moparfan

EUROPE ONLY!

• Ford newest hot hatch, the Focus ST, has officially arrived—unfortunately only for the European market.
• Based on the new-generation Focus compact car, the new Focus ST has a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower that mates to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.
• Enthusiasts will be bummed that Ford has no plans to bring any version of the new Focus to America, as the company has killed off all car nameplates in its U.S. lineup save for the Mustang.

Ford has worked hard to establish itself as a leading purveyor of hot hatches, and that narrative is continuing with the new 2019 Focus ST—except in the United States, that is. Because of Ford's decision to slash nearly all car nameplates from its U.S. lineup, no version of the new Focus will come here, leaving us to gawk at the new ST's goodness from afar.

With the new global fourth-generation Ford Focus hatchback as its base, the new ST uses a familiar formula, bringing big turbocharged power, extra visual aggression, and numerous chassis upgrades. The standard engine is a version of the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine found elsewhere in Ford's lineup, here making 276 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque—a healthy upgrade over the current car's 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed automatic is a new addition. There's also a diesel version of the ST; its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine makes 187 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.


FordPerformance goodies, most of which are part of an optional Performance pack, include a limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, rev-matching capability for the manual, and launch control. Stiffer damping, larger brakes, and retuned steering are also on hand, as expected.

We love the way the new Focus ST looks on the outside. The larger wheels, body kit, aggressive front grille, and dual exhaust complement the Focus hatch's attractively proportioned look nicely. Inside, key additions include Recaro front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and several ST badges.

Adding insult to injury for Americans, Ford will also offer a wagon version of the Focus ST when this new model goes on sale in Europe this summer. We've been crying out for Ford to reverse its decision not to bring the new Focus here for a while, and the full details on this ST only have us hoping more than ever that we may someday get a chance to see this hot hatch here.



https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a2...e-photos-info/

GaBe511

iTrader: (12)

It looks like a Mazda

huzzle101

iTrader: (5)

Definitely looks like a mazda

whtrice

iTrader: (6)

The Focus was getting "long in the tooth" and sales fell off last year. This refresh offers allot of new options (Limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, rev-matching capability for the manual, and launch control. Stiffer damping, larger brakes, and retuned steering) part of a performance pack. Figures Ford gives the US the finger for profitability sake.

It's Ok Ford we will just buy the cooler and cheaper Hyundai Veloster N. Go ahead American?? car company.....Turn your back on us.

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

Sucks. They make the car better, one that would probably sell well, and don't bring it here...lol

whtrice

iTrader: (6)

Right....almost spiteful in a way. I am still mad the way they deployed the RS in Europe first. They had it 8 - 10 months or so longer before us it seems. Then we get it only to be prey to the wonderful dealer mark ups. Great way to deploy a car.

Wonder if Japan would let Toyota or Nissan get away with that kind of business.

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

Dealers are franchise's. THe MSRP is just that, "suggested" retail. Dealers can discount or up charge as they see fit. Clearly plenty of people still bought the car.

Japan wouldn't do anything. The Civic Type R was sold with dealer mark ups in the US as well..

whtrice

iTrader: (6)

Yeah I have to get over the markup issues. I saw a 2018 Shelby GT 500 listed as new with a 110K asking price. Your right.....some rich dude will eventually buy it.

My point was I don't know of a car that a Japanese company has ever made overseas and forbid it to be imported back to Japan. Especially if it was interesting.

moparfan

They did this last year with the new Fiesta ST. Europe-only also.

whtrice

iTrader: (6)

Yeah and how abouts the new ST-line Fiesta..... an auto, non boosted peach for the US folks! Gee thanks Ford ...Lol

Noize

iTrader: (24)

whtrice

iTrader: (6)

Mazda smiles better for the camera though............