Ford Focus Reviews

NEW - Ford has always used performance as a selling tool, well, that is except for a few periods where it appeared to be trying to re-invent itself. Over the years the RS badge has been a major part of the company's go-fast image, only the RS500 has topped it.So it was rather comforting to see the company launch the Focus RS, a genuine no-holds-barred performance version of the Focus in 2010.It wasn't cheap, but it could justify its lofty $59,990 price tag by its genuine claims of being able to compete with the likes of the VW Golf GTi and Subaru WRX STi, the benchmarks in the go-fast class. Ford said the RS was all about overt performance and it wasn't kidding.One look at it, with its vibrant colours, pumped guards filled with massive 19-inch alloy wheels, plunging front spoiler and twin-plane rear wing was enough to tell you it meant business.When pressed to the limit it would accelerate to 100 km/h in some six seconds and rush on to a maximum speed in excess of 200 km/h. Lift the bonnet and you found a turbocharged five-cylinder engine that pumped out 224 kW, that's 300 horsepower in proper RS terms, and 440 Nm of stump-extracting torque.A six-speed manual backed the engine, no autos here folks, and it fed a special Quaife limited-slip differential at the front. The suspension was tweaked to eliminate torque-steer, something that can ruin high-powered front-wheel drive cars, and it worked a treat.Huge alloy wheels and specially developed low-profile tyres, sharper steering and big brakes all chipped in to help the RS perform. Inside, it was suitably sporty with sports seats, a chunky steering wheel, short-throw shifter, alloy pedals and extra dials.Backing all of that up was a comprehensive array of safety systems, from ABS braking to ESP stability control and a full complement of airbags.NOWWith only 315 RS models imported there aren't a lot around to choose from, nevertheless it's important to shop around and do your homework before plunging in. Cars like the RS are usually bought by people with a tendency to use the performance, often to its full extent, and sometimes on the track.It can be hard to resist a race when you drive a hot looking and performing car like the RS, and many owners are willing to put them to the test when the chance comes up. With that in mind it's important to thoroughly check any car under consideration for purchase before handing over any cash.Look for any sign of hard use, from bumps and scrapes on the bodywork and wheels, wear on tyres and brakes, clutch wear, and certainly any modifications that might have been made.Modifications can present issues down the track because engines, clutches, gearboxes, brakes and suspensions are put under extra pressure they're not designed for. It's best to walk away from a car that's been modified rather than take the risk.Servicing is critical with any car, but it's more critical with a performance car, especially one with a turbocharged engine like the RS. With that in mind check the service record of your potential purchase, and if it's been done by anyone but a Ford dealer check their bona fides so you have confidence in what has been done.SMITHY SAYSFord's got a performance hero, but it's not for the faint-hearted.Ford Focus RS 2010-2011Price new: $59,990Engine: 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo, 224 kW/440 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 10.4 L/100 kmBody: 3-door hatchVariants: RSSafety: 5-star ANCAP  

People have the wrong idea about this car. It's not a direct competitor for the Renault Megane RS250, Astra OPC nor the VW Scirocco.It's close but not as hard edged. Think the previous Focus XR5 and you're close to the money though the new ST is a sportier drive and has more sting in the tail. Golf GTi springs to mind but the Ford has a lot more grunt.It also has torque steer (momentary loss of directional control in the steering) when you boot the throttle that causes the ST to wriggle around like a worm on a hook.There's no clever "RevoKnuckle" independent steering axis system on the ST instead, straight line control is down to a torque vectoring electronic system.It's partially successful and we have to admit, once you get the hang of it, the problem isn't as pronounced. In fact, you can use it to advantage cornering by letting the car pull you through. Takes a bit of getting used to though.Where the Focus ST has an advantage is in the price at $38,290 - about five grand under the others and those extra doors come in handy-up. To get the ST Ford essentially did a hot-up job on Focus - pinched the EcoBoost engine out of Mondeo and Falcon, enhanced it, lowered the car, fitted lower and firmer suspension with bigger wheels, bigger brakes, body kit.It's all text book stuff. There's more kit too, including satnav, premium audio, Bluetooth phone and audio, LED running lights, Recaro seats with partial leather upholstery, a super steering wheel with multi controls and a reverse camera among the generous feature list.The engine is a 2.0-litre four pot with direct injection, turbo charging and variable cam timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. No wonder it achieves a handy 184kW/360Nm output and can even drink lower octane 91RON fuel though premium fully unleashes the beasts.That's enough to propel the small/medium size hatch from 0-100kmh in a sharpish 6.5 seconds while sipping fuel at an average of 7.4-litres/100km. But the turning circle is atrocious often requiring four point turns in relatively wide streets.The drive experience is excellent with plenty of grip from the big Goodyears and strong stopping power from the large diameter discs. It sits flat through corners and has an overtly sporty feel - just what you want from a hot hatch.The exhaust note is strident aided by possibly the best designed dual tailpipe around short of a Boxster. We found the car easy to live with especially with folding rear seats, a decent boot and easy rear seat access.The seats hold you tight in corners and offer plenty of adjustment for the long haul. We would suggest it's a four seater and not five. The two mode stability control offers normal and sport which is all you need.Some neat touches include the capless fuel filler hidden on near the right tail light, the xenon headlights and auto wipers and lights. Not bad sound either from the Sony system.

