Review: Ford Mk.3 Focus ST (2012-18)

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• Powerful 2.0-litre ‘EcoBoost’ engine
• Excellent dynamics
• Accurate steering
• Chassis feels rigid

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• Torque steer
• Big turning circle
• Tyre roar on coarse roads
• EcoBoost engine lacks character of five-cylinder unit in Ford Focus XR5 Turbo

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Ford LW Focus ST (2012-14)

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Overview

Released in Australia in October 2012, the Ford LW Focus ST was a five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Saarlouis, Germany, the front-wheel drive Focus ST was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

EcoBoost engine

The Focus ST’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine had a cast aluminium cylinder block with an 87.5 mm bore and 83.1 mm stroke for a capacity of 2000 cc, a cast aluminium cylinder head, direct fuel injection, a single-scroll Borg Warner turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, twin-independent variable cam timing (Ford’s ‘Ti-VCT’), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.3:1.

In normal operation, the turbocharger provided boost pressure of 1.34 bar (19.5 psi). However, an ‘overboost’ mode could increase turbine speed for up to 15 seconds at a time – increasing boost pressure to 1.45 bar (21 psi) – for peak torque of 360 Nm from 3000 to 4500 rpm.

The Focus ST could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and had a top speed of 248 km/h.

Fuel consumption

Over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle, fuel consumption for the Focus ST was 7.4 litres per 100 km; 95 RON premium unleaded petrol was recommended, though the Focus ST could run on 91 RON unleaded petrol.

Transmission

The Focus ST had six-speed ‘Durashift’ MMT6 manual transmission which had a 240 mm clutch and dual mass flywheel. For gear ratios, please see the Focus ST specifications document.

Dimensions

Compared to the standard LW Focus , the Focus ST was 4 mm longer (at 4362 mm), though width (2010 mm), height (1484 mm) and wheelbase length (2648 mm) were unchanged; kerb weight was 1454 kg.

The Focus ST had an Active Grille shutter for aerodynamic efficiency and an overall drag coefficient of 0.295 Cd.

Suspension

The Focus ST had MacPherson strut front suspension with independent, multi-link rear suspension. Compared to the standard LW Focus, the Focus ST had a 10 mm lower ride height, uprated shock absorbers and springs, and new rear suspension knuckles and anti-roll bars.

Steering

The Focus ST had variable ratio, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) with Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC). According to Ford, the TSC system would:

• detect the torque steer that may occur on uneven surfaces or surfaces with uneven grip levels when the throttle was applied; and,
• communicate with the EPAS software to counteract the torque steer effect that would ordinarily be experienced through the steering wheel.

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Focus ST included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

For the Focus ST, the electronic stability control system had standard, off and reduced slip modes. For the latter, traction control was turned off and the stability control system would intervene ‘only as absolutely necessary’.

From June 2013, the Focus ST was fitted with ‘Emergency Assistance’ which could automatically contact emergency services in the event of an accident and provide the vehicle’s GPS location; existing customers were also able to have the function activated on their vehicles – at no cost – through participating Ford dealers.

Brakes

The Focus ST had 320 mm by 25 mm vented front disc brakes and 271 mm by 11 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Mk.3 Focus received a five star safety rating which included a 92 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious lower leg injury for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and, in the more severe pole test, chest protection was rated as marginal for the driver.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with an overall score of 34.17 out of 37.

Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control

The Focus ST had Ford’s ‘Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control’ which could:

• apply the brakes to the inner wheel when cornering to reduce understeer (also known as torque vectoring by braking); and,
• apply engine torque – in power-18 and power-off conditions – to create yaw and reduce understeer prior to the intervention of the electronic stability control system (Ford’s ‘Cornering Under Steer Control’ or CUSC).

Features: Focus ST

Standard features for the Focus ST included 18 x 8.5J alloy wheels with 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres, a nine speaker Sony sound system with a five-inch TFT display and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Ford’s ‘SYNC’ connectivity system with satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Recaro front seats with body-coloured matched partial leather trim and four-way manual adjustment, a Recaro rear bench seat, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and static cornering lights, LED tail-lights, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors with automatic folding function, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, push-button start, a 12 volt power socket, tyre pressure monitoring, illuminated vanity mirrors, ambient lighting, front and rear floor mats, a trip computer, an immobiliser and Thatcham alarm.

Visual cues for the Focus ST included a high-gloss black front lower grille, ST side skirts, an ST spoiler and dual centre exhaust pipe. Inside, there was also a black headliner, unique ST leather gear knob, ST sports pedals and front stainless steel scuff plates.

From October 2014, the Focus ST featured Ford’s ‘SYNC Applink’ which enabled drivers to use steering wheel mounted buttons and voice control to access compatible iOS or Android smartphone apps such as Pandora Internet Radio, Omny and Club Connect.

Active Sound Symposer

To amplify engine frequencies between 200 and 450 Hertz, the Focus ST was fitted with an ‘Active Sound Symposer’ which consisted of:

• a sound tube that was attached to the intake manifold and extended to the cabin;
• a composite ‘paddle’ that would vibrate with intake air pulses; and,
• an electronically controlled valve which would open and close according to driver behaviour (i.e. engine speed, throttle position and gear selection).

Paint colours

The Focus ST was available in Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Colorado Red, Frozen White, Moondust Silver and Panther Black paint finishes.

Related links

• Brochure: Ford LW.II Focus (September 2012)
• Specifications: Ford LW.II Focus ST (November 2012)

Review: Ford LZ Focus ST (2014-18)

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Overview

Production of the LZ Focus ST commenced in late 2014, with the official Australian launch following in May 2015. To reduce fuel consumption, the LZ Focus ST had an ‘Auto Start-Stop’ function which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. As a result, fuel consumption over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle was 7.3 litres per 100 km. The LZ Focus ST was also compliant with Euro VI emissions standards.

The LZ Focus ST had revised suspension which included new front springs, ‘sportier’ shock absorber tuning front and rear, and stiffer bushes on the front lower control arm and rear spring links. According to Ford, new engine mounts also improved ‘power delivery refinement’ under hard acceleration, particularly front wheel traction and gear shift quality. The calibration of the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), torque vectoring control and stability control systems was also revised.

Inside, changes included a new flat-base sports steering wheel with soft-feel leather covered trim, a satin chrome-topped gear lever, satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the LZ Focus ST was unchanged, though the LZ Focus ST was available with an optional, $2000 ‘Technology Pack’ which included:

• Active City Stop (ACS): provided automated braking at speeds of up to 50 km/h;
• Blind Spot Detection (BLIS);
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA);
• Lane Keeping Aid (LKA);
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW);
• Driver Impairment Monitor (DIM); and,
• Auto High Beam Headlamps (AHB).

Features

Standard features for the LZ Focus ST were extended to include Ford’s ‘SYNC 2’ connectivity system with an eight-inch colour touch screen. The LZ Focus ST was offered with Ford’s programmable ‘MyKey’ which could be used to limit the vehicle’s top speed, the volume of the audio system and prevent the driver from disabling the electronic stability control (ESC) system.

Paint colours

New paint finishes for the LZ Focus ST included Stealth (grey), Deep Impact Blue, Tangerine Scream, Race Red, Frozen White, Moondust Silver and Panther Black.

Related links

• Specifications: Ford LZ Focus ST (April 2015)
• Behind the Wheel: 2015 Ford Focus ST Review
• Wikipedia.org: Ford Mk.3 Focus