Drive available only for RS model) and a six speed manual transmission. The ST is capable of producing this kind of power while still providing some of the best gas mileage (22 City/30 Highway/Combined 25 seen in a fast hatchback thanks to its ECO engine technology.

A short list of standard equipment includes:

• 18 Inch Alloy Wheels
• Performance Brakes:
  Power four-wheel disc with Anti-Lock Braking System, AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Torque Vectoring Control
• Keyless Entry and Ignition
• Sport Tuned Suspension:
  – Independent MacPherson struts with Reverse-L lower control arms
  – Integral strut, gas-charged hydraulic
  – Independent short-and-long arm (SLA) with one upper and two lower control arms
  – Gas-charged hydraulic
  (Upgrade Your Suspension with our Ford Focus Suspension/Coilovers
• Six Speaker Sound System with Voice Activation Features

For the full list of standard equipment and available upgrades visit: Ford Focus ST Equipment

There are also 2 packages to choose from, ST2 and ST3.

ST2 Package Includes:

• Recaro Front Sport Seats (Standard Rear Seats)
• Dual Automatic Climate Control
• Cloth and Leather Interior
• MyFord Electronics
• 8 Inch Touchscreen
• Sony Sound System – 10 Speakers

ST3 Package Includes Everything in the ST2 Package Plus:

• Heated Front Seats
• Recaro Rear Seats (ST2 only includes front Recaro Seats
• Full Leather Interior
• Upgraded Interior Lighting
• Navigation System
• Optional Sunroof
• Bi-Xenon Headlights

Overall, reviews and impressions from enthusiasts and drivers alike are quite high. Card and Driver rate it 4.5/5. Interior is high quality considering price, smooth ride, fast acceleration, a blast to drive, comfortable drive considering a sports car, and reliable. Most of all, it is without a doubt one of the best bang for your buck car purchases any enthusiast could make.