Photo: Ford
Just before the mid-cycle refresh of the Focus, the Ford Motor Company has unleashed a special edition for the Australian market. ST-3 is how the red-painted car in the photo gallery is called. Limited to 200 units, the Focus ST-3 also features a seven-speed auto instead of a manual.
That is a little unconventional for a hot hatchback with superlative handling, let alone a hot hatchback with a detuned version of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost that Ford utilized in the Focus RS from the previous generation. Also worthy of note, the seven-speed auto is actually the eight-speed transmission of the Edge crossover with software that ignores eighth gear.
In this application, the four-cylinder plant develops a healthy 276 horsepower and a hearty 310 pound-feet (420 Nm) of torque without breaking a sweat. The Ranger pickup for the U.S. market, by comparison, has only 6 fewer horsepower and exactly the same amount of oomph.
“The Focus ST has attracted a passionate following, and the ST-3 supplements our highly popular Ford Performance portfolio that also includes the Fiesta ST, Mustang, and Ranger Raptor,” declared president and chief executive of Ford Australia, Mr. Andrew Birkic. “The premium equipment levels add an extra touch of prestige to the Focus ST’s already highly-regarded performance credentials, with the technology and innovation our enthusiast customers expect in a hot hatchback.”
Priced at 47,990 kangaroo dollars or $37,225 at current exchange rates, the newcomer doesn’t add the smallest performance improvements over the other Focus ST models currently available in Australia. On the upside, it does feature plenty of comfort creatures that include push-button start, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and Recaro seats.
The list of amenities further consists of ambient lighting, a heads-up display, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, a panoramic sunroof, heating and power adjustments for the front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system by Bang & Olufsen. Another nice touch is the Advanced Front Lighting System, which detects the curvature of the road ahead and moves the headlights accordingly to it.
In this application, the four-cylinder plant develops a healthy 276 horsepower and a hearty 310 pound-feet (420 Nm) of torque without breaking a sweat. The Ranger pickup for the U.S. market, by comparison, has only 6 fewer horsepower and exactly the same amount of oomph.
“The Focus ST has attracted a passionate following, and the ST-3 supplements our highly popular Ford Performance portfolio that also includes the Fiesta ST, Mustang, and Ranger Raptor,” declared president and chief executive of Ford Australia, Mr. Andrew Birkic. “The premium equipment levels add an extra touch of prestige to the Focus ST’s already highly-regarded performance credentials, with the technology and innovation our enthusiast customers expect in a hot hatchback.”
Priced at 47,990 kangaroo dollars or $37,225 at current exchange rates, the newcomer doesn’t add the smallest performance improvements over the other Focus ST models currently available in Australia. On the upside, it does feature plenty of comfort creatures that include push-button start, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and Recaro seats.
The list of amenities further consists of ambient lighting, a heads-up display, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, a panoramic sunroof, heating and power adjustments for the front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system by Bang & Olufsen. Another nice touch is the Advanced Front Lighting System, which detects the curvature of the road ahead and moves the headlights accordingly to it.
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