2014 Ford Focus ST makeover and new diesel: specs and prices
Ford has released full specs and pricing of the new Focus ST hot hatch, revamped for 2014 and featuring a new diesel option.
The scorching Focus ST is a firm favourite in our office, and it's about to get even better as Ford gives it a complete makeover and even a new hot diesel engine. Prices will start at £22,195, and its available to order now.
It receives the same upgrades as the standard 2014 Focus we tested in hatchback form a few weeks ago, meaning a new larger front grille, redesigned light clusters front and rear, and a lower and wider stance.
But the big news is the ST TDCI diesel, a first for Ford's ST performance range since the Mondeo ST TDCI ten years ago. With 182bhp and a significant 400Nm of torque, it should seriously bring the fight to the VW Golf GTD diesel hot hatch.
It also emits only 110g/km of CO2 and manages 67mpg, figures which are, spec-for-spec, identical to the GTD. It's also priced the same as the petrol ST, which will gives buyers a tough choice between extra power and better economy.
The 0-62mph time for the diesel is quoted by Ford as 8.1 seconds, slightly down on the VW, and the top speed is 135mph. The current 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine remains relatively unchanged, still producing 247bhp, although emissions have been brought down by 10g/km to 159g/km.
Ford has also made some welcome chassis tweaks, including new springs and uprated shocks, and recalibrated electric steering that gives a bit more feel. New engine mounts have also been added that, according to Ford, improve the smoothness of power delivery. The Electronic Torque Vectoring control has also been optimised for better front-end traction out of corners.
Inside, to complement the new eight-inch touchscreen multimedia system (available on ST-3 models) and higher-quality interior trim, there are the familiar ST traits. The additional gauge 'pod' on top of the dashboard remains, but there is also a new flat-bottomed sports wheel, and ST-branded recaro seats.
Prices for the ST range from £22,195 for the base ST-1 hatch (in either petrol or diesel), with an £1,100 premium for the estate. It rises to £25,995 for the full-loaded ST-3 (£27,095 for the estate). Deliveries will commence in February 2015.
Now read our in-depth review of the new Ford Focus.
