2015 Ford Focus ST Gets Better Handling, Updated Style… And a Diesel

First things first, the Focus ST is getting a diesel, but just like the Volkswagen GTD, it won’t be coming to the U.S. As always, Europe gets to have all the fun with a Focus ST that offers a 2.0-liter diesel mill producing 185 PS (about 182 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. In Europe and the U.S., the 2015 Focus ST will continue to be equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that combines a turbocharger and direct injection for an output of 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of the engine, all 2015 Focus ST hatchbacks will continue to send power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

While we won’t be getting the diesel engine here, all versions of the 2015 Focus ST will get even improved handling. Ford says that it made one of the best-handling small cars even better using new front springs, new shocks and revised tuning to the electric power steering system. It’s hard to imagine that the Focus ST could get any more fun to drive, but we can’t wait to find out exactly how of these updates add up.

Not surprisingly, the styling of the 2015 Ford Focus ST follows what we recently saw with the updated 2015 Focus, which centers around a mild facelift, new wheels and a tweaked rear fascia. The Focus ST definitely has a more aggressive look with the larger front grille, the smoked headlights and the center-outlet exhaust.

Perhaps the biggest change Ford made to the 2015 Focus ST is to its interior design. Adding to the overall sporty experience, the Focus ST now gets a three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel and heavily bolstered Recaro bucket seats. The center stack and center console have been completely redesigned and satin chrome accents through the cabin add a finishing touch.