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News: 2015 Focus ST Revealed

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By EditorTurner

News: 2015 Focus ST Revealed

Taut Hatch

Ford tweaks the Focus ST for 2015 with a fresh look, a tighter suspension, and a diesel option!

By Steve Turner

Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

If you were looking for a completely new Focus ST to roll into the Goodwood Festival of Speed, you might be a little disappointed. However, if you love the hot hatch like we do, you might just appreciate the styling refresh and suspension enhancements offered by the 2015 Focus ST.

With new headlights, hood, fascias, and foglights, the 2015 Focus ST stands apart from its ’13-’14 predecessor. The unseen improvements are revised suspension tuning and an enhanced interior layout. HID headlights are standard on ST2 and ST3 versions.
With new headlights, hood, fascias, and foglights, the 2015 Focus ST stands apart from its ’13-’14 predecessor. The unseen improvements are revised suspension tuning and an enhanced interior layout. HID headlights are standard on ST2 and ST3 versions.

“Since its debut, Focus ST has been bringing our fun-to-drive DNA to the hot hatch segment with a uniquely Ford blend of driving dynamics, performance and style,” Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, said. “Now, with improved dynamics, an updated suspension, new styling and a more sophisticated cabin, we expect the 2015 Focus ST will remain the hottest hatch worldwide.”

The ST is still available in three trim levels—ST1, ST2, and ST3. Cloth and leather Recaros with exterior-keyed choices of Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm, or Race Red are part of the ST2 group, while the charcoal leather Recaros are in the headlining ST3. Oh, and don’t get too excited about that sliding cover over the cupholders if you live in the US. That cover is only available on the European STs.
The ST is still available in three trim levels—ST1, ST2, and ST3. Cloth and leather Recaros with exterior-keyed choices of Tangerine Scream, Performance Blue, Smoke Storm, or Race Red are part of the ST2 group, while the charcoal leather Recaros are in the headlining ST3. Oh, and don’t get too excited about that sliding cover over the cupholders if you live in the US. That cover is only available on the European STs.

While we held out hope for a bump in horsepower courtesy of a turbo upgrade, the engine performance remains status quo. As we said, Team RS did tweak the handling, and those improvements come courtesy of new front springs and revised front and rear damper tuning. The Electric Power Assist Steering tuning was also enhanced to make use of the revised suspension tuning.

“We are proud Ford has long enjoyed a reputation for producing performance hatchbacks with superb driving dynamics, and the new Focus ST further ups the ante,” Raj added. “The engineering enhancements to the suspension and steering deliver greater responsiveness, agility and precision—all of which will reward the performance enthusiast with an exhilarating driving experience.”

In back, the fascia’s wide swath of black plastic is readily apparent. It seems like an area ripe for aftermarket improvement. All the dampers are upgraded, but Team RS only retuned the front springs. The Rado Gray wheels and red calipers are standard, while an over-the-top stripe package with matching mirror caps is optional. Most envied by your author is the inclusion of a rear-view camera, which was conspicuously absent from the prior models.
In back, the fascia’s wide swath of black plastic is readily apparent. It seems like an area ripe for aftermarket improvement. All the dampers are upgraded, but Team RS only retuned the front springs. The Rado Gray wheels and red calipers are standard, while an over-the-top stripe package with matching mirror caps is optional. Most envied by your author is the inclusion of a rear-view camera, which was conspicuously absent from the prior models.

Of course, the apparent change to the ’15 ST is the styling refresh, which carries over inside out. Most obvious are the new headlights, rectangular foglights, new hood, and revised fascias, front and rear. The nuances aren’t drastically altered from the outgoing version, but keen performance fans will notice them right away.

“The design of the new Focus is stronger and sportier, and that allowed us to make the new ST even more aggressive and dramatic,” Moray Callum, Ford group vice president, Global Design, said. “The front bumper is deeper, the honeycomb upper grille is higher and more upright, and the lower grille is larger. The deeper rear bumper really emphasizes the width of the car.”

To really set your ’15 apart, you can opt for two new over-the-top striping options in Satin Black or High Gloss Red. Matching mirror caps are included with the stripe option as well. One other way to distinguish the latest ST is the new paint option, Magnetic Metallic, which displaces Ingot Silver from the palette.

Designers cleaned up the center stack and console, reducing the number of buttons, which is said to make the ST’s impressive suite of electronics more usable. That compartment in front of the shifter is known as a media bin, and it features a new “smart” USB port, which is said to charge your devices twice as fast.
Designers cleaned up the center stack and console, reducing the number of buttons, which is said to make the ST’s impressive suite of electronics more usable. That compartment in front of the shifter is known as a media bin, and it features a new “smart” USB port, which is said to charge your devices twice as fast.

Inside, designers made over the center stack and console with fewer buttons to improve the ease of use and increase storage. In deference to the sporty driving this ST is intended for, the ’15 features a flat-bottom steering wheel for improved leg clearance. Those in northern climes might opt for the newly optional heated version of this wheel.

We can’t wait to get behind that flat-bottom steering wheel to see if these updates are for the better.

Here's a peek at that optional new wheel design...
Here’s a peek at that optional new wheel design…
The most intriguing 2015 Focus ST announcement was the news that Europe will get this diesel version. Its 2.0-liter engine puts out 185 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque while delivering over 53 miles per gallon!
The most intriguing 2015 Focus ST announcement was the news that Europe will get this diesel version. Its 2.0-liter engine puts out 185 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque while delivering over 53 miles per gallon!

 

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14 thoughts on “News: 2015 Focus ST Revealed”

    • European Diesel? I live in Detroit and just can’t wrap my head around the fact that I have to buy a ‘European’ VW to get a diesel because Ford is sending all of thier diesels, assembled just a few miles away, overseas.

    • Tasteful upgrades indeed! I especially like the flat bottomed steering wheel. However, why are we in the US shortchanged when it comes to engine options? A Focus with 185 HP and 295 lb./ft. of torque and 53 mpg would seem to be a very desirable option here.

      Especially since this is a large country, 53 mpg with a 13 gal. tank would take one approx. 650 mi. – more than most anyone would drive without a break. And the mpg figure would help to mitigate the absurd diesel fuel prices in this country. Yesterday I paid $3.39/gal. for 87 octane “regular”. Diesel at the same station was about $3.95/gal. – 20% more expensive!! With a 53 mpg capability diesel becomes a viable option for those who want their performance on a budget.

      C’mon Ford, do the right thing and gives us that diesel Focus!!!

      -CD-

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