Ford Focus ST Edition: cooked up at the Nürburgring with an extra kick of spice

Ford has just repeated exactly the same formula with the Focus ST, just as it did with the Ford Fiesta ST Edition, which was unveiled earlier this year, 2021. As with the Fiesta, the engineers at Ford Performance have tweaked the sporty compact to further improve its dynamic behaviour, a behaviour that is already fabulous in its own right.

The first and simplest thing that tells us this version is not the conventional one is that Ford has dressed this Focus ST Edition in the exclusive Azura Blue, a colour we already know from the Fiesta ST Edition we have already told you about, or from the radical Focus RS. In addition, the chrome elements have been painted black, giving a more aggressive appearance.

To this outfit, which, truth be told, is not very discreet, have been added new ultra-light forged wheels of 19 inches, which reduce the unsprung mass of the assembly by 10% on each wheel. This is one of the first factors we are going to tell you about that influences the improvement in the dynamic behaviour of this hot hatchback. Behind these wheels hide 330 mm brake discs at the front and 302 mm at the rear which, in conjunction with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres -whichever the customer chooses- are a good first step in starting this recipe.

The key point

Aesthetically, Ford has not fitted any further novelty to the bodywork, except that we can see the ground clearance has been reduced. This is because an adjustable suspension developed by KW Automotive has been fitted. Specifically, it is a high-performance threaded suspension that lowers the car by 10mm compared with a conventional ST, and can be lowered by up to 20mm if the user wishes.

Subtle and beautiful

These dampers feature 16 grades of adjustment and 12 compression levels, as well as a 50% harder calibration, which give it great stability in corners and a behaviour that will undoubtedly win the hearts of many.

Under the bonnet we find the same engine that powers the conventional Ford Focus ST, i.e. the 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder, with 280 CV of power and 420 Nm of torque. This powertrain is paired with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and a 6-speed manual gearbox with “flat-shift” function -which allows you to change up without lifting off the accelerator.

Coming to Europe

Ford has indicated that this version will arrive in Europe, though not everywhere, so we will have to wait and see whether Spain is finally one of the countries chosen for the arrival of this so-desirable sporty compact.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackFord Focus19 versions · from 31,034 €