We may not even have a Focus RS, but Ford has not forgotten how to "spice up" the Focus and the proof of this is the Ford Focus ST Edition , an exclusive version and even more focused on the dynamics of the American brand's hot hatch.
Destined only to some European markets (we have no indication that the Portuguese is one of them), the Focus ST Edition starts to stand out thanks to a set of stylistic details.
The color, “Azura Blue”, is exclusive to this version in the Focus range, having only been seen so far in another model of the blue oval brand: the Fiesta ST Edition that made its debut. Contrasting with this painting, we find gloss black finishes on the grille, bumpers, mirror covers and on the rear spoilers and diffuser.
But there is more. The 19” five-spoke wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are also new (and helped to reduce unsprung masses) and even the “ST” logos were retouched. Inside we have Recaro sports seats partially upholstered in leather and blue stitching.
More refined dynamics
Despite the distinctive decoration, it was in the ground connections that the biggest differences between the Ford Focus ST Edition and the other Focus ST were concentrated. To start with, it received adjustable coilovers from KW Automotive and these even received an additional tuning by Ford Performance.
They are 50% firmer than the suspension of the “normal” STs, allowing a reduction in height to the ground by 10 mm, with an additional adjustment of 20 mm being possible if the customer so desires.
In addition, the driver is also able to adjust the shock's compression and decompression in 12 levels and 15 levels respectively. There are so many adjustments allowed that Ford created a guide with suggestions for adjustments for the most diverse situations, including the “mandatory” visit to the Nürburgring.
To top it all off, the Focus ST Edition also features an active limited-slip differential (aka eLSD), multiple driving modes and 330mm front and 302mm rear discs.
Unchanged mechanics
Under the hood everything remained unchanged. Thus, the Ford Focus ST Edition continues to use the 2.3 l four-cylinder turbo used by the rest of the Focus ST with 280 hp and 420 Nm. In this case, the transmission is exclusively in charge of a manual gearbox with six ratios.
All of this allows it to reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h and meet the traditional 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7s.
Exclusively available in a five-door version, the Ford Focus ST Edition sees its price starting in the UK (one of the selected European markets) at 35 785 pounds (about 41 719 euros). For now there is no indication as to how many Focus ST Edition units Ford plans to produce.