New Ford Focus ST (Motor-heads only)

[dla389]

The new Ford Focus ST, which Ford are bringing out in 2012 to replace the current version, was unveiled today - and will be previewed at the Paris Motor Show next month. Notable features will be a power boost from 220bhp to 247bhp and a new 2.0-litre (four-cylinder) Ford EcoBoost engine, in replacement to the 2.5-litre turbocharged Volvo engine. The engine seems very thirsty for it's power output, but apparently the new EcoBoost engines will offer clean and better economy.

On the subject of EcoBoost, I heard the Volvo engine was dropped as it will not meet the Euro 5 emissions regulations, but I haven't found anything official. I would like to see Ford's equivalent to VW's DSG, the six-speed 'PowerShift' semi-automatic gearbox available as an option, as it isn't on the current ST (not sure on the RS/RS500 either). Anyway, here are some photos:


Front end - horrible looks, reminds me of Peugeot's current range of massively mouthed cars like the 308, and the current Mazda 3. Looks like a goldfish too. I'm sure it will catch plenty of flies with that big honeycomb grille though. ;D


Rear end - not too bad looking really, though it looks like something out of Transformers. I think the rear lights look better than the eye-level clusters on the previous cars.


Final impressions. I don't have much to say on it, other than I really don't like the design and look of the exterior. Maybe it will look better in the flesh. The older pre-facelift 2006 version looks much better and more aggressive IMO, this one looks like a potential downgrade if anything. I think it would look a million times better in a more respectable colour though, as I really can't stand any form of bright colour on a car, especially gold, lime or yellow. Personally I think the car in black, dark red or dark blue will look decent and suit it better. Thought I'd also mention, the Autocar website's latest report states there will be no production 3-door model, which is such a shame. I think in the small hatch and hot hatch market, 3 doors sell more cars than 5 doors - but I am taking Autocar's statement with a pinch of salt as I seem to recall earlier reports that Ford were focusing on the 5-door model, before a 3-door comes available further down the line. Give me a Golf GTI anyday...

Any opinions?

[Volvo]

That looks alright but i prefer the curent one.

[dla389]

Sept 15, 2010 14:24:15 GMT Volvo said:

That looks alright but i prefer the curent one.

Mutually agree, the designers should be sacked. ;D

[Volvo]

Plus i prefer the 2.5ltr 5 cyl turbo volvo engine in the current ST/RS sounds awesome
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUvpFT9og6k ST

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T77UU0HGJzA&feature=related RS

[Deleted]

Sept 15, 2010 11:57:49 GMT @dla389 said:

The new Ford Focus ST, which Ford are bringing out in 2012 to replace the current version, was unveiled today - and will be previewed at the Paris Motor Show next month. Notable features will be a power boost from 220bhp to 247bhp and a new 2.0-litre (four-cylinder) Ford EcoBoost engine, in replacement to the 2.5-litre turbocharged Volvo engine. The engine seems very thirsty for it's power output, but apparently the new EcoBoost engines will offer clean and better economy.

On the subject of EcoBoost, I heard the Volvo engine was dropped as it will not meet the Euro 5 emissions regulations, but I haven't found anything official. I would like to see Ford's equivalent to VW's DSG, the six-speed 'PowerShift' semi-automatic gearbox available as an option, as it isn't on the current ST (not sure on the RS/RS500 either). Anyway, here are some photos:


Front end - horrible looks, reminds me of Peugeot's current range of massively mouthed cars like the 308, and the current Mazda 3. Looks like a goldfish too. I'm sure it will catch plenty of flies with that big honeycomb grille though. ;D


Rear end - not too bad looking really, though it looks like something out of Transformers. I think the rear lights look better than the eye-level clusters on the previous cars.


Final impressions. I don't have much to say on it, other than I really don't like the design and look of the exterior. Maybe it will look better in the flesh. The older pre-facelift 2006 version looks much better and more aggressive IMO, this one looks like a potential downgrade if anything. I think it would look a million times better in a more respectable colour though, as I really can't stand any form of bright colour on a car, especially gold, lime or yellow. Personally I think the car in black, dark red or dark blue will look decent and suit it better. Thought I'd also mention, the Autocar website's latest report states there will be no production 3-door model, which is such a shame. I think in the small hatch and hot hatch market, 3 doors sell more cars than 5 doors - but I am taking Autocar's statement with a pinch of salt as I seem to recall earlier reports that Ford were focusing on the 5-door model, before a 3-door comes available further down the line. Give me a Golf GTI anyday...

