Ford reveals extent of the changes to the Focus ST hot-hatch, including a diesel version to rival Golf GTD
Ford is following VW?s example with the 181bhp Golf GTD, by offering a diesel version of the Ford Focus ST for the first time. The announcement came at a dinner hosted by Mark Fields, Ford?s chief operating officer, in Geneva.
Powered by a 2.0 TDCi engine, the diesel ST will have 182bhp (1bhp more than the GTD) and cover 0-62mph in eight seconds ? 0.5 seconds slower than the Golf. CO2 emission will be 114g/km, while the chassis will get the same suspension and steering tune as the petrol-powered Focus ST.
Changes have also been made to the Focus ST range as a whole, including the styling updates ? inside and out - from the recently-facelifted Focus, plus an improvement in fuel economy of seven per cent for the 247bhp petrol version. Images of the revised car have yet to be released.
A ?heavily revised steering mount to reduce wheel hop and eliminate steering thump? has been added, along with new wheels and tyres and further tweaks to improve steering feel. The new Focus ST range goes on sale in the UK this summer.