FORD has upped the posh stakes of its Focus ST scorching hatch by launching the ST-3; a brand new limited-run flagship for the Focus vary that provides a heap of additional creature comforts to the present ST package deal.
Priced from $47,990, 200 ST-3s will enter showrooms carrying a $3100 premium over the common ST (now often known as the ST-1) with the additional outlay netting patrons a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker B&O sound system, head-up show, energy adjustment and heating operate for the entrance seats and a complicated entrance lighting system.
The remainder of the ST-3’s customary equipment listing reads the identical because the ST-1’s with highlights together with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite tv for pc navigation and the Ford PassConnect embedded modem, a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, wi-fi telephone charging, automated headlights, dual-zone local weather management, Recaro sports activities seats, LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers amongst others.
Visually the ST-3 is equivalent to the ST-1 save for the camera-based energetic headlights and sequential LED indicators.
It’s the same story below the bonnet too with the ST-1’s powertrain going fully untouched, that means the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine nonetheless churns out 206kW of energy and a class-leading 420Nm of torque.
Not like the usual automotive nevertheless which is out there with the selection of both a six-speed guide or a seven-speed automated transmission, the ST-3 will ship solely with the torque converter with a Ford Australia spokesperson telling GoAuto the self-shifter was the “best option for the ST-3”.
“Whereas prioritising driver involvement and dynamic capability, the seven-speed automated displays the Australian C-segment scorching hatch purchaser’s use of the Focus ST as a multi-purpose efficiency hatch that doubles as a shared household automobile,” they stated.
In accordance with Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic, the common Focus ST has already “attracted a passionate following” with the ST-3 set to drive the enchantment up even additional.
“The premium gear ranges add an additional contact of status to the Focus ST’s already highly-regarded efficiency credentials, with the expertise and innovation our fanatic prospects anticipate in a hot-hatch,” he stated.
Attributable to arrive in native showrooms later within the 12 months, the ST-3 can even herald the arrival of a delicate spec change for all variations of the Focus ST with the present Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber being swapped out in favour of Pirelli P-Zeroes.
Ford offered 356 Focuses by the primary quarter of 2021, accounting for a slim 1.3 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small automotive section, effectively and really off the tempo of its Japanese and Korean rivals just like the Toyota Corolla (7381/27.6%) and Hyundai i30 (6676/25.0%).
2021 Ford Focus pricing*
| ST-Line (a) | $29,490 |
| Energetic (a) | $30,490 |
| ST-1 | $44,890 |
| ST-1 (a) | $44,890 |
| ST-3 (a) | $47,990 |
*Excludes on-road prices