The best -- the smartest -- buying of any car type is surely the hot hatch. Please banish any image of young miscreants in children's headwear driving Japanese derived and horribly enhanced doof doof doofus devices.Since the 2005 edition of Volkswagen's Golf GTI, a sum of some $40k will buy you a hatch with the family capacity of most of the small SUVs to which we're hopelessly addicted, but possessed of driving dynamics to rival sports cars priced in triple figures.The trick  -- and it's a neat one -- is to take an inexpensive, mass produced five door shopping trolley and imbue it with performance dynamics without forsaking daily driveability.The best -- and we argue Ford's Focus ST is just that -- are a sublime blend of mild and wild.A tag of $38,290 for a five door (four for passengers, one for their stuff) is sound enough. At this price or more some have only three portals. The standard kit quotient pushes the ST into the terrain of the exceptional Recaro sports seats, dual-zone climate control, heated and folding exterior mirrors, automatic bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming rear vision mirror and rain-sensing wipers.Satnav is no extra, albeit on a smallish screen. Nor are the nine (count 'em) speakers, Bluetooth, flash pedals and keyless entry/ignition. Although manufacture of Australian issue Focii last year shifted to Thailand, the ST remains a Euro Ford.The foundations are, of course, the small car class-leading Focus hatch, most of which run a naturally breathing 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The ST uses the turbo-charged Ecoboost found variously in the Falcon, Jaguar XF and Volvo S60, here tuned to a formidable 184kW/360Nm.That's some way above the GTI, though the Ford is but a few tenths quicker from 0-100km/h at 6.5 seconds. The Ford is also to be had only with a six-speed manual, which restricts its appeal to people who like driving.That experience is enhanced by variable-ratio steering of almost alarming directness. It's equally adept in the carpark as when hooking hard and fast through a favoured open road bend. And that process is lent surety by the torque vector on the front axle that counters the dreaded understeer and goes far toward removing the need for (and extra weight entailed by) driving the rear wheels too.Ford can't quite crack the upper market interior thing. The ST's cockpit is a bit meh, behind most competitors, especially the plush innards of Opel's Astra OPC. The bum-gripping Recaros serve well the ST's remit, but the instrumentation and centre stack of lesser models are no less frantic here. There's a plethora of readouts between the dials, but no digital speedo -- an annoyance of the milder models, a problem in the ST.You won't lose it in carpark though, especially not in the signature yellow you see here. The hot hatch enhancements aren't subtle, nor are they too much. It sits lower than a normal Focus on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 Goodyear rubber. The buckets eat a bit of rear leg room but not its four door facility. At 316 litres the boot's about par.Rear parking sensors and reversing camera are the cherries atop the five star safety cake. These are optional in the GTI and Renault Megane 265. They shouldn't be.It's an almost pleasant surprise when, under hard acceleration, you feel playful tugging through the ST's steering wheel -- otherwise it's refined and well-mannered.This is also one of least laborious manuals you'll drive, summoning all its torque early and smoothly to pull away like a diesel sans the turbo lag that more obviously affects oilers. Nor will you be easily caught out of gear; at just north of idle the ST pulls cleanly in fourth. Only an elephantine turning circle compromises it around town.It's in those ever more difficult to find moments of open road enjoyment that the fast Focus shines. This is the most smartly tuned suspension of any hot hatch in its ability to ride rougher roads without denuding sporting aptitude. Exceptional front end grip and razor sharp turn-in make it the front drive corner carver par excellence.The rival Renault is rightly exalted and just that bit more adept, but I'd rather live with the Focus. Competition is ferocious and about to become more so. For now, however, the ST is our hot hatch choice. Nothing else so smoothly blends driveability, practicality and the ability to induce smiles.