Any opinions?

Its a Ford Boy racer car. Prefer the XR3i tbh!

[eggmiester]

Having owned both Escort XR3i and and Focus ST (current version) i much prefer the ST!!!

As for the new one, design wise i think it looks like a blown up fiesta!

Also think its a shame they've dropped the 5 cylinder volvo T5 engine in favour of a Turbo'd 2litre lump. The T5 has soo much potential, just look at what they've done with it in the current RS.

[Volvo]

Sept 15, 2010 15:24:40 GMT eggmiester said:

Having owned both Escort XR3i and and Focus ST (current version) i much prefer the ST!!!

As for the new one, design wise i think it looks like a blown up fiesta!

Also think its a shame they've dropped the 5 cylinder volvo T5 engine in favour of a Turbo'd 2litre lump. The T5 has soo much potential, just look at what they've done with it in the current RS.

Oh Egg I envy you ;D, love the current ST and RS.
by the way the RS has a potential to go upto 407bhp from the standard 305bhp and aparently the ST can go upto 307 bhp from the standard 225bhp.

read it in a august issue of auto car, as these speed freaks keep tuning RS' at current they have got the standard RS to 383bhp the next milestone they hope to reach is 398bhp then 407bhp from a front wheel drive car!
also

[Deleted]

Ewww. The design looks horrid would rather prefer the RS then the 2012 ST...

Have driven a BMW Series 1 4th Gear is the max i'd go to LOOL

[Volvo]

The 2012 RS is going to have the same design but will be 3 door only and will look a bit more 'boy racer than that'


current ST www.netcarshow.com/ford/2008-focus_st/800x600/wallpaper_07.htm
www.netcarshow.com/ford/2008-focus_st/800x600/wallpaper_09.htm

current RS www.netcarshow.com/ford/2009-focus_rs/800x600/wallpaper_33.htm
www.netcarshow.com/ford/2009-focus_rs/800x600/wallpaper_3c.htm

[Deleted]

I actually quite like it! Although cars always look better in the promotional pictures.

If I was to choose a Ford, it would be the Fiesta Mark V.

[Volvo]

That is a nice little car the new fiesta but I would rather the ST or RS lol.

[Deleted]

I think its ugly. The rear looks way too busy with lines and dents everywhere. The mk1 Focus from 1998 was the best looking.

[Volvo]

I hated the look of the mk 1 focus, was not fond of that atall. With its slanting dashboard aswell.

[dla389]

New images of the Focus ST and the up-coming mark III Focus from yesterdays Paris Motor Show can be seen here, along with live shots:

www.flickr.com/photos/fordeu/sets/72157624899986815/
www.flickr.com/photos/fordeu/sets/72157624935828027/

I'm starting to hate the look of this car more and more. It is not like we need another 4-pot 2.0 turbo in the world, the current Volvo 2.5T is full of character and is the best part of the car (in my opinion). It's just a shame the eco tree huggers managed to kill it off. It will be made even worse if there is no RS later on. Still yet to see it in the flesh to make a final judgement.

The interior looks fab though: www.flickr.com/photos/fordeu/5036101665/sizes/l/in/photostream/

I know there is too much going on inside, but the more toys on a hot hatch the better, I say. And why are the air vents vertical?

[dla389]

Sept 15, 2010 19:51:10 GMT @truffles1234 said:

If I was to choose a Ford, it would be the Fiesta Mark V.

Nice cars those are, the driving school I'm currently with are stocked up with them and is what I'm driving now in my lessons. I prefer the facelifted mark II Focus I was driving when I began with AA, the handling felt slightly better IMO and I prefer the dash compared to the mark V Fiesta's one which just looks strange to me. I don't like the look of that 'mobile phone-inspired' radio system either, but from the exterior the car is very good looking I reckon.