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Ford unveils first ever diesel Focus ST, plus more efficient petrol edition

The new Ford Focus ST features a host of tweaks, both on the surface and under the bonnet — not least a new diesel engine option.

The sportier version of Britain’s favourite car has just undergone a rework. It will now feature a more efficient petrol engine as well as a nippy yet extremely frugal diesel unit for those who want their cars both extreme and economical. 

The new Ford Focus ST is at Paris Motor Show.
The new Ford Focus ST is at Paris Motor Show.

The ST’s face has been subtly reworked. The honeycomb grille is slimmer, sitting slightly higher on the bumper, the bonnet crease no longer arches around the Ford badge, and the fog lights have been squared off, beautifully complementing the diamond-shaped ‘get out of my damn way’ headlights.

Two engine options are available, including a 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol delivering 250PS — good for a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds. While that’s exactly the same performance as the previous car, fuel economy jumps slightly to 41.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 110g/km — improving on the 39mpg and 169g/km achieved by the outgoing model.

The Focus ST will also be available with a diesel engine option for the first time. The 2.0-litre TDCi produces 185PS, enough for a reasonably sprightly 8.1-second 0-62ph time. More impressive is the fact it allows 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km.

The new Focus ST will feature sports suspension, and new shock absorber tuning in both the front and rear have been combined with the existing anti-roll bars and rear springs to provide a dynamic drive. 

Ford has also developeda technology that might as well make the ST psychic. Enhanced Transitional Stability (ETS) will actively predict and intervene in a potential skid, rather than just react to one, as is the case with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Fret not, though — if you like doing things without assistance, the ETS can be disabled in Sport and Off Modes.

Inside the cabin lies a haven of connected vehicle technologies, including SYNC 2, which now offers voice control to your smartphone applications.

The Focus ST will be available to order in the UK from autumn 2014, with the first models set to arrive in dealerships from early 2015. Pricing will be confirmed nearer the release date. 

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