Earlier this year, Ford unveiled a mid-life facelift of the Ford Focus at the Geneva Motor Show – teasing fans with hints of a new sporty ST model on the way. Making its debut at the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Focus ST has some surprising new tricks under its bonnet. The refreshed Focus ST is due to make its first deliveries to the UK in early 2015, with orders being taken from Autumn this year – so fans of fast Fords better get in line!

Stylish Upgrades

The ST has received the sharper styling of the facelifted standard Focus, launched earlier this year, with the narrow, sweeping highlights and more angular lines making up the bulk of the style overhaul. The ST version, however, features much larger, lower front and rear bumpers, giving the sporty hatch a much more aggressive aesthetic. The whole car hugs the road with lower, sporty suspension, riding on 19-inch grey alloys. The upgrades are polished off at the rear, with a futuristic sports exhaust system peeking out of the back bumper.

The 2015 Focus ST will be available in both 5-door hatchback and estate versions in Ford’s famous luminous – ST exclusive – colour range: Race Red, Deep Impact Blue, Tangerine Scream (pictured), Stealth Grey, Frozen White and Panther Black.

Diesel Performance?

The 2015 Focus ST will be available with two engine options – Ford’s critically acclaimed Ecoboost petrol engine and, for the first time, a performance diesel option. The range topping 2.0 L Ecoboost petrol uses Ford’s innovative turbocharging technology to boost performance while achieving the fuel efficiency of a much smaller engine. Producing 247 bhp, the Ecoboost petrol will push the Focus from 0-62 mph in just 6.5 seconds, maxing out at 154 mph – impressive figures for a car that will do an estimated 41 mpg!

The diesel engine offers a controversial yet sensible option for the money-conscious petrol head – or ‘diesel head’, we should say! Purists will argue that diesels will never match the performance offered by petrol engines across the rev range – however, the diesel boasts some impressive stats. The 2.0 L TDCi puts out a capable 182 bhp, pulling the Focus to 62 mph in just 8.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 135 mph. The real selling point of the diesel is the fuel savings – Ford claim the TDCi ST is capable of a startling 64 mpg – figures unheard of in the hot hatch market.

Trim Levels

The Focus ST, as with previous models, will be available in three trim levels – the ST, ST2 and ST3, each building on the previous in terms of luxury, performance and gadgetry. Both engines are combined with Ford’s 6-speed manual gearbox, firmly planting the power to the road. The new ST will also feature Ford’s innovative SYNC 2 connectivity system, allowing drivers access to navigation systems, mobile connectivity, audio and voice controls through an 8 inch touch screen display.

Although official pricing for the new Focus ST is yet to be confirmed, the current range starts at £22,000 for the ST, up to £25,500 for the range topping ST3 – we expect the facelifted model to be similarly priced. Fancy getting your hands on the sporty Focus ST? Not a problem. The Car Loan Warehouse provides competitive car financing deals for all kinds of vehicles, from both private sellers and commercial dealerships. We’re specialists in Ford financing and every applicant will receive the dedicated attention of one of our personal car finance advisors.

Our team of experts work with dealers and lenders to find you the best car finance deal, regardless of your credit score – if you can make payments, we can find you a deal. Tempted? Check out our quick and easy car loan calculator for an instant quote.

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