Ford Australia has confirmed local prices and specs for the 2020 Ford Focus ST ahead of its showroom arrival penned in for the first quarter of next year.
Originally revealed back in February, the new Focus ST will joined the delayed new Fiesta ST next year. The new model brings in some appealing stats for the hot hatch market, especially as this segment is really hotting up and quite competitive at the moment.
Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 206kW and 420Nm, which is right at the meaty end of the class standards. This is sent through a six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive via an electronic limited-slip differential. For the first time, buyers will also be able to option for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The new model features Ford’s latest sports suspension system with a fully independent rear end and adaptive dampers. There’s also 19-inch alloy wheels that wear sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres measuring 235/35.
As standard the 2020 Ford Focus ST comes impressively equipped to suit the modern everyday hot hatch driver. The dash incorporates an 8.0-inch touch-screen media interface running SYNC 3, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as Siri voice command, with tunes sent through a 10-speaker B&O Play stereo.
Other highlights include wireless phone charging, push-button start, and a host of advanced safety systems including autonomous emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, a 180-degree parking camera system, and adaptive cruise control. In an official statement, Kay Hart, president and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand, said:
“The Focus ST joins the Fiesta ST for 2020, offering a full suite of Ford Performance hot hatches for local enthusiasts. Both bring new technology, with the Focus ST building on the innovation and tech leadership of the new-generation Focus, delivering a highly capable and livable performance hatch.”
The new model will go on sale during the first quarter of 2020, as mentioned, with prices starting from $44,690 for the manual and auto (excluding on-road costs). A panoramic sunroof will set you back $2500 extra, and premium paint pushes the price tag $650 north.
