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Video: Focus ST vs. Focus ST Diesel

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By EditorTurner

Video: Focus ST vs. Focus ST Diesel

Diesel vs. Petrol

Ford pits the EcoBoost hatch against the diesel wagon on the road course

By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Last summer we introduced you to the latest version of the Focus ST. The 2015 model year brings some minor styling changes, but the powertrain remains largely untouched—in the U.S. anyway. As much as it is a world car, the Europeans still get something special, a diesel version. And, in a new video, the two go head to head on the historic Castle Combe course in the UK.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Focus ST produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter engine puts out 185 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Clearly the petrol-burner has an advantage, but the Diesel seems to hold its own.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Focus ST produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter diesel engine puts out 185 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Clearly the petrol-burner has an advantage, but the diesel seems to hold its own.

Now we are going to chalk this one up as just for fun, as it’s not a true apples-to-apples comparison. You see, the Focus ST is not only available with a diesel in Europe, but as an estate, That’s what we would call a station wagon. So, the more powerful EcoBoost ST hatch going against the less powerful, heavier diesel estate is not really a fair fight.

As such, the diesel estate gets a bit of a head start in the little race around the circuit. Clearly Ford is trying to showcase the viability of the diesel in the performance car, as most of the shots are of the diesel’s driver Steve Sutcliffe.

Watch the two cars in action right here:

That said, our curiosity was already piqued. What might driving a diesel ST be like? After seeing this video, we are even more excited. It even sounds great.

In the video an EcoBoost hatch takes on a Diesel Estate. We would think that switching that around to an EcoBoost Estate versus a Diesel hatch might have evened things out a bit more.
In the video an EcoBoost hatch takes on a diesel estate. We would think that switching that around to an EcoBoost estate versus a diesel hatch might have evened things out a bit more.
As you might expect, the “race” ends in a tie, but you have to admit that bot the Petrol- and Diesel-powered versions of the ST look pretty great going around the track.
As you might expect, the “race” ends in a tie, but you have to admit that both the petrol- and diesel-powered versions of the ST look pretty great going around the track.

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