The ST is Ford's first “global” performance car and will be sold in more than 40 countries. Built in Germany the ST is up against some stiff competition, but it's got the right pedigree and commands plenty of respect.There will be no shortage of punters lining up to get their hands on the hot hatch, a long and eagerly awaited replacement for the XR5 Turbo. Although known as the XR5 here, it was actually the ST overseas.Launched in 2006, Ford has sold almost 6000 of the cars here, priced at $35,990. The XR5's turbocharged 2.5-litre five cylinder engine was good for 166kW/320Nm and it did the dash from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds. The new one is 40kg lighter and is cheaper, faster and better equipped.Just the one model, with the one engine, one transmission and one suspension tune, priced from $38,290. Satnav is standard but it's a small display and does not provide speed camera warnings. There's no option to display the car's speed digitally either.Ford makes a big deal of the Microsoft based Sync system in this and others models. The problem is that's not fully functional in this country and really provides only Bluetooth, with audio streaming and voice control. The Sony audio system boasts nine speakers.If anything the styling is understated. The car sits 10mm lower than a standard Focus, with ST tuned sports suspension, a body kit and rear wing, LEDs, bi-xenon lights and Boxster style twin centrally mounted tailpipes.It rides on 18 inch wheels with 235/40 series Goodyear tyres, that protrude further than the rim providing some protection from gutter scrapes. Sadly, though, unlike the XR5, there's no GT stripes available at least not for the time being.Comes in a range of colours, but the standout is by far and away the hero Tangerine “Learner plate” yellow from where we're standing. The cabin has eye catching colour-coded, part leather Recaro sports seats (front and back). But the multi-layered dash is perhaps a little bit too busy and can be confusing until you become familiar with the position of the various functions.It's basically the same 2.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged, direct injection engine from Mondeo and the Falcon, but in a different state of tune with some bits added and others replaced.The end result is an engine that kicks out 184kW of power at 5500 revs and 360Nm of torque from 2000 revs, with drive to the front wheels through a trick diff.The turbocharged four is paired with a short-shifting 6-speed manual with lockout reverse (there's no auto). The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 248km/h. Fuel consumption from the 62-litre tank is 7.4 litres/100km and it takes premium unleaded.Gets a full five stars for safety, with six airbags and a host of safety features including a reversing camera.The sports hatch segment is fiercely competitive and there will be plenty of people out there comparing the figures. Suffice to say the Focus ST looks the part and is a treat to drive, with a sporty, attention-getting exhaust note. The ST sits securely on the road, with a low centre of gravity and desirable "planted" feel.It features variable ratio electric power assisted steering and torque vectoring to provide added traction in corners. There's some squirm as the front wheels scrabble for traction on takeoff, but that's only to be expected. The clutch and gear change are smooth and easy to use, but some drivers complained that the centre console snagged their elbow.The ride is thankfully not too soft, even though it is engineered for global tastes and the more you drive the car the more confidence in its grip and cornering ability grows rounding up nicely on the other side of corners. The stability system has sport and off modes and the steering weights up as the car's speed increases. Braking is strong and progressive, with 320mm front stoppers that have been upgraded.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, found in a range of Blue Oval products from the Fiesta light car to the Falcon large family sedan, deserves more attention than it is getting from the Australian car buying public.Truly a technological tour de force, the EcoBoost engine in all its capacities - the 1.0-litre version won the 2012 International Engine of the Year award - has matched performance and fuel efficiency in a manner unchallenged by most rivals. Now with the latest model to make use of the system – the Focus halo car, the ST – maybe all that is about to change.Built in Germany, the $38,290 Ford Focus ST is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty and Ford’s capped price servicing. Ford is shouting loudly about its SYNC connectivity system; advanced software, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, that enhances Bluetooth and voice control of a number of systems.Voice commands are more elaborate than before and can be used to make phone calls or select music from a digital media player. With automatic phonebook downloading, hands need not leave the multi-function steering wheel and eyes the road ahead. However, while using this system the Ford driver may not be concentrating fully on their driving, thus increasing the chances of a crash.Making use of Ford’s EcoBoost technology, the Focus ST - for Sport Technologies, or Sports Tuning, whichever Ford info you read - is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 184 kW of power and 360 Nm of torque.A new electrical system takes power steering to a new level. At low speeds maximum power is on hand, gradually reducing on acceleration, feedback becoming more direct and steering wheel turn trimmed for the equivalent direction change. Torque steer, although managed to some extent, can sneak up on the driver under acceleration close to the limit.In full sports car operation the Focus ST is capable of the sprint to 100 kilometres per hour from standstill in 6.5 seconds. However, as befits a vehicle of the carbon counting era, the car has an Eco mode which helps the driver work efficiently with gear changes, anticipation of traffic conditions and at speeds on highways. A display, using up to five petals (the most efficient), scores the driver for fuel efficiency.   