Ford adds premium package to Focus ST
Ford Australia has added a premium, performance flagship to the Focus ST family, the limited-run (200 units) ST-3.
“The Focus ST has attracted a passionate following, and the ST-3 supplements our highly popular Ford Performance portfolio that also includes the Fiesta ST, Mustang and Ranger Raptor,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “The premium equipment levels add an extra touch of prestige to the Focus ST’s already highly-regarded performance credentials, with the technology and innovation our enthusiast customers expect in a hot-hatch.”
ST-3 carries over the existing high-performance, all-aluminium 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 206kW at 5,500rpm and 420Nm of torque at 3,000 to 4,000 rpm. This is the most powerful engine offered in a Focus ST. The car is available only with a 7-speed automatic transmission. ST-3 features driver-selectable Drive Modes, with an electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD), Launch Control, Ford Performance shift-lights, Flat-Shift and Anti-Lag technology as well as Ford’s Continually Controlled Damping (CCD) with the Pothole Detection system used on the regular ST.
The car’s aggressive stance is achieved with 19-inch machined alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 Pirelli P-Zero tyres as standard. Like the Focus ST-1, the ST-3’s front and rear brake components are clearly visible, with red brake calipers that clamp 330mm front and 302mm rear ventilated discs.
Externally, ST-3 is identical to the regular Focus ST-1 with the exception of the Sequential LED Turn Signal and LED headlights with Ford’s Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS) that utilises the front-facing camera used by the vehicle’s active safety systems to monitor the road ahead. By harnessing camera and lighting technologies, ASF tracks lane markings so that it can direct headlights into curves before the driver has turned the steering wheel.
On the inside, the Focus ST-3 adds a number of premium features, including heated and electrically adjustable Recaro sports seats trimmed in leather and suede, with larger bolsters for improved lateral support during cornering. Both front seats feature ST logos, and lumbar support.
Thanks to the head-up display, the driver can remain focused on the road ahead, while all occupants can enjoy the B&O PLAY sound system with 10 speakers and sub-woofer delivering high-fidelity sound. A panoramic sunroof completes the sporty, yet premium interior appointments.
Ford Performance instrumentation is standard, as are aluminium pedals, while the standard automatic Focus ST-3 takes advantage of the current-generation e-shifter, which improves space while enabling a cleaner console look. An electronic park brake also improves space and interior sophistication, while a flat-bottom heated ST steering wheel, wrapped in perforated leather, houses audio and SYNC 3i controls.
SYNC 3 includes a high-definition 8.0-inch touchscreen display, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability. Functions, including Siri, can be accessed via the steering-wheel mounted voice activation controls, with capabilities including voice-activated text messaging. In addition, ST-3’s standard built-in sat-nav can also be accessed by voice-command, with the system specially engineered to understand Australian accents.
The Focus ST-3 also features wireless smartphone charging as standard, keyless entry, push-button engine start, ambient LED lighting, and dual-zone climate control.
For ST customers who crave a manual transmission, ST-1 continues to be available with either a standard six-speed manual transmission, or optional 7-speed automatic. Ford’s rev-matching and flat-shift technology is standard for manual models. Rev-matching enables less-experienced performance drivers to benefit from the seamless, momentum-maintaining gearshifts delivered by the “heel-and-toe” driving technique.
ST-3 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty, as well as Ford Service Benefitsv, which includes Service Loan Car Program and SYNC 3 sat-nav mapping updates to eligible customers at participating dealerships.
Like the regular Ford Focus ST-1, Focus ST-3 will be fully imported from Germany later this year.
PRICING
MLP – $47,990
Optional Prestige Paint – $650
