Ford’s next Focus hot hatch finally scores sequential shifting like Golf GTI

The 2019 version of Ford’s hotter Focus ST will finally add paddle shifting for the first time.

The addition of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters from the fourth-generation Focus’ eight-speed automatic promises to open up the hot hatch Ford to a far wider audience than the current car’s six-speed manual.

While retaining its front-wheel drive status, the Focus ST should be able to finally fight on a level footing with the ubiquitous Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Hyundai i30N.

It is understood that the 4.4-metre five-door hatch will also be available with a six-speed manual gearbox, but will not adopt the hotter RS version’s trick front differential technology.

While the powerplant is not yet finalised, Ford sources suggest the ST may eschew the more expensive RS’s 2.3-litre engine on the grounds of cost and instead retain a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo powertrain.

The outgoing ST produces 184kW from its 2.0-litre engine, while the crunching all-paw RS rips out 257kW, giving Ford 73kW of wriggle room.

The new ST will ride on 18-inch wheels and tyres as standard equipment, with the option of 19-inch rubber.

Critically, its handling will be improved over the stock Focus by dumping the twist-beam torsion-bar rear suspension in favour of the Focus wagon’s four-link independent rear end.

Australia will receive the Focus ST Line for the first time in November this year, but the straight ST model will be more performance focused than the ST Line’s 134kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine can deliver.