If EcoBoost has been hidden, the same cannot be said about the ST packaging, which has an unmistakable look about it. The car immediately presents its sporty credentials with a black trapezoidal grille incorporating red ‘ST’, bi-xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights plus static cornering lights. Side skirts, a bold rear roof-mounted spoiler and centrally located twin tailpipes bring down the curtain on the complete hot hatch.A five-seater, keyless entry opens the door to an ST cabin with soft-touch surroundings; always a sign of quality. Occupants can settle into body-hugging bespoke Recaro seats covered in black leather with contrasting tongues of material matching the car’s exterior colour.Up front, seat features include length adjustment and cushion tilt, while an all-new rear bench, made with special foam, makes sure passenger comfort is not compromised. Legroom and headroom are good in the back and front. Leather trim extends to the multifunction steering wheel, and gear and handbrake levers. As well as a range of standard instruments and dials, sport-style gauges, on top of the dash, monitor turbo boost, and oil pressure and temperature.Going backwards, a crystal clear full-colour image projected on a 5-inch screen on the central dashboard, together with guidelines, helps show the way. The screen is also home to sat nav info and maps. The suspension is fully in harmony with the active safety features of the car, having upgraded shock absorbers and springs, which lower the chassis by 10mm compared to other Focus models.The rear suspension additionally has also been revised with a number of new parts developed specially for the Focus ST, which rolls on 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Tyres with deflation detection. The package has resulted in the vehicle earning a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Accelerator pedal pressure is the key to a crescendo of under-bonnet sound designed to stir the driving enthusiast’s soul. The sharp action of the stubby gearstick – optimised by the dash-mounted shift indicator – is matched by the take-up of the clutch; it’s either in or out, there’s little leeway here.Brakes on the test car took time to get to grips with, being as sharp and attentive to pedal movement as the clutch. Alloy pedal covers cash in on the ST’s sporting nature. An unusually wide 12-metre turning circle for a car of this class resulted in some frustrating to-ing and fro-ing in limited parking areas.

Mitsubishi Lancer LX and Ford Focus Ambiente go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

The muscle car era is being left behind by turbocharged hot hatches.Coming in at $38,280, the Focus ST should have a long list of eager buyers keen to get behind the blue oval brand. The ST comes equipped with a range of voice command features, a 5-inch colour screen display which is integrated with a nine-speaker audio system and a SYNC connectivity system which enhances Bluetooth and the voice control systems.Ford has dropped the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder in the XR5 in favour of a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder. This is effectively the unit in the four-cylinder Falcon and despite smaller capacity, delivers 184kW of power and 340Nm of torque -- 20Nm more than the XR5.There's an overboost function that briefly takes torque to 360Nm and its sprint time to 100km/h is just 6.5 seconds, making it line-ball with the Volkswagen GTI. On price it comes in below that car and equivalents from Mazda, Mini and Renault.Transmission is by six-speed manual only, which will limit its appeal, although competitive economy of 7.4 litres per 100km should not put too many off. Special plumbing tries to make the most of the stifled sounds generated by turbocharged engines, and it's partially successful but could use a bit more growl going up through the gears.Another turbo limitation is rev-ability, and while the ST has strong, linear power delivery with great flexibility at low revs, the redline arrives relatively early. The suspension is a revised version of the standard set-up, with upgraded shock absorbers and springs that lower the car 1cm.The Focus is a good looking car and the ST improves it with 18-inch alloys, a reworked grille and body kit. It looks best in candy shades; dark colours can make it appear bland, especially from the rear. Inside, Recaro seats keep you snug and there's a driver-pleasing wheel.The gearshift action and pedals are fine and traditionalists will be pleased to see an old-fashioned handbrake. Where it loses me is its over-fussy dials and an air of immaturity to the centre console design, which is a confusion of buttons and dials. Where do you start?The electric power steering has a system to counter torque steer -- wheel-tug under hard acceleration -- and another system that brakes the inner wheel during cornering to reduce understeer -- the tendency to plough straight ahead. Torque steer isn't absent but the Focus is one of the best-handling hatchbacks around and this one only enhances its reputation.It turns into corners quickly and thanks to variable ratio steering, introduced here, it tackles hairpins without your hands leaving the wheel. It has a nicely planted feel on the road with body movements well damped and a very acceptable ride quality. Overall composure is excellent and falls short only of the very best in this category, such as the Renault Megane RS265. Negatives include a little too much tyre and wind noise.

Toyota 86 GTS and Ford Focus ST go head-to-head in this comparative review.

With everything that’s going on in the automotive industry it’s hard to focus on the... well, Focus. However, the latest in the line of Ford’s small passenger car – the Focus ST – demands attention.Built in Germany, at $38,290 the Ford Focus ST is right in the melting pot of European-style hot hatches and is on sale now. It is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty and Ford’s capped price servicing.Voice commands (fully tuned to the Aussie accent, we are told), more elaborate than previously, can be used to make phone calls or select music from a digital media player. With automatic phonebook downloading hands can stay firmly on the steering wheel; eyes firmly on the road ahead.A 5-inch full colour screen displays sat nav info and is integrated with the Sony nine-speaker audio system, while a full bag of active and passive safety systems has earned the Focus ST a five-star ANCAP rating. Ford, however, is most proud of its SYNC connectivity system, advanced software, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, that enhances Bluetooth and voice control of systems.With the suffix ST, for Sports Tuning, the hot hatch, which tops off the latest Focus range, makes use of the company’s EcoBoost engine, in this case a 2.0-litre GTDI turbocharged four-cylinder unit. This is the first time EcoBoost has been brought to bear in a Ford sports car, and hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission, has the car hitting 100 kilometres an hour from rest in a spritely 6.5 seconds – that’s the ‘Boost’ bit.The ‘Eco’ part comes with the gasoline Direct Injection GDI engine surprisingly sipping just 7.4 litres of 95 to 98 RON petrol per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, while at the same time putting out 172 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, giving it Euro stage 4 status. Radiator grille shutters further improve fuel economy by automatically closing to improve Focus aerodynamics.A sports suspension is uniquely tuned for the ST and together with 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Tyres with deflation detection help to overcome insecurity on corners. A black trapezoidal grille incorporating red ‘ST’ sets the scene up front, while bi-xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights plus static cornering lights point to the use of state-of-the-art automotive technology.The Focus ST has been designed to catch the attention of the onlooker. Side skirts are the latest in fashion and lead to a bold rear sporting a roof-mounted spoiler and centrally located twin tailpipes. In the cabin, occupants are met with Recaro leather trimmed sports seats – snug fitting all round for the average-build person – sports alloy pedal covers and leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, gear and handbrake levers.Smart key is backed up by a dash-mounted engine start / stop button. Satellite navigation and reversing camera come to the aid of the driver, while occupants can take advantage of dual zone air-conditioning.Launched in Australia in the alpine region of Victoria, my co-driver for the day cheekily suggested we take the bright yellow-to-orange car, in which ‘we wouldn’t draw much attention to ourselves.’ Yeah, right, with a name like Tangerine Scream was there ever a more apt colour for a halo car?And the drive? It was a perfectly pleasant way to spend a birthday – relaxed with just the right amount of added adventure on the tight twisty roads to put the icing on the cake. Nothing fancy next, with power being distributed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Backed up by gear-shift indicator on the dash, the gears slip from cog to cog with the swift and smooth action of the stubby lever on the centre console aided by a no-nonsense clutch.Increased pedal pressure is rewarded by an increasingly sporty sound from the motor finding its way into the cabin, while torque is automatically varied between the front wheels to maintain tyre grip on fast bends further adding to the enjoyable driving experience.The steering is sublime. The new system takes power steering to a new level. Electrically assisted, operation is at maximum power at low speeds, when parking, for example, and gradually reduces on acceleration, keeping the driver in touch with what is happening between tyre and road. Feedback becomes more direct as the speed increases and steering wheel turn is trimmed for the equivalent direction change.