StangBangers Road Test: 2013 Ford Focus ST: Boost Is Addictive

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. - July 20, 2013 - PRLog -- The all-new for 2013 Ford Focus ST brings the Sport Technologies (ST) badge worldwide for the first time. The highly efficient new 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost® engine helps the Focus ST achieve a class-leading 32 mpg highway, 23 mpg city and 26 mpg combined with 252 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM and 270 lb.-ft. of torque@ 2,500 RPM, via a precise-shifting six-speed manual transmission.

The turbocharger makes up for the smallish engine displacement, making it unnecessary to downshift to speed up/pass; just push down on the gas pedal, and the turbo magically adds displacement on the fly.

The five-door Focus ST hatchback is Ford’s first truly global performance car, building on the heritage of previous Focus ST models in Europe with exhilarating performance, tight handling, quick steering, addictive engine/exhaust sound and a sporty design. Intake noise pumped into the cabin adds to the experience.

Ford’s lightweight, all-aluminum EcoBoost engines provide the power of a larger engine in a fuel-efficient smaller displacement, leveraging three key technologies. High pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency.

The EcoBoost engine offers drivers the “best of both worlds”: Impressive power and torque throughout the rev range at their disposal; for everyday driving, however, the characteristics of the Focus ST let them drive in a more fuel efficient way.

Mated to the 2.0-liter engine is a six-speed manual transmission, which has specially revised gearing to produce the maximum punch from each throw of the gear shift. A short first-gear ratio provides quick off-the-line acceleration, while second through fifth are calibrated to be close-ratio meaning smaller rpm drops between gears.

The ST is front-wheel drive, and with this much power on tap, you need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel when launching hard. The electronics are there to counter the torque steer, but you still need to pay attention when driving briskly, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

The previous generation European-engineered Focus ST was acclaimed for its five-cylinder engine sound. With the introduction of a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine into the latest Focus ST, the Ford sound engineers ensured the audible delights from the new engine maintains the same robust tone. A significant part of this process is the reworking of the famed sound symposer, first found on the previous Focus ST and subsequently employed on the European Focus RS and RS500 models.

Driving dynamics are at the heart of the Focus ST. Innovation and technology combine to create a chassis capable of exceeding the expectations of even the most demanding driving enthusiast, while giving even novice motorists an unforgettable drive.

The newly-developed Ford Sport Steering System variable ratio steering rack is designed to increase the agility of the Focus ST on winding roads yet still inspire the same high-speed confidence. The unique system makes steering less sensitive when driving in a straight line, but increases the feel during cornering. Drivers can keep their hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel through tight hairpins, maximizing their control over the vehicle. It also has benefits in slow-speed situations such as tight parking maneuvers, with less input needed from the driver to direct the vehicle into the space.

The exhilarating drive of the new Focus ST encourages you to spend as much time behind the steering wheel as possible. It doesn’t hurt that the interior of the Focus ST is a great place to be, helping the driver to feel as connected to the vehicle as possible.

The interior boasts a bold, high-contrast sport cockpit with unique ST gauges with red needle pointers, specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift. RECARO front seats are specifically designed for performance driving.

On the outside, the iconic Y-shaped wheel spoke design of the European Focus ST has evolved for the new incarnation. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels carry on the recognized Focus ST style but subtle revisions bring them up-to-date for 2013.

Wrapped around the alloy wheels are high-performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires, developed after rigorous testing on all kinds of road surfaces and conditions, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

The striking one-piece design interpretation of Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille at the front, through the sculpted side skirts and the dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser-style vents in the lower fascia, the Focus ST’s design adds an aggressive stance and aerodynamic stability.

Safety/Standard options include: AdvanceTrac® with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), dual-stage first-row airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The sophisticated AdvanceTrac system offers drivers three modes to choose from:

- Standard: Designed for all road surfaces, dry, wet or snow.
 - Sport: Traction is controlled by the driver, and AdvanceTrac activates only when necessary.
 - Off: For use on the track with the system completely shut off.

When it comes to Technology, the ST offers an array of tech features including:

- SYNC® with SYNC Services
 - SYNC with MyFord Touch®
 - Voice-activated Navigation System
 - Easy Fuel® capless fuel filter
 - Intelligent Access with push-button start
 - MyKey®

Our test vehicle came equipped with the optional ST3 Package: Sony audio system with 10 speakers (subwoofer in trunk), MyFord Touch with 8.0" LCD color touch-screen in center stack, dual zone electronic automatic temperature control, HD & satellite radio, Recaro full-leather seats, HID Headlamps, cornering lamps, LED signature lighting, ambient lighting, overhead console, heated mirrors and navigation system.

Driving enthusiasts, you have been warned. This car is way too much fun to drive slowly. Starting at $23,700 (MSRP), you get a relatively inexpensive pocket-rocket with lots of horsepower/torque, go cart handling, quick steering, impressive braking, slick shifting, all wrapped up in a sporty package with room for five.

Just one thing… Perhaps they should rename the Turbo Boost gauge on the dashboard as the FUN gauge.

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