Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the new Ford Focus ST

Today's reminder of how much more awesome the Euro-market Ford Focus is than our own comes from Ford UK, where the latest, greatest Focus ST goes on sale starting Thursday. As you're probably well aware, in ST trim the newly-restyled Euro Focus gets the once-over from Ford Europe's in-house tuning arm, TeamRS. The standard engine offerings are replaced by a turbocharged 2.5L five-banger underhood that's good for 225 PS (around 223 hp), is mated to a six-speed stick, and lets the Focus ST do 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds. According to Ford, the new ST also lapped the Nordschleife in 8:35. The exterior is dressed up with 18-inch wheels, the expected body kit and available racing stripes. Inside, the proper cockpit gets a push-button starter and Recaro seating. Depending on the ST trim level selected (there are three) and available options chosen, you can add all manner of comfort and convenience features to the spiffy-looking pocket rocket. Even Bluetooth... but not SYNC. Something tells us the Brits aren't crying in their beers over this.

Yes, we know that the next-gen Focus will be global and that the U.S. will share the same car sold in Europe. No, that doesn't make looking at this any easier in the meantime. Ford's official missive is pasted after the jump.


[Source: Ford]

Click image for photo gallery

Yesterday's Focus ST500 special edition is cool and all, but what most Focus fans overseas are looking forward to is the next ST. Well, the wait's over thanks to the UK's Auto Express. The mag has pulled the cover off of the updated hot hatch, which incorporates all the latest Ford of Europe design cues. The headlights are very Mondeo, and that gaping lower intake shows us that the maw on the Verve concept was not some show car exaggeration. It's a styling element that's now officially been used on a production vehicle. Around back, the hatch is updated and the rear bumper has a diffuser insert.

As before, 3- and 5-door models will be offered, and the new car's powertrain also remains unchanged. It packs the same 2.5L 222-horsepower turbo five-cylinder underhood as the outgoing car, and it even keeps the same pricing scheme. The three-door ranges from £17,995 for the ST to £19,995 for the loaded-up ST-3. Five-door versions add another £600 to the bottom line. The updated Focus ST goes on sale in March 2008. While our pals across the pond get this toy to play with, we're stuck with the new car whose front end looks like it's made of Duplo blocks. But it has Sync, so rejoice.

[Source: Auto Express]