2015 Ford Focus ST launches from $38,990

2015-ford-focus-st

The facelifted 2015 Ford Focus ST is set to arrive in showrooms across Australia this May priced from $38,990 plus on roads. The new hot hatch costs $700 less than the current model, but packs additional tech and features, boosted with improved dynamics.

Visually, the revised LZ Focus ST features sportier and more athletic styling. The lower, wider stance sports a new dynamically sculpted bonnet, slimmer headlamps and new rectangular foglamps.

The 2015 Focus ST also debuts a new exterior paint colour called Stealth, exclusive to the ST. Deep Impact Blue also is new to the range that also includes Tangerine Scream, Frozen White, Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Race Red.

The redesigned interior dumps the fussy layout of the old for a more intuitive, simpler configuration with a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly fewer buttons in the cabin.

An additional bank of three gauges is situated on the instrument binnacle and displays turbocharger boost pressure, oil temperature and oil pressure information.

Satin chrome door grab handles and illuminated aluminium scuff plates add extra touches of refinement, while a new, flat-base leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and a satin chrome-topped gear lever complete the interior changes.

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Building on the already impressive handling of the current model, Ford has sharpened the 2015 Focus ST with a retuned sports suspension featuring all-new front springs and new shock absorber settings front and rear, with stiffer suspension bushes on the front lower control arm and rear spring links.

The car’s electric power steering has also been recalibrated for a sportier feel.

Driver assistance, convenience and connectivity technologies introduced for the first time on the LZ Focus ST include Ford’s new SYNC 2 connectivity system which offers access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones using voice control or through the 8-inch colour touchscreen.

The 2015 model also gains adaptive front lighting as standard, while the optional Technology Pack can be specified, which features a host of driving aids including Active City Stop, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Auto High Beam Headlamps.

Under the bonnet, the 2015 Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 184kW and 340Nm, unchanged from the current model. It drives the front wheels through a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with no auto option planned.

Auto-Start-Stop is offered for the first time, improving the fuel efficiency and helping make it the most fuel-efficient petrol Focus ST ever with a combined fuel efficiency figure of 7.3L/100km

Read ForceGT’s Ford Focus ST Review